Nebraska has been going through the transfer porta to boost the weapons around QB Dylan Raiola. However, there’s a deeper issue beneath the surface that isn’t easily fixed, even with high-profile transfers. Nebraska has already picked up former Alabama offensive tackle Pritchett. However, beneath the hype, a significant concern may not be solved even with big money deals. The question remains the same as the Huskers gear up for another season under Matt Rhule. Will talent alone suffice to mask flaws as structural that would allow Nebraska perform well in the Big Ten?

Dylan Raiola, the young quarterback and former five-star recruit, is the building block of Nebraska football. The 2024 season started well for the young QB. 5-1 start, win over Colorado, and that is as far as it went, as Raiola fizzled in the Big Ten yarding a modest 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions by the season’s end. The ability of the Huskers’ offensive line play was a major contributor to Raiola’s up-and-down performance. Damon Benning said on his podcast, Benning Bites, “Quarterbacks like Dylan need time to make plays. It became apparent that the line was not supporting it because there were loopholes in the plan.”

Adding Pritchett is supposed to solve those problems, but the essential question arises again. Is the Cornhuskers’ raw talent over sensible organizational solutions? The excitement around Pritchett and Raiola underscores Nebraska’s ambitious approach. But it also highlights the team’s most significant challenge: offensive line development as a team mechanism. Although the Huskers secured the transfer portal class in the Top 10 across the country. The fluctuating form in the conference makes one question the implementation of these reinforcements.

“It’s not just about the names,” said Benning. “We need the whole unit to gel. You can have five-star recruits, but if they don’t play as a team, it won’t matter.” This weakness – the tendency to rely solely on big-name players and not solve overall problems. It remains the main vulnerability of Nebraska. It doesn’t matter that the new OC, Dana Holgorsen, would have great plays if the QB doesn’t get time in the pocket. 

Sacks are, of course, a measure of concern- 28 allowed this season. More than that, the QB pressures are what forced Raiola to make bad plays. Remember that game against the Buckeyes? The Huskers almost snatched it, but when it mattered the most, the O-line could not hold it together. 

For Matt Rhule, however, the issue isn’t just about finding new talent and bringing it into his team. It’s about fostering development. Experts concur that while the likes of Pritchett and wide receiver Nyziah Hunter provide an upgrade. There is still a need for the Cornhuskers to look for long-term answers. ESPN analyst Pete Thamel said that “programs succeed when their foundation is solid.” “It is impossible to construct the winning team relying only on the outcomes of the transfer portal. It’s about generating cohesion within the roster.”

All about Elijah Pritchett

That brings into focus Elijah Pritchett; this man possesses the paper – Ohio tackle, 6’6”, 330 pounds strong with a well-documented background. As a five-star recruit out of high school, he played in 13 games for Alabama. His physical presence adds both experience and size to Nebraska’s team. However, his 46.9 PFF grade last season leaves questions about his ability to maintain such great performance, though fans expect that the move to a new team might help him to improve his performance.

Pritchett joins the Nebraska team that had a finished year last season, going 6-6 with a stellar start of 5-1 but a poor showing in the Big 12 conference. “This is a big move for us,” said head coach Matt Rhule. “Elijah has the tools to improve our offensive line, and we’re excited to see how he contributes to our future,” he added.