2025 Projected Starters

[JabroniBlvd]

WR: Dane Key
WR: Jacory Barney
WR: Nyziah Hunter
LT: Elijah Pritchett
LG: Henry Lutovsky
C: Justin Evans-Jenkins
RG: Rocco Spindler
RT: Gunnar Gottula
TE: Henrich Haarberg
QB: Dylan Raiola
RB: Emmet Johnson

DE: Williams Nwaneri
DT: Riley Van Poppel
DE: Keona Davis
E: Dasan McCullough
LB: Javin Wright
LB: Marques Watson-Trent
R: Malcolm Hartzog
CB: Ceyair Wright
S: Deshon Singleton
S: Marques Buford
CB: Donovan Jones

I would like to see more 3-4 looks to have Shavers on the field (he may even start). RT is up for grabs on offense. EJ is a vital part of this team and we need him to stay healthy. I think the offense takes a big jump this year. I like the athleticism the defense will bring. Might take a dip in stats but I think we cause more big plays on defense. CB is up for grabs as well, Sanders looks solid so far.

 

[Mr. Dick Herbstreit]

WR: Dane Key
WR: Jacory Barney
WR: Nyziah Hunter
LT: Elijah Pritchett
LG: Henry Lutovsky
C: Justin Evans-Jenkins
RG: Rocco Spindler
RT: Gunnar Gottula
TE: Henrich Haarberg
QB: Dylan Raiola
RB: Emmet Johnson

DE: Williams Nwaneri
DT: Riley Van Poppel
DE: Keona Davis
E: Dasan McCullough
LB: Javin Wright
LB: Marques Watson-Trent
R: Malcolm Hartzog
CB: Ceyair Wright
S: Deshon Singleton
S: Marques Buford
CB: Donovan Jones

I would like to see more 3-4 looks to have Shavers on the field (he may even start). RT is up for grabs on offense. EJ is a vital part of this team and we need him to stay healthy. I think the offense takes a big jump this year. I like the athleticism the defense will bring. Might take a dip in stats but I think we cause more big plays on defense. CB is up for grabs as well, Sanders looks solid so far.

We have to be better than having Hartzog starting. He is a huge liability in the defensive backfield. If they can not do better than him, it will be a long season.

 

[BigRedinKC]

Luke Lindenmeyer will start over Haarberg at TE.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Luke Lindenmeyer will start over Haarberg at TE.

Agreed. Haarberg has heart. But only backup type talent.

 

[inWV]

From the press availability, Cam L, Jeudy and RVP are first up at DL. As far as a Rover, the coaches don’t really talk about it much. McCullough and Buddha Wright are the OLBs NU has been waiting for since the team adopted a 3 man front. There have been several mentions of having “packages” on defense, whereas Tony was content to operate within the 3-3-5. Just seems to me that the position is being de-emphasized.

 

[SickOfPractice]

Luke Lindenmeyer will start over Haarberg at TE.

I wouldn't doubt that but HH is such a baller I think he contributes in a big way before the end of the year. Obviously, I hope they BOTH excel this year.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Shavers will be starting at one of the LB spots
Agree HH will play but 2nd string.

all of defense is up for grabs New DC, DL, DB and lots of new faces. I wouldn't be surprised to some some younger guys get a lot of playing time.

 

[HUSKERBILL_rivals382595]

Shavers will be starting at one of the LB spots
Agree HH will play but 2nd string.

all of defense is up for grabs New DC, DL, DB and lots of new faces. I wouldn't be surprised to some some younger guys get a lot of playing time.

Agreed. Zero chance Shavers isn’t starting. If he isn’t he needs to hit the portal because teams would pay a lot for his services. He’s the biggest difference maker on our defense right now. Period.


And Hartzog needs to hit the portal and get whatever he can because his days of starting better be over. He will never have as much NIL value as he does right now. He is a massive liability on defense in pass coverage against big WRs and run defense. He’s truly awful. Our days of having gaps in our defense are over.

 

[BadgerPete]

Luke Lindenmeyer will start over Haarberg at TE.

Whoever the TE is, they have to step up to replace Fidone's production of 36 catches. HH and LL had 7 catches between the two of them.

I would love Jacory Barney with 70+ catches. He can separate and get down field.

EJ with a 1,000 yard season, please!

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Whoever the TE is, they have to step up to replace Fidone's production of 36 catches. HH and LL had 7 catches between the two of them.

