Under head coach Matt Rhule, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are undergoing quite the roster transformation. After running with a massive roster of over 150 players last season, they’ve trimmed things down to 123 heading into summer—and they’re not done yet. The plan is to get down to the NCAA-mandated 105 before the 2025 season begins.
Matt Rhule’s Nebraska Cornhuskers Begin Slim Down of Roster
This massive endeavor isn’t just about cutting numbers for its own sake. There’s a method to Rhule’s roster reshuffling. The current 123-man squad features a nice balance with 20 seniors and 20 true freshmen, with 56 players on offense, 62 on defense, and five specialists. See what’s happening there? That defensive emphasis isn’t by accident.
According to KETV, a Nebraska-based TV news station, Rhule has clarified what kind of team he’s building.
“This is the team I’ve been waiting for… They enjoy competing. They love practicing. And they are competing at a high level.”
Nebraska isn’t waiting around for NCAA policy changes to force their hand. They’re being proactive about this roster reduction, which makes sense when considering the evolving landscape of NIL deals and the transfer portal.
The defensive side is where things get interesting. With 62 players dedicated to defense—an increase from previous years despite the overall roster shrinking—it’s evident that Rhule believes Big Ten success starts with a tough, physical defense.
Dasan McCullough, the Oklahoma and Indiana transfer, is expected to make waves as a “jack” linebacker. Marques Watson-Trent transferred in from Georgia Southern and is praised for his tackling and professionalism. And don’t forget about veteran Javin Wright, now in his seventh year, who could be a playmaker if he stays healthy.
After a solid spring, the linebacker group is being touted as one of the team’s strongest position groups. The secondary also looks deeper, though they’re still sorting out specific roles as summer approaches.
Nebraska’s Offensive Outlook Features Freshman QB Dylan Raiola and Key Transfer Portal Additions
On the offensive side, all eyes are on freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, the face of the program, who already holds Nebraska freshman records for passing yards and completion percentage. He’s also just signed with Adidas, so his star power is rising.
To support Raiola, the Huskers have brought in some key transfers. Dane Key from Kentucky is making a strong case to be the WR1 after hauling in 47 catches for 715 yards last year. Mac Markway, a tight end transfer from LSU, is returning from a knee injury but should contribute once healthy.
The running back situation is a bit dicey, though. Emmett Johnson returns as the top option after racking up 908 all-purpose yards in 2024, but depth is a concern, especially after missing out on transfer target Char Brown, who chose Miami instead.
KEEP READING: Matt Rhule Reveals Nebraska’s Plan for Navigating the Spring Transfer Window
Special teams remain a work in progress. The Huskers actively looked for a punter after Jack McCallister entered the transfer portal. They plan to implement a rugby-style punting strategy that special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler used successfully at Tennessee.
As summer approaches, expect more roster shuffling as Rhule and his staff finalize their 105-man squad, focusing on building a tough, deep defense and integrating those key offensive additions for the 2025 campaign.
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