Saturday really left Nebraska and its fans pretty sad. Nebraska could have won in the third quarter, coming up empty on three drives. A punt from the 50, a missed field goal, and a fumble recovered by the USC Trojans that also left Dylan Raiola injured. However, even with the loss being familiar, something else is evident: Nebraska is young and talented. Matt Rhule has had some challenging moments, including being too conservative against USC, but he has also laid the foundations for a top contender in the coming years.
Nebraska’s Youth Movement
With 2025 Now the Season of Seeing How You Finish, Who is Set to Leave After the Year?
For those who don’t know, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are the youngest team in the Big Ten. However, there are a few seniors who will no longer be here after 2025. On the defensive side of the ball. Ceyair Wright headlines those who will graduate- not to mention probably get drafted. Wright has been amazing, most recently shutting up beast Makai Lemon, who’s last two career bad games have both come against Wright. Veteran’s Marques Buford Jr., Javin Wright, Deshon Singleton, Dasan McCullough, Marques Watson-Trent, and Elijah Jeudy are all seniors.
On the offensive side of the ball, Dane Key, Heinrich Haarberg, Turner Corcoran, Henry Lutovsky, and Rocco Spindler and the only major seniors set to no longer play for the Huskers. Considering the Huskers young talent that they have sitting behind this, and perhaps a good transfer portal- this isn’t half-bad- at all.
Several Young Stars are Just Waiting to Become Studs- On Both Sides of the Ball
Offense
Unless the transfer portal doesn’t sack the Huskers or tons of young talent- which doesn’t really feel likely with the culture of the team- the Huskers got good talent. Here are the youngsters at each position that no doubt could have a massive effect at each position:
QB, RB
Hopefully, Dylan Raiola and Emmett Johnson can return in 2026 to lead a potentially great team. Johnson will be a SR. next season and can technically decide to head towards the NFL Draft. However, he and Raiola may want to see just how good 2026 can be.
WR
Jacory Barney Jr. will probably be the vet in this group, while promising WR. freshman Cortez Mills Jr., Quinn Clark, and perhaps Jeremiah Jones will all look to have an impact their next season. Oh, and don’t forget, Nyziah Hunter, he’s just a sophomore. Potentially, this could have Hunter, Barner Jr. and freshman like Mills Jr. If Nebraska doesn’t get hit majorly from the transfer portal- this could easily be one of the best groups in the nation.
TE, OL
For the TE position, Nebraska should be able to choose from Mac Markway if healthy, still Luke Lindenmeyer, and maybe even Carter Nelson. The OL is somewhat more concerning, but with Elijah Pritchett and the portal, it too can improve.
Defense
The defense is also full of studs that can be great next season, headlined by some five-star and four-star recruits.
DL, EDGE
The defensive isn’t exactly too young, but’s inexperienced. Next season, Williams Nwaneri, who’s potential is unlimited, could breakout. Others on the D-Line could be great, such as freshman Kade Pietrzak, who has looked really good. Don’t forget about the battle that could ensue between Ashton Murphy, Keona Davis, Malcolm Simpson, Riley Van Poppel, and others who could make’s Nebraska’s D-Line much, much better in 2026.
LB
This position is set to be young- but brilliant in 2026. First, Nebraska can see the top recruit of the 2025 class Dawson Merritt potentially break out. Vincent Shavers Jr., and Willis McGahee IV are both young players that look amazing, with Shavers Jr. already looking really good and starting while McGahee redshirted. There is also others that make the linebacker position potentially one of the best Nebraska has had in years.
DB
Nebraska might lose certain players, but the Huskers will see two emerging stars, Rex Guthrie and Donovan Jones come back in 2026. If Andrew Marshall stays for another season, the secondary, with maybe more help from the portal- is very good.
As Nebraska will look to end the season well, the most important to do now is retain and gain talent from the portal. If they can, then there is very little that can stop Nebraska from being a true Big Ten contender. Really, the Matt Rhule is just beginning…
Main Image: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images
