The Long-Awaited RISE of the Nebraska Cornhuskers

[vanderbiltfan]

NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS 2024 SEASON PREVIEW

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are coming off their 7th straight losing season. Their first and only season under Matt Rhule ended in yet another disappointing 5-7 record.

However, the offseason has brought multiple changes to the team. While most of their departures have been well replaced, multiple questions remain as the team approaches their Home Opener against UTEP. Gone is Head Coach Matt Rhule (due to personal reasons), quarterbacks Chubba Purdy (to Nevada) and Jeff Sims (to Arizona State), their most productive receiver in Marcus Washington (Graduated), as well as six key Defensive Backs.

Nebraska will have a new man at the helm for 2024. 42 year old Brian Casey steps in to fill the role of Matt Rhule who relocated to New York City to be closer to family. Casey was previously the long-standing Head Coach of Elkhorn High School and led the team to 2 State Championships.

"I'm thrilled to take over here at Nebraska. Nebraska hasn't been its best in recent years, but I was hired to make positive changes, and that is what I intend to do."

OFFENSIVE PREVIEW

Nebraska's offense in 2024 will be led by 5-Star Freshman, Dylan Raiola. Raiola's parents were both student-athletes at the school, which heavily influenced his choice to commit to the Huskers. The QB Room also contains Red-Shirted Junior, Heinrich Haarberg, who shared the starting QB role in 2023 with the departed Chubba Purdy, as well as another Freshman in 3-Star Nebraska Native, Daniel Kaelin.

Senior Dante Dowdell is figured to be the feature back on offense as a new addition following his move from Oregon during the transfer portal, but 5th-year Rahmir Johnson and Red-Shirt Sophomore Emmett Johnson will also be fighting for carries. The offensive line has also seen some changes, as the Graduation of Nouredin Nouili and the transfer of Ru'Quan Buckley (to Michigan State) have led to some new faces. Freshmen Grant Brix, Jay Hughes, and Gibson Pyle come in to stabilize the frontline, as well as portal transfer Micah Mazzccua. Teddy Prochazka, Justin Evans, Ben Scott, Henry Lutovsky, and Bryce Benhart will start the year protecting Raiola. Nebraska does return Senior receiver, Jahmal Banks, who was rumored to transfer to his third college team during the Portal Period.

Senior Isaiah Neyor, Senior Jahmal Banks, and Sophomore Malachi Coleman will be getting most of the chances at Wide Receiver, however, Sophomore Jaylen Lloyd is also very likely to be thrown in the mix.

Casey stated that Nebraska will be remaining with their 'Pro-Style Offense' that was coached by Matt Rhule. In a July Statement, Casey remarked, 'We'll stick with what they know. If what they know doesn't work, then we'll change it up. 'I'm still getting to know these men after all, so who am I to come into the school and throw everything they've spent their careers learning out the window? That's disrespectful to the players, it's disrespectful to Matt (Rhule), and it's disrespectful to the fans.'

DEFENSIVE PREVIEW

Nebraska returns their star player in All-Big Ten Honourable Mention, Tommi Hill, who, under Casey, will look to become one of the most dominant defensive backs in the Big 10 once again this year. Retaining Hill was a must after the Huskers lost 6 of their 2023 defensive backs, including Omar Brown and Phalen Sanford. The 2024 defensive line will consist of Ty Robinson (LE), Nash Hutmacher (DT) and Jimari Butler (RE). These defenders will also receive support from John Bullock (LOLB) and Mikai Gbayor (ROLB). Syracuse Transfer Stefon Thompson will fight for the starting MLB spot with returning 5th-year player Javin Wright.

Casey will also stick to the 3-3-5 defensive formation used by Rhule last season. He stated this was for the same reason as his choice to remain utilizing Pro-Style Offense.

BIG 10 OUTLOOK

Following the fall of the PAC-12, The Big 10 will consist of 16 teams in 2024, with the additions of National Championship Finalists, Washington, #4 Oregon, #25 USC, and UCLA. The arrival of these powerhouse teams poses a threat to Nebraska and highlights the possibility of an 8th Straight losing season - despite new management. Nebraska's conference schedule consists of two ranked opponents: #2 Ohio State, and #25 USC. Nebraska is nowhere near becoming favorites for conference title contention, but under the new rule of Brian Casey, a rise may just be beginning.