Matt Rhule is in the midst of a rebuild with the Nebraska Cornhuskers and is using his resources effectively. Among his achievements are success on the recruiting trail, managing to prise five-star QB recruit Dyan Raiola to Lincoln.
However, the transfer portal has also been successfully utilized over Rhule’s tenure. But how do the Cornhuskers’ moves in 2024 improve the team?
Nebraska Cornhuskers Football 2024 Transfer Portal Class
In 2023, the Cornhuskers showed the power they have. Entering the transfer portal, they grabbed renowned players like Jeff Sims, Ben Scott, MJ Sherman, and Arik Gilbert, among others. It was a sign that the personnel can improve under Rhule, who joined after an unsuccessful stint in the NFL.
After finishing the 2023 season 5-7, there were definite signs of improvement at Memorial Stadium, and the 2024 transfer portal class gives more optimism to the Big Red fans. Nebraska is establishing itself again as a college football destination, making the most of all potential assets and utilizing NIL to its advantage.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
As Rhule and the Cornhuskers attempt to build on last season, there have been some big-name additions in Lincoln who should have the talent to kick Nebraksa on in 2024.
Big Red has signed players who should make instant impacts in Lincoln. Among them are two pass catchers who were amongst the most exciting in the college football transfer portal.
Isaiah Neyor, WR
Receiver Isaiah Neyor is one of the most exciting additions for the Cornhuskers this offseason.
It is the second time that Neyor has entered the transfer portal, having already moved from the Wyoming Cowboys to the Texas Longhorns. However, injuries set Neyor back, and an ACL injury in August 20222 meant he missed the entire season.
In 2023, he was unable to get into the Longhorns receiver lineup, which was one of the most dynamic in college football in 2023.
However, Neyor was nothing short of exceptional under Craig Bohl at Wyoming. In his two seasons with the Cowboys, Neyor had 1,126 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns.
He is a field stretcher with the speed to take the top off any defense, evidenced by his average yards per reception, which was 21.7 during his time in Laramie.
If Rhule can get him back into gear, Neyor can again establish himself as one of the most electric receivers in college.
Jahmal Banks, WR
Nebraska may have added Neyor, but they didn’t stop there to address their receiver corp. Adding Jahmal Banks from the Wake Forest Demon Deacons was another showing to the college football world that the Cornhuskers mean business.
A former three-star recruit, Banks was one of the top receivers available in the transfer portal, and at 6’4” and 205 pounds, he will become a big-body target moving forward.
With 59 receptions for 653 yards and four touchdowns in 2023, Banks has proven he can be productive and consistent after having 42 receptions for 636 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022.
Dante Dowdell, RB
As a freshman, Dante Dowdell only appeared in six games with the Oregon Ducks, getting just 17 carries for 90 yards and one touchdown. He could never establish himself in the rotation and is taking his talents to Lincoln in 2024.
A four-star recruit, Dowdell was the ninth-ranked running back in the 2023 class and will join the COrnhuskers with plenty of talent and plenty to prove.
Micah Mazzccua, iOL
Offensive lineman Micah Mazzccua will play out his final year of eligibility with the Cornhuskers, entering the transfer portal after starting 11 games with the Florida Gators in 2023. Mazzccua totaled 743 snaps at right guard for the Gators after transferring to them from the Baylor Bears.
Mazzccua has consistently been one of the best interior offensive linemen in his conference, showing his ability in the Big 12 and the SEC.
His brother, Maurice, is already in Lincoln and is a running back, and Micah clearly likes the plan for the Huskers after visiting with them in 2022. He is a solid O-line option who can bind that group together.
Nebraska 2024 Transfer Portal Class Grade – A
Nebraska has been able to add important names and talent in the 2024 portal that should all contribute right away.
The offensive talent they have added is some of the best in the portal, and Nebraska is proving to be a reputable college location once more. With additions at receiver and running back, the offense will be more explosive and high-powered in 2024 and should be an exciting unit.
MORE: Transfer Portal WR Rankings 2024
In addition to adding key talent, Nebraska has also been able to fill out its roster using the portal. Other players joining the Cornhuskers from the transfer portal in 2024 are two defensive weapons in CB Blye Hill (St Francis, PA) and LB Stefon Thompson (Syracuse).
If freshman Raiola is the starter in 2024, as expected, then the Cornhuskers have done a great job surrounding him with talent and experience.
While they haven’t been able to compete with the big boys like the Ohio State Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs, there isn’t much more that Nebraska realistically could have done to better their 2024 portal additions. Rhule should be happy that the program is going in the right direction.
Miss any action from the top college QB Rankings during the 2023 football season? Want to track all the movement with the college football transfer portal? College Football Network has you covered with that and more!