LINCOLN, Neb. — The door to enter the transfer portal is closed.
Unless a late entry slid through that’s gone noticed, Nebraska will have seen the departure of nine scholarship players in the two offseason periods for undergraduate declarations. In this age of college football, that’s a low number — and a testament to the program that second-year coach Matt Rhule has built with the intention to maximize retention and development.
But in four months, Nebraska coaches will select a practice roster for preseason camp. In March, the NCAA issued a blanket waiver to expand the participant limit to 120.
Below is a projection of that roster, based on the 150-player roster as it stands after the spring.
Not included are wide receiver Demitrius Bell, who suffered a knee injury on Saturday in the spring game, defensive lineman Leslie Black and defensive back Evan Taylor, both amid injury recoveries expected to last into next season.
We’ll next update the 120 in August. Read January’s 115 roster update here.
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Quarterbacks (5)
Heinrich Haarberg, junior, 6-foot-5, 215 pounds: Eight-game starter in 2023 worked to improve his mechanics and looked comfortable in the pocket this spring.
Luke Longval, sophomore, 6-2, 200: Top walk-on at the position is needed for depth.
Daniel Kaelin, freshman, 6-3, 210: High-ceiling early enrollee would benefit from time to develop.
Bode Soukup, freshman, 6-2, 190: Walk-on threw for more than 3,000 yards and 30 TDs in final two years at Blair (Neb.) High.
Dylan Raiola, freshman, 6-3, 220: Five-star signee and top candidate to start exceeded expectations at spring game.
Synopsis: Raiola’s two touchdown throws and 238 passing yards in the spring game jump-started excitement levels. Rhule won’t name a starter until August and expects that Nebraska will need three QBs. The challenge now is to manage expectations.
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Running backs (7)
Rahmir Johnson, senior, 5-10, 185: Poised for a strong final season after recovering from shoulder injury.
Maurice Mazzccua, senior, 5-8, 175: Third-down back emerged in practice last year and built upon success in spring.
Gabe Ervin, junior, 6-0, 220: Hip injury last year forced highly regarded runner to direct traffic from sideline this spring.
Dante Dowdell, sophomore, 6-2, 215: Former four-star Oregon signee led all rushers in spring game.
Emmett Johnson, sophomore, 5-11, 190: Well-rounded back started six of final seven games last year.
Kwinten Ives, redshirt freshman, 6-2, 185: Strong runner preserved redshirt despite backfield depth issues.
Kenneth Williams, redshirt freshman, 5-11, 175: Speedy Lincoln East grad attended three years of high school in Michigan.
Synopsis: Who’s the workhorse? The Huskers might not need one, but they need multiple backs who can handle a load and excel in pass protection. If Ervin is healthy and back to top form by August, he’s the leader.
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Fullbacks (3)
Barret Liebentritt, junior, 6-0, 235: Played linebacker at Notre Dame and in seven games offensively for Nebraska last year.
Trevor Ruth, sophomore, 6-0, 235: Nebraska-Kearney transfer and nephew of famed former fullbacks Jeff and Joel Makovicka.
Izaac Dickey, freshman, 5-10, 210: Big-bodied early enrollee ran for 899 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior in Stromsburg, Neb.
Synopsis: A pro-style offense could create more opportunities to touch the ball for a fullback like Liebentritt, who has the skill but was slowed by an injury last year.
Tight ends (8)
Nate Boerkircher, junior, 6-5, 245: Started 11 games over the past two seasons and brings valuable experience.
Thomas Fidone II, junior, 6-6, 250: Sheer talent, added size and good health place former top recruit in line for big season.
Luke Lindenmeyer, sophomore, 6-3, 260: Started five games last year and showed high-level blocking ability.
Cayden Echternach, redshirt freshman, 6-3, 230: Depth piece out of Bellevue West at young position.
Ismael Smith Flores, redshirt freshman, 6-4, 225: Multi-sport star in high school whose dad was an All-American at Iowa.
Ian Flynt, freshman, 6-4, 255: Early enrollee with a track pedigree caught a 29-yard pass from Raiola in the spring game.
Eric Ingwerson, freshman, 6-6, 250: Equally as talented in high school on D-line as at tight end.
Carter Nelson, freshman, 6-5, 225: Big things expected from eight-man star and prep All-American in Ainsworth, Neb.
