The Nebraska Cornhuskers 2024 season is synonymous with all the things that could go wrong in a team. Sure, they did win their Pinstripe Bowl game against Boston College, which was their first since 2015. However, it didn’t hide the inherent problems the team is facing. With their QB Dylan Raiola struggling due to their weak O line. And, the defense surrendering more often than not. Compared to previous seasons they undoubtedly had a lot of rut on their plates. Surely, statistically, they improved on their previous season by a 7-6 season finish. But, with the reports coming out about their latest troubles. It seems that more improvement in the next season is a long shot.

First and foremost their offense hasn’t improved much since the previous season. Which was heavily dominated by their rushing plays. To put things in context, 46.5 yards gained less per game than the 2023 season is a lot less and that is putting things a bit mildly. Moreover, as with the last season they were heavily dependent on their defense to win games. For instance, the defense allowed almost 1.9 points less per game than the previous season and saw a significant improvement in their turnover margin (-2 this season vs -17 last season). But, what if one told you that this could get more worse going into the 2025 season?

Well, it’s more or less looking like that right now with reinforcements and the transfer portal not doing enough to make up for their star-player departures. As, is also pointed out by the ‘Big Ten Huddle Podcast‘ host Jon Rhoades, “Nebraska’s offensive line remains a concern and you’ll find this is to be a consistent thing among most teams. Most teams need offensive linemen. They brought in Alabama’s elite Elijah Pritchet, but after missing out on  New Mexico’s Pete they still have a gap at the tackle position with Ty Robinson and Nash Hutchmere gone for the NFL“. Well, it can be said that Pritchet will provide some relief at the O line, but they still need more elite players going into the season. So are they planning on that?

The answer can’t be a simple yes and no because the transfer portal right now doesn’t have too many elite players.  Apart from Ty Robinson and Nash Hutchmere, gone for the NFL, the Huskers still have significant vacancies in their roster. This is because Dante Dowell (RB) is eyeing the transfer portal and will force Rhule to look for a player of Dante’s caliber to pair up with Johnson.

Rhoades added on the potential transfers, “The defensive tackle is another priority with running back Dante Dowdell entering the transfer portal. Rhule needs a complementary back for Emmett Johnson and you look through the transfer portal and try to find one of those running backs. Really not all that many there so he probably will have to wait until the spring portal window in order to find a running back, those types of guys typically enter at the time“. So, what exactly can Nebraska and Rhule do? 

Well, Rhoades does have an idea for Rhule to ease his worries, “ I do have an idea, TJ Harden from UCLA could be a player that Matt Rhle might go after as he had a good season catching the ball and adds a different dimension to this Nebraska Offence. He wasn’t the best runner but I say that’s probably more to the UCLA offensive line than himself. Thus this spring window will be crucial for Nebraska’s success“. So, can Rhule realistically go for TJ Harden?

Potential redemption for Raiola and Rhule?

All things point to a single answer right now and that is ‘Yes’. As of right now, he is listed for the transfer portal and also had a good season with UCLA. Furthermore, he is someone Rhule needs right now after his players’ departures. Although he did underperform at the start of the season with only 226 rushing yards. But, he compensated for it in the last months and finished with 506 yards (UCLA’s highest in the season). So, if Rhule can successfully negotiate to sign Harden into his squad, then maybe his worries will eventually fade.

As, for the Huskers QB Dylan Raiola, he will definitely feel a bit relieved with a good RB in his offense.  That may change some of the dynamics of his offense and can ultimately help improve. Furthermore, he could also get a sort of redemption for his alleged disrespect when he was placed at the 23rd spot in On3’s Top QB list. Which also didn’t go down well with Nebraska’s fans and his family members. And maybe they were justified too, because despite all the struggles of Nebraska’s offense he still performed quite well at 2,823 total yards and a 67% pass completion rate, which is decent for a freshman QB. So, what do you think can Rhule rise over his woes? Or will it be the same old story as all the previous seasons?