I would love Jacory Barney with 70+ catches. He can separate and get down field.

EJ with a 1,000 yard season, please!

I am not sure the 36 grabs will be matched even combined between Haarberg and Lindenmeyer. I do believe the yardage will double though.

 

[inWV]

Whoever the TE is, they have to step up to replace Fidone's production of 36 catches. HH and LL had 7 catches between the two of them.

I would love Jacory Barney with 70+ catches. He can separate and get down field.

EJ with a 1,000 yard season, please!

This year the WR room is more capable and that should help the TEs with opportunities to be open. Haarberg and Lindenmeyer offer different skill sets for Holgerson to use. Given that the WR room has more options, Barney will probably be around his total of last season. I think EJ is going to be important in the passing game.

 

[inWV]

I am not sure the 36 grabs will be matched even combined between Haarberg and Lindenmeyer. I do believe the yardage will double though.

When you do the math on who is going to get touches and consider a reasonable number of plays per game, getting 3-4 catches per game out of the TEs would be on target.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

When you do the math on who is going to get touches and consider a reasonable number of plays per game, getting 3-4 catches per game out of the TEs would be on target.

I envision most of the attention and most of the attempts to go to the WR. That will leave the TEs open over the middle for more yards but less targets, especially when you consider the number of TE screens you saw last year/

 

[inWV]

I envision most of the attention and most of the attempts to go to the WR. That will leave the TEs open over the middle for more yards but less targets, especially when you consider the number of TE screens you saw last year/

There was that play that Bork had a couple of nice catches once Dana took the reins. Not a shallow throw in terms of depth, but set up nicely with blockers. Haarberg could be dangerous on that play. And he has already used Lindenmeyer on a sneaky release. Should be fun to watch.

 

[JabroniBlvd]

Luke Lindenmeyer will start over Haarberg at TE.

Based off his 5 total receptions? HH has way more upside regardless of who starts

 

[king_kong_]

We have to be better than having Hartzog starting. He is a huge liability in the defensive backfield. If they can not do better than him, it will be a long season.

He’s good in the slot

 

[JabroniBlvd]

From the press availability, Cam L, Jeudy and RVP are first up at DL. As far as a Rover, the coaches don’t really talk about it much. McCullough and Buddha Wright are the OLBs NU has been waiting for since the team adopted a 3 man front. There have been several mentions of having “packages” on defense, whereas Tony was content to operate within the 3-3-5. Just seems to me that the position is being de-emphasized.

Cam has the experience but I said years ago he slightly peaked in HS - his body cannot add weight and growth like KD for instance. I'm okay with ousting the Rover position and playing Shavers with Wright, Marques, and Dasan for a 3-4 look.

 

[JabroniBlvd]

He’s good in the slot

He just can't defend anything vertical, that's his weakness.

 

[king_kong_]

He just can't defend anything vertical, that's his weakness.

Won’t have to if he’s not playing out of position like he was all last year under our new DC

 

[salsa red]

He just can't defend anything vertical, that's his weakness.

He makes plays, just can't have him 1 on 1 with top receivers, He gets exposed.

 

[BTF69]

Who is that freak from Mizzo, the DE?

That guy can hopefully be a wrecking ball.

 

[inWV]

Cam has the experience but I said years ago he slightly peaked in HS - his body cannot add weight and growth like KD for instance. I'm okay with ousting the Rover position and playing Shavers with Wright, Marques, and Dasan for a 3-4 look.

Cam will play a lot of first and second downs, as the advantage for Cam is that he knows the position. Nwaneri and Davis clearly have better physical tools, but are still learning how to play the position. As the season progresses, I see the potential for McCullough, Davis, Nwaneri and RVP being on the field in pass rush mode.

 

[king_kong_]

Who is that freak from Mizzo, the DE?

That guy can hopefully be a wrecking ball.

Hopefully he has a mean streak

 

[konaki]

This is a better team than the one in 2024 and by just by looking at some of the new names of who will start it gives me higher expectations and a belief this could be a special year. Now you add some new names on the team who are coaching up those players and I'm really excited to get this season started in the fall. Things are definitely looking up for 2025 and beyond. GBR!

 

[BadgerPete]

This is a better team than the one in 2024 and by just by looking at some of the new names of who will start it gives me higher expectations and a belief this could be a special year. Now you add some new names on the team who are coaching up those players and I'm really excited to get this season started in the fall. Things are definitely looking up for 2025 and beyond. GBR!