Synopsis: With OC Marcus Satterfield running this deep and mutli-faceted group, it ought to give Nebraska a dangerous element in the passing game and assistance in the ground game. Fidone, Smith Flores and Nelson are especially skilled in the air.
Thomas Fidone led Nebraska with four touchdown catches in 2023. (Dylan Widger / USA Today)
Wide receivers (15)
Jahmal Banks, senior, 6-4, 205: Wake Forest transfer emerged as team leader with WR1 potential in first season at Nebraska.
Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, senior, 6-0, 190: Held out in the spring while recovering from knee surgery.
Isaiah Neyor, senior, 6-3, 215: Texas transfer shows elite athleticism and ability to run after catch.
Elliott Brown, junior, 5-11, 180: Valuable walk-on suffered knee injury late last season.
Alex Bullock, junior, 6-2, 205: Started eight games and caught 15 passes in first major playing time.
Janiran Bonner, sophomore, 6-2, 220: Does everything well and moved back to original position after past year at fullback.
Malachi Coleman, sophomore, 6-4, 190: Missed spring for shoulder rehab after flashing high ceiling in six starts as true freshman.
Jaylen Lloyd, sophomore, 5-10, 160: Key weapon with elite speed displayed major offseason improvement after breakout first year.
Roman Mangini, sophomore, 5-10, 170: Adds depth and figures to factor on special teams.
Jaidyn Doss, redshirt freshman, 5-11, 190: Dabbled at receiver and DB in spring after four-game redshirt season.
Jacory Barney, freshman, 6-0, 170: Former prep QB out of Miami shined bright in spring and factors immediately in rotation.
Quinn Clark, freshman, 6-5, 205: Son of ex-Nebraska running Ken Clark brings outstanding size.
Dae’vonn Hall, freshman, 6-1, 190: Part of Bellevue West trio that was first from same high school to sign with Huskers since 1987.
Isaiah McMorris, freshman, 5-10, 170: Hall’s prep teammate caught a state-record 90 passes as a junior.
Keelan Smith, freshman, 6-2, 205: Large-class offensive player of the year in Missouri and son of Nebraska legend Neil Smith.
Synopsis: Banks, Neyor and Barney alone transform the look here. But the older receivers’ presence allows Lloyd, Coleman and Doss to grow on schedule, a bonus that figures to pay dividends beyond this season.
Offensive linemen (23)
Bryce Benhart, senior, 6-9, 315: Back for a sixth season after tying school-record 41 starts at right tackle.
Turner Corcoran, senior, 6-6, 310: On the mend from a knee injury after 30 consecutive starts and set possibly to help at multiple spots.
Micah Mazzccua, senior, 6-5, 325: Transfer via Florida and Baylor showed strength and power on the practice field this spring.
Ben Scott, senior, 6-5, 305: Honorable-mention All-Big Ten pick at center last year has 39 Power 5 starts at Nebraska and Arizona State.
Ru’Quan Buckley, junior, 6-5, 295: Good fit on offense as rotational guard after move from defense late last year.
Henry Lutovsky, junior, 6-6, 325: Four-game starter could run with first team at guard and add tackle depth.
Joey Mancino, junior, 6-1, 295: Walk-on earned one start at left guard last year.
Teddy Prochazka, junior, 6-10, 325: Returned from two injury-shortened seasons to take over at left tackle in second half of 2023.
Justin Evans, sophomore, 6-1, 315: Five-game starter last year with versatility to play guard and center.
Jacob Hood, sophomore, 6-8, 350: Transfer from Georgia has worked to get healthy in first year with Huskers
Tyler Knaak, sophomore, 6-6, 325: Utah transfer developed into top reserve tackle after redshirt.
Dylan Parrott, sophomore, 6-5, 330: Walk-on with big frame got in three games last year.
Gunnar Gottula, redshirt freshman, 6-5, 295: Backup tackle preserved redshirt while appearing in four games.
Brock Knutson, redshirt freshman, 6-7, 305: Developmental tackle did not play in first season.
Jason Maciejczak, redshirt freshman, 6-2, 320: Switched from D-line and excited coaches with athleticism.
Grant Seagren, redshirt freshman, 6-6, 260: Walk-on added 35 pounds from listed weight in first months on campus.
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Sam Sledge, redshirt freshman, 6-3, 285: Worked into spot on two-deep at left guard while redshirting.
Grant Brix, freshman, 6-6, 285: Early enrolling top-100 prospect picked Huskers over Oklahoma.
