Nebraska's preseason camp has wrapped up, and the Huskers are now turning their attention to the season opener, which is less than two weeks away.
Quarterback Battle
At the heart of the early‑season conversation is the backup quarterback race, where TJ Lateef and Danny Kaelin are battling for the role behind starter Anthony Colandrea. Early reports suggest Lateef may hold a slight edge, but both players are expected to push each other as the team fine‑tunes its game plan.
Nonconference Tuning
The first three nonconference matchups will serve as a laboratory for the coaching staff, giving them a chance to experiment with different personnel packages before Big Ten competition begins.
Defensive Line Outlook
Riley Van Poppel is slated to start at defensive tackle, while Jahsear Whittington brings a blend of size and upside that could develop into a key contributor. The program’s goal is to maintain five solid defensive tackles throughout the grind of Big Ten play.
Rising Star Malcolm Simpson
Veteran Malcolm Simpson is also viewed as a player whose impact could grow as the season progresses, adding depth to a unit that must stay disciplined against powerful conference opponents.
Linebacker and Secondary Competition
The linebacker corps will see a reshuffle after the departure of Javin Wright. Vincent Shavers and Dexter Foster are among those vying for increased snaps, while the secondary will rely on standouts Victor Evans and Jeremiah Charles to anchor the backfield.
Defensive Backfield Pairing
Rex Guthrie and Caleb Benning are projected to form a potent pairing, with Benning expected to earn the starting nod. Their chemistry could be a decisive factor in limiting big plays.
Running Backs and Offensive Line
At running back, Mekhi Nelson is slated to receive his first significant workload, with Isaiah Mozee close behind in the rotation, offering the coaching staff flexibility in the ground game. The offensive line still raises questions, especially at the tackle positions and the continued development of Gunnar Gottula, who is expected to take a step forward in his maturation.
Special Teams Momentum
Special teams bring a note of optimism as Nebraska’s units are ranked No. 22 nationally by analyst Phil Steele, suggesting the team could see measurable improvement in field position and scoring opportunities.
Championship Hopes
Finally, the article reflects on lingering fan curiosity — whether any games might be overlooked, which aspects of the roster might be undervalued, and what the Huskers would be willing to sacrifice in pursuit of a national championship.