As Nebraska football gears up for its spring practice, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Cornhuskers will evolve under head coach Matt Rhule. With spring practice just around the corner, several storylines have captured the attention of fans who are hungry for any glimpse of the future of Nebraska football. Here are three intriguing storylines to follow as the team prepares for a fresh start in 2025.
1. The Quarterback Battle: Who Will Lead the Offense?
One of the most critical and closely watched storylines heading into spring practice is the ongoing quarterback competition. With the departure of starter Casey Thompson, who transferred to another program, the Cornhuskers are left with a group of quarterbacks vying for the starting job. The most talked-about names are Jeff Sims, the Georgia Tech transfer, and Heinrich Haarberg, who has been in the system for a few years but has limited starting experience.
Sims brings with him the excitement of a dual-threat quarterback with a cannon of an arm. He’s known for his mobility and ability to make plays both with his legs and through the air, which could open up a more dynamic offense for Nebraska. However, his inconsistency at Georgia Tech raised questions about his decision-making and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
On the other hand, Haarberg has shown flashes of potential but has yet to prove himself as the team’s go-to leader. He’s familiar with Nebraska’s system, and many believe his familiarity could give him the edge as he competes for the top spot. As fans anxiously watch this battle unfold, the big question remains: who will step up to lead the offense in 2025, and will this quarterback find success in Rhule’s system?
2. The Offensive Line Rebuild: Can They Protect the QB?
For years, Nebraska has struggled with inconsistent play along the offensive line, and this spring will be no different. With a revamped coaching staff, including former NFL assistant Greg Austin taking the reins, the Cornhuskers are hoping to finally build a solid foundation up front. Fans will be keen to see if Austin can make an immediate impact, as the offensive line will play a pivotal role in Nebraska’s offensive success.
A key area of concern is the protection of the quarterback. Last season, Nebraska’s offensive line gave up a staggering 34 sacks, which led to numerous setbacks for the team. In addition, the line struggled in creating lanes for the running game, which severely limited Nebraska’s offensive production. Spring practices will give fans an early look at the offensive line’s potential, as they watch to see if the team can effectively execute Rhule’s power-run style offense.
With several new faces joining the offensive line, including transfers and recruits, the competition for starting spots will be fierce. There’s also an important emphasis on the development of younger players, as this group could play a significant role in determining the future of Nebraska’s offensive unit. Fans will be closely watching to see if the offensive line can protect their new quarterback and provide the necessary support for a balanced offense.
3. The Defense: Will Rhule’s Vision Take Hold?
While much of the focus is on the offensive side of the ball, Nebraska fans can’t afford to overlook the defense, especially under the guidance of Rhule’s new coaching staff. Rhule has a reputation for building tough, disciplined defenses, and he’s brought in a fresh perspective on how to approach that side of the ball.
Under former defensive coordinator Tony White, