The Nebraska Cornhuskers were a disappointing 3-9 overall and 1-8 in Big Ten play last season. Nebraska has been given a wins total of 7.5 this season. Although Nebraska finished six games below .500, they were very close to having a winning season as eight of the Cornhuskers' losses were by a touchdown or less and their ninth loss was just by nine points to Ohio State. Adrian Martinez is no longer the dual-threat quarterback for Nebraska as he departed via the transfer portal.
Nebraska's offense rushed, passed and scored more points than its opposition last season. With Martinez no longer under center, Texas Longhorns transfer Casey Thompson will be the starting quarterback for Nebraska. Turner Corcoran and Teddy Prochazka did not take part in spring practice because of injuries but should be ready for the start of the season. Nouredin Nouili will be the starting left guard while Trent Hixson will take over at center.
The top running back returning from last season is Rahmir Johnson, who rushed for 495 yards and four touchdowns. Jaquez Yant will see plenty of action in the Cornhuskers backfield as well. Omar Manning is Nebraska's leading receiver returning from last season. Manning caught 26 passes for 380 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Alante Brown, who did not see much action last season, is expected to be the No. 2 receiver for the Cornhuskers. Travis Vokolek will be Nebraska's top tight end.
On defense, Nebraska returns four of its top five tacklers, including linebackers Nick Henrich, Luke Reimer and Garrett Nelson along with cornerback Quinton Newsome. Reimer had 108 tackles last season to lead Nebraska while Henrich had 99. Caleb Tannor, who will start at outside linebacker, is the only other player returning who started each game last season'
The Nebraska defensive line will be led by Ty Robinson and Ochaun Mathis, who arrived from TCU via a transfer. Nebraska's strength on defense was its secondary last season but returns only Newsome and Myles Farmer with significant experience. Cornerback Braxton Clark has seen playing time and is expected to start. In 2021, Nebraska was ninth in total defense in the Big Ten but came up with critical stops that helped to offset mistakes made by the Cornhuskers offense and contributed to keeping games very close.
Free NCAAF Pick:
Over 7.5