Landen Davidson, freshman, 6-4, 310: June commit last year out of Colorado’s backyard.
Jake Peters, freshman, 6-3, 260: Three-sport standout from Iowa committed during June camp flurry.
Gibson Pyle, freshman, 6-5, 300: Early enrollee played in All-American Bowl in January.
Xander Ruggeroli, freshman, 6-6, 285: Late bloomer out of Las Vegas was last to join O-line class.
Preston Taumua, freshman, 6-4, 320: Top-rated prospect out of Hawaii played in Polynesian Bowl.
Synopsis: More than 150 starts return at the Power 5 level up front for the Huskers’ most improved position group in 2023. Nebraska is not just deep; it has multiple NFL prospects, at least one of whom could start the season as a reserve.
Defensive linemen (16)
Nash Hutmacher, senior, 6-4, 330: Following 4.5-sack season by wrestling at 285 pounds and will play closer to 310.
Ty Robinson, senior, 6-6, 310: Leader returns for sixth year on the interior with 33 starts over four seasons.
Jimari Butler, junior, 6-4, 245: Started six games and led Blackshirts with 8.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks.
Elijah Jeudy, junior, 6-3, 280: Texas A&M transfer appeared in 11 games in first year with Huskers.
AJ Rollins, junior, 6-5, 245: Moved from tight end last spring and appeared in four games.
Cameron Lenhardt, sophomore, 6-3, 250: Standout true freshman recorded five TFLs and three sacks.
Brodie Tagaloa, sophomore, 6-4, 260: Back after missing 2023 season with injury after move from tight end.
Riley Van Poppel, sophomore, 6-5, 275: Promising tackle made a major impact as true freshman.
Kai Wallin, sophomore, 6-5, 250: Junior-college transfer played in four games and redshirted.
James Williams, sophomore, 6-5, 235: Working to diversify skill set after rise from scout team to pass-rushing specialist as redshirt.
Vincent Carroll-Jackson, redshirt freshman, 6-5, 270: Debuted in season finale after bringing limited prep experience.
Mason Goldman, redshirt freshman, 6-5, 260: Found a home on the D-line while battling back from injuries.
Sua Lefotu, redshirt freshman, 6-3, 300: Californian impressed teammates in spring as older tackles received limited reps.
Ashton Murphy, freshman, 6-4, 225: Standout at Elkhorn South on both lines of scrimmage and in shot put.
Jordan Ochoa, freshman, 6-4, 245: Late add to 2024 class registered 30 QB hurries as at Colorado’s Castle View High School.
Keona Wilhite, freshman, 6-4, 240: Washington signee flipped after coaching change to Huskers and delivers pass-rushing skill.
Synopsis: Terrance Knighton’s group rates on paper as the strength of Rhule’s second team. Robinson, Hutmacher and Butler as a trio demand the attention of any offense. And depth is building behind second-year Huskers Van Poppel and Lenhardt.
Nash Hutmacher made a career-high 40 tackles in 2023. (Dylan Widger / USA Today)
Linebackers (14)
John Bullock, senior, 6-0, 220: Top returnee at position group notched 50 tackles in 10 starts.
MJ Sherman, senior, 6-3, 250: Former elite prospect transferred from Georgia and started five games in 2023.
Javin Wright, senior, 6-5, 215: Broke out in 2023 with 51 tackles after battling multiple injuries over four seasons.
Michael Booker III, junior, 6-1, 210: Walk-on moved from DB and played big role on special teams.
Mikai Gbayor, junior, 6-2, 230: Started four games in first career opportunity and factors heavily in rotation.
Stefon Thompson, junior, 6-1, 250: Improved readiness through winter and spring after transfer from Syracuse.
Taveon Thompson, junior, 6-3, 205: Played in first two games of career last year before move from wide receiver.
Jacob Bower, redshirt freshman, 6-0, 195: An accomplished rugby player and productive high school linebacker out of California.
Gage Stenger, sophomore, 6-2, 190: High school QB looking for chance to make impact.
Princewill Umanmielen, sophomore, 6-4, 240: Second-team freshman All-American recognition sat in the spring to rehab.
Maverick Noonan, redshirt freshman, 6-4, 235: Preseason injury forced redshirt after solid spring last year.
Dylan Rogers, redshirt freshman, 6-3, 235: Growth in first year creates plentiful options for versatile defender out of Texas.
