There's a buzz surrounding Nebraska as Matt Rhule begins his second season as the head coach. And, boy, have loyal fans in Lincoln been patient. The Huskers have had seven straight losing seasons and have not won a conference title this century. However, change is in the air, and these 10 Huskers, in particular, are poised to fuel a revival of one of the game's most storied programs.
10. C Ben Scott
Second-year Husker was named honorable mention All-Big Ten and brings three years of starting experience going back to his Arizona State days.
9. OG Micah Mazzccua
Mazzccua is a powerful run blocker and a key portal pickup with 21 career starts at Baylor and Florida.
8. S Isaac Gifford
One of the physical and emotional leaders of the D, Gifford led the 2023 team with 86 tackles while breaking up a career-best eight passes.
7. WR Isaiah Neyor
A healthy Neyor could be a star in this offense. In his last full year, 2021 at Wyoming, the 6-4, 220-pounder turned 44 catches into 878 yards and 12 TDs.
6. DE Ty Robinson
Robinson is a veteran of 33 career starts in Lincoln, with a penchant for stuffing the run and batting down the passes of opposing QBs.
5. WR Jahmal Banks
Big, steady, and experienced, Banks has a chance to be WR1 at Nebraska. The past two seasons at Wake Forest, he hauled in 101 passes for 1,289 yards and 13 TDs.
4. CB Tommi Hill
The versatile and athletic Hill saw time last year on offense, defense and special teams, and is Nebraska's best cover defender in the secondary.
3. QB Dylan Raiola
Yeah, the true freshman really is that good. Raiola could have the best arm talent of any QB to ever play at Nebraska, so there's a chance he finishes 2024 ranked No. 1 on this list.
2. ED Jimari Butler
Nebraska's best pass rusher has an opportunity to climb draft boards this season. He's an explosive 6-5, 260-pounder coming off a career best 34 tackles, 8.5 stops for loss, and 5.5 sacks.
1. NT Nash Hutmacher
Hutmacher is the heart of the defense and one of the toughest players on the entire squad. He was a big reason the 2023 Blackshirts posted their best total D and scoring D since joining the Big Ten in 2011.
