The future has not been this bright in Lincoln in a long time. To end the program’s 2024 season, Nebraska beat Wisconsin for the first time since 2012. And in December, the Cornhuskers earned a victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. This sets up Matt Rhule to take NU to even greater heights in 2025. Which of the Huskers’ offensive stars could make this happen?<\/p>\n
After the 2024 season, Nebraska lost three of its most experienced wide receivers. Isaiah Neyor<\/a> will play his fourth season of college football elsewhere. It also seems likely that Jahmal Banks<\/a> will decide to enter the NFL Draft. The most surprising exit came from Jaylen Lloyd<\/a>. The junior from Omaha decided to hit the transfer portal in December.\u00a0 This leaves a clear path for Key to establish himself as one of the Husker’s next offensive stars. He was a large part of Kentucky’s passing attack in 2024, and he already knows what Daikiel Shorts is looking for. This will provide him an opportunity to demonstrate his skills under offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. The only tricky part of his transition will be getting to know each quarterback. The Lexington native will have to find consistency with each one if he wants to have a productive 2025.<\/p>\n \u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\udda4 https:\/\/t.co\/XJCirVv1G5<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Dane Key (@DaneKey06) January 2, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n As a freshman at Cal, Hunter led the Golden Bears offense with almost 50 receiving yards per game. He was also able to develop a strong connection with sophomore quarterback CJ Harris<\/a>. With just 40 catches, he hauled in 578 receiving yards with five touchdowns. But will he fulfill the same role in Lincoln?\u00a0 After his incredible freshman season, Jacory Barney Jr<\/a> will most likely stay at the slot position as a sophomore.\u00a0 The Huskers will also add former Oklahoma commit Cortez Mills to the equation. As a senior for Homestead High School in Miami, he had 466 receiving yards and six touchdowns. These types of players will challenge Hunter with their explosiveness. But we should expect him to nab a starting spot. The 210-pounder has the experience that the Huskers will need.<\/p>\n The junior from Minnesota now has the most experience in\u00a0 EJ Barthel’s running back room. After one season with the Cornhuskers, Dante Dowdell<\/a> has decided to continue his college football career at Kentucky. It’s a huge loss for the Big Red. His physical style not only helped Nebraska get easy scores but also allowed him to lead the program in rushing yards. The 225-pounder had almost five yards per carry last season, which allowed him to easily total up 614 rushing yards. He also has a rare ability to make defenders in the open field. As long as he employs the same strategy in 2025, it isn’t hard to imagine Johnson’s role as one of the Huskers’ offensive stars.<\/p>\n The sophomore from La Vista is in line to become one of the Huskers’ next offensive stars. After struggling to find his role early in his career with the Cornhuskers, Lindenmeyer had five receptions for 50 yards against Boston College in Yankee Stadium. This type of production should excite tight ends coach Josh Martin and assistant Marcus Satterfield. Another player to watch out for is Carter Nelson<\/a>. The 6-foot-5 230-pounder can be used as a blocker on the edge. As a receiving threat, Nelson had 86 receiving yards and a touchdown. This duo should get plenty of chances to shine. It’s unclear if Thomas Fidone<\/a> is coming back to Lincoln. The junior may be trying to prove his worth as an NFL prospect. He should get a chance in April. T In 2024, the Iowa native had 36 receptions for 374 yards.<\/p>\n The former five-star had a successful first season in Lincoln. He was able to pass for 2,617 yards and had 13 touchdowns. This effort allowed him to break Adrian Martinez’s freshman passing record. The biggest issue that stopped him from becoming an even better player was his 11 turnovers. This aspect of Raiola’s game should improve dramatically in his sophomore year.\u00a0 Not only does he get in work with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but he’s also able to rely upon the resources he has in Lincoln. Before his time at Nebraska, Glenn Thomas was with the Pittsburgh Steelers and even was with Matt Ryan in Atlanta.<\/p>\n\n
Nyziah Hunter<\/h3>\n
Emmett Johnson<\/h3>\n
Luke Lindenmeyer<\/h3>\n
Dylan Raiola<\/h3>\n