Well, even without much discussion about player personnel, it has to be a better year than 2024.

1. Only 4 road games, and only one of those is in a tough stadium to play -- PSU.
2. Dana in control of offense for a full year.
3. Rookie QB is no longer a rookie.
4. Rhule's mythical "3rd Year Turnaround."

Wheels up!

 

[dinglefritz]

Agreed. Haarberg has heart. But only backup type talent.

Ummmm. He has starter talent as a receiving TE.

 

[dinglefritz]

Won’t have to if he’s not playing out of position like he was all last year under our new DC

Opposing OCs and QBs will find him and pick on him.

 

[konaki]

Well, even without much discussion about player personnel, it has to be a better year than 2024.

1. Only 4 road games, and only one of those is in a tough stadium to play -- PSU.
2. Dana in control of offense for a full year.
3. Rookie QB is no longer a rookie.
4. Rhule's mythical "3rd Year Turnaround."

Wheels up!

And it will, I have little doubt.

 

[king_kong_]

Opposing OCs and QBs will find him and pick on him.

good

if he's playing inside and has help over the top, he's one of our best playmakers in the secondary

nobody else even close in terms of forcing turnovers

 

[Redscarlet]

Well, even without much discussion about player personnel, it has to be a better year than 2024.

1. Only 4 road games, and only one of those is in a tough stadium to play -- PSU.
2. Dana in control of offense for a full year.
3. Rookie QB is no longer a rookie.
4. Rhule's mythical "3rd Year Turnaround."

Wheels up!

Minnesota will be the other tough road game and we’ve had trouble winning in Minneapolis, in fact the last time we beat them there was Riley first year ( 2015 ) in which I happen to attend with my father and Uncle and cousin from Minnesota.

I would think we would have someone better at Rover than Hartz seems small for that position.

 

[huskerfan1414]

WR: Dane Key
WR: Jacory Barney
WR: Nyziah Hunter
LT: Elijah Pritchett
LG: Henry Lutovsky
C: Justin Evans-Jenkins
RG: Rocco Spindler
RT: Gunnar Gottula
TE: Henrich Haarberg
QB: Dylan Raiola
RB: Emmet Johnson

DE: Williams Nwaneri
DT: Riley Van Poppel
DE: Keona Davis
E: Dasan McCullough
LB: Javin Wright
LB: Marques Watson-Trent
R: Malcolm Hartzog
CB: Ceyair Wright
S: Deshon Singleton
S: Marques Buford
CB: Donovan Jones

I would like to see more 3-4 looks to have Shavers on the field (he may even start). RT is up for grabs on offense. EJ is a vital part of this team and we need him to stay healthy. I think the offense takes a big jump this year. I like the athleticism the defense will bring. Might take a dip in stats but I think we cause more big plays on defense. CB is up for grabs as well, Sanders looks solid so far.

if spring is any indication, you'll be pleased about seeing more 3-4 looks.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Ummmm. He has starter talent as a receiving TE.

And you know this how?? By his stats as a TE last year? This strikes me as just yet more of the bizarre Haarberg promotion on this board by some posters. Seriously dingle, what has he ever really done or accomplished here? He sucked as a QB, only won games because our defense bailed us out in about four or five games a few years back. And last year how many catches did he have as a TE?? I just really do not get the Haarberg cult on here. He has good size, speed and a certain level of athleticism. I am not saying he is a terrible player. And, as I said, he has a big heart and loves to compete. But he is a B level talent at best. And I doubt he is our starter in single tight end sets.

 

[Walleye 1]

And you know this how?? By his stats as a TE last year? This strikes me as just yet more of the bizarre Haarberg promotion on this board by some posters. Seriously dingle, what has he ever really done or accomplished here? He sucked as a QB, only won games because our defense bailed us out in about four or five games a few years back. And last year how many catches did he have as a TE?? I just really do not get the Haarberg cult on here. He has good size, speed and a certain level of athleticism. I am not saying he is a terrible player. And, as I said, he has a big heart and loves to compete. But he is a B level talent at best. And I doubt he is our starter in single tight end sets.

Is that a Haarberg issue or a coaching issue. I think HH is pretty dang athletic. And I am pretty confident DH will be creative with HH. I think he will be one to watch on offense. And unlike the past few tight ends I don’t think he will shy away from contact. He will be a willing blocker

 

[HUSKERFAN66]

Whoever the TE is, they have to step up to replace Fidone's production of 36 catches. HH and LL had 7 catches between the two of them.