Willis McGahee IV, freshman, 6-1, 230: Early enrolling Miami product brings talent and name recognition.
Vincent Shavers Jr., freshman, 6-1, 205: Top performing early enrollee in spring positioned himself to contribute right away.
Synopsis: There’s a lot to determine still in the middle of Tony White’s defense. The Huskers are experienced, with six juniors and seniors. But younger players like Umanmielen and Shavers will not take a back seat.
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Defensive backs (24)
Isaac Gifford, senior, 6-1, 205: Team leader returns for fifth year after leading Huskers in tackles with 86.
Tommi Hill, senior, 6-0, 195: Realized abundant potential at corner last year with four picks in Big Ten play.
DeShon Singleton, senior, 6-3, 205: Breakout safety suffered season-ending knee injury against Michigan.
Derek Branch, junior, 5-11, 185: Made his collegiate debut last season and recorded a tackle against Northern Illinois.
Koby Bretz, junior, 6-2, 215: Made a jump to appear in 10 games as third-year safety.
Marques Buford Jr., junior, 5-11, 190: Returned from knee injury to start twice in November and preserve redshirt.
Malcolm Hartzog, junior, 5-9, 175: Focusing on safety after making 10 starts last season, including seven at corner.
Blye Hill, sophomore, 6-3, 185: A possible August return looms for projected starting corner and FCS transfer after spring game knee injury.
Ethan Nation, sophomore, 5-10, 160: Returned punts and provided depth in seven-game true freshman year as a corner.
D’Andre Barnes, redshirt freshman, 6-0, 175: Progressed at rover in practice time during first year.
Dwight Bootle II, redshirt freshman, 5-9, 170: Promising first season cut short by injury in third game.
Jeremiah Charles, redshirt freshman, 6-0, 160: Immense athleticism signals bright future at corner for former wideout.
Syncere Safeeullah, redshirt freshman, 6-2, 175: IMG Academy product via Nashville redshirted last year.
Rahmir Stewart, redshirt freshman, 5-11, 200: Played in one game while redshirting out of Philly prep power Imhotep Institute.
Brice Turner, redshirt freshman, 6-0, 175: Rhule’s first commitment moved from receiver midseason in 2023.
Caleb Benning, freshman, 5-11, 185: Standout at safety and receiver from Omaha Westside, Nebraska’s top prep program.
Mario Buford, freshman, 5-11, 170: Early enrolling corner from Texas powerhouse DeSoto joins brother Marques in Lincoln.
Roger Gradney, freshman, 6-0, 205: First commit for 2024 class rose from unknown to four-star status.
Rex Guthrie, freshman, 6-0, 190: Senior season in Colorado was cut short by injury.
Donovan Jones, freshman, 6-0, 185: Intercepted four passes and starred on both sides as Omaha North senior.
Kahmir Prescott, freshman, 6-1, 190: Hard-hitting Wisconsin commit out of Philadelphia flipped to Huskers late.
Braylen Prude, freshman, 6-4, 185: Burst onto recruiting scene at summer Nebraska camp in Houston.
Amare Sanders, freshman, 6-1, 175: Signing-day addition out of Miami is projectable at corner.
Larry Tarver Jr., freshman, 5-10, 170: Another from Miami, early enrollee flipped from FIU and Maryland.
Synopsis: The Huskers continue to stockpile personnel in the defensive backfield. Tommi Hill is an All Big Ten candidate. If Blye Hill makes it back, the potential starting group appears strong. The lineup to provide depth could be quite a battle, just as secondary coach Evan Cooper prefers.
Specialists (5)
Brian Buschini, senior, 6-1, 225: Two-year starting punter downed 20 of 57 kicks last year inside the 20.
Cameron Witucki, junior, 6-2, 225: Possible heir apparent at long snapper has spent four seasons in Lincoln.
Tristan Alvano, sophomore, 6-1, 200: Hit 9 of 15 field goals, including a 55-yarder, but seeks consistency in second season.
Kamdyn Koch, freshman, 6-2, 190: Top-five punter prospect nationally and son of Nebraska punting great Sam Koch.
Nico Ottomanelli, freshman, 6-2, 175: Kicker out of New Jersey made 14 of 17 field goals in high school.
Synopsis: The kicking game was not in midseason form for the spring game. Buschini and Alvano could use a challenge from the freshmen to stay sharp.
(Top photo: Steven Branscombe / Getty Images)
