What could Nebraska’s offense look like in 2025? The Huskers have a lot of young talent that they have to develop. In addition, the program also brings back returning production. Who could make an immediate impact? Let’s take a look.
Key Players: Nebraska’s Offense
Dylan Raiola
It’s obvious that Raiola will be Nebraska’s starting quarterback. As a freshman, he was able to lead the Huskers to a 7-6 record and a bowl victory over Boston College. In addition to this, he was the Cornhusker’s most accurate quarterback. Raiola was able to complete 67% of his passes while throwing for 2,819 passing yards. This allowed him to make program history as a freshman. We should see him level up as a sophomore in 2025. The former five-star will only grow more comfortable inside Dana Holgorsen’s offense. He also has elite wide receivers around him. Former Kentucky Wildcat Dane Key serves as an excellent example. Last season at Kentucky, the junior had 47 receptions for 715 yards. This type of production will set him up for future success at Nebraska. His ability to lead is surprising as well. In the short time he’s been in Lincoln, Key praised Rhule for allowing him to “see who wants to be part of the team.” It’s pretty clear he wants to help the Cornhuskers reach new heights.
Emmett Johnson
The Minnesota native provided explosiveness to Nebraska’s offense. His elusive running style allowed him to gain 598 yards on the ground and touchdowns. He also had an excellent performance in the Pinstripe Bowl. Against Boston College, Johnson rushed for 75 yards in Yankee Stadium. In addition, he had a touchdown on a screen pass. His role should expand under EJ Barthel in 2025. He’ll now get a chance to be Nebraska’s top back. After a strong season with the Cornhuskers in 2024, Dante Dowdell transferred to Kentucky. New arrivals Conor Booth and Jamarion Parker could try to take his spot. But it’s not very likely. They’ll have to develop in Spring practice. The only dark horse would be Kwinten Ives. The New Jersey native had a two-yard touchdown against Boston College. This could set him up for more playing time in the Spring.
Nyziah Hunter
The 210-pound wideout made an immediate impact for the Cal Golden Bears. This is largely because Hunter was able to develop chemistry with ex-Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza. On only 40 receptions, he had 578 yards and five touchdowns. These are great numbers, but it seems that Key will be the Husker’s top wideout in the Spring. The sophomore could find his calling as a slot receiver. This strategy worked well for Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor in 2024. This could be where Holgorsen puts him. But if he doesn’t make the field, he’ll be a valuable mentor under Daikiel Shorts. Cortez Mills and Isaiah Mozee need to adjust to Nebraska’s offense.
Carter Nelson
The tight end room is a bit of a mystery under Marcus Satterfield. Thomas Fidone decided to spread his wings outside of Nebraska’s offense. The Council Bluffs native tested well at the NFL Combine in February. Hopefully, Nelson can try to recreate his numbers. After all, he does have the most experience in the position group. Last season, the freshman from Ainsworth had 10 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. We should see him leap in his sophomore season. Luke Lindenmeyer played a handful of games in a Husker uniform. And after playing quarterback for three seasons in Lincoln, Heinrich Haarberg will make the move to tight end. This should be a smooth transition. Haarberg was able to play tight end against Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. Granted, he had one catch for eight yards. But this doesn’t bother the coaching staff. With the start of Spring football near, Matt Rhule said that he will “have a chance to play at the next level via this position”.
Read more about Thomas Fidone’s performance at the NFL Combine in The NFL Combine: How Did Nebraska Fare?
Main Photo: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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