Matt Rhule explains how Heinrich Haarberg fits into Nebraska tight end room

Heinrich Haarberg returned to Nebraska for his senior season, but in a different role. He is no longer calling signals as a quarterback. Instead, he will move to tight end this fall after beginning the transition at the end of last year

According to head coach Matt Rhule, Haarberg is “100% bought in” on his new position. It’s his opportunity to see the field as a senior, and has settled into his role within his new position group.

“He’s one of the best athletes you’ll ever see in terms of height (6-foot-5), weight (230 lbs), speed — the challenges,” Rhule told reporters. “The thought has never really been, ‘Hey, can he handle the catching and the getting open, all that stuff?’ It’s really been more of just making the transition from a non-contact position to making contact and blocking people and moving people.

“He’s worked really hard at it. That’s a really deep room. … But Heinrich brings some unique qualities to the table. We’ll try to take advantage of his strengths, while at the same time also developing his run blocking.”

The transition happens ahead of Dylan Raiola‘s second season as the Huskers’ QB1. Haarberg started one game in 2024 after having his most productive season under center in 2023. His 2024 campaign ended with just 18 passing attempts to his credit, however.

Haarberg does have four receptions to his credit so far during his college career — two each in 2023 and 2024. His receptions total 24 yards. However, he did showcase his dual-threat ability with over 500 rushing yards and six touchdowns to his credit over the last two seasons. If anything, it proves he can be anywhere Rhule puts him on the offense.

He’ll look to multiple his receiving numbers exponentially in 2025. He will have to compete against a handful of other tight ends also looking to increase their snap count this fall.

“It was great to see Mac Markway out there today. Great to see Carter (Nelson) out there today. … Luke Lindenmeyer is an excellent ball player. We think (Eric) Ingwerson — we think he’s got an unbelievable future,” Rhule said. “So, there’s a lot of guys competing.”

None of the returning tight ends saw much playing time in 2024, and all will be jockeying for the starting position by the end of fall camp. Nebraska will kick off its 2025 season against the Cincinnati Bearcats in a neutral site matchup at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.