I would love Jacory Barney with 70+ catches. He can separate and get down field.

EJ with a 1,000 yard season, please!

. 36 catches. YPC and YAC

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Is that a Haarberg issue or a coaching issue. I think HH is pretty dang athletic. And I am pretty confident DH will be creative with HH. I think he will be one to watch on offense. And unlike the past few tight ends I don’t think he will shy away from contact. He will be a willing blocker

He was undersized as a traditional TE. He doesn't have any experience getting off coverage in the slot. While a big guy, he wasn't so big that safeties and OLBs were overmatched. IF he continues to put on size and is able to keep most of his speed, he could become a matchup problem, especially if he learns route running technique.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Is that a Haarberg issue or a coaching issue. I think HH is pretty dang athletic. And I am pretty confident DH will be creative with HH. I think he will be one to watch on offense. And unlike the past few tight ends I don’t think he will shy away from contact. He will be a willing blocker

Being a willing blocker and being a talented blocker are two different things. Ideally you have both. Does Haarberg? Who knows? I just don’t understand how anyone can make predictions about his skill level at TE with the small sample set we have so far.
I just don’t get this whole phenomenon of Haarberg boners people have on here. It started with Kong a few years back trying to convince us all that HH was a great QB. Don’t hear that tune so much now since even our coaches now agree that HH is not suited to the QB position. It didn’t help when last year Rhule kept harping about what a gifted athlete HH is and how “we just gotta find ways to get him the ball”, only to have HH do next to nothing when he did get the ball. And so now we see on here those saying that HH is going to be a great TE. I guess that will be the new HH mantra.

If HH turns out to be a great TE I will happily come on here, eat crow, and admit I was wrong. I hope I am wrong. We haven’t had a great TE in a long time. But I have seen zero evidence that HH is going to be a stand out TE.

 

[Kakdawg]

WR: Dane Key
WR: Jacory Barney
WR: Nyziah Hunter
LT: Elijah Pritchett
LG: Henry Lutovsky
C: Justin Evans-Jenkins
RG: Rocco Spindler
RT: Gunnar Gottula
TE: Henrich Haarberg
QB: Dylan Raiola
RB: Emmet Johnson

DE: Williams Nwaneri
DT: Riley Van Poppel
DE: Keona Davis
E: Dasan McCullough
LB: Javin Wright
LB: Marques Watson-Trent
R: Malcolm Hartzog
CB: Ceyair Wright
S: Deshon Singleton
S: Marques Buford
CB: Donovan Jones

I would like to see more 3-4 looks to have Shavers on the field (he may even start). RT is up for grabs on offense. EJ is a vital part of this team and we need him to stay healthy. I think the offense takes a big jump this year. I like the athleticism the defense will bring. Might take a dip in stats but I think we cause more big plays on defense. CB is up for grabs as well, Sanders looks solid so far.

Your defense looks like I would "like" for it to look. Especially in the front. But my guess for the 3 man front is...

Juedy
Van Poppel
Number 11

I think our two athletic young DEs come off the bench.



Holla

 

[Kakdawg]

From the press availability, Cam L, Jeudy and RVP are first up at DL. As far as a Rover, the coaches don’t really talk about it much. McCullough and Buddha Wright are the OLBs NU has been waiting for since the team adopted a 3 man front. There have been several mentions of having “packages” on defense, whereas Tony was content to operate within the 3-3-5. Just seems to me that the position is being de-emphasized.

This.



Holla

 

[Kakdawg]

Shavers will be starting at one of the LB spots
Agree HH will play but 2nd string.

all of defense is up for grabs New DC, DL, DB and lots of new faces. I wouldn't be surprised to some some younger guys get a lot of playing time.

I hope this is the case.



Holla

 

[Kakdawg]

Agreed. Zero chance Shavers isn’t starting. If he isn’t he needs to hit the portal because teams would pay a lot for his services. He’s the biggest difference maker on our defense right now. Period.


And Hartzog needs to hit the portal and get whatever he can because his days of starting better be over. He will never have as much NIL value as he does right now. He is a massive liability on defense in pass coverage against big WRs and run defense. He’s truly awful. Our days of having gaps in our defense are over.

I wish I truly believed it. But I honestly think they think much higher of Hartzog than any of us do. I think he plays nickel at worst this year. ..and I think as a team we will be worse for it. Hope I'm wrong..


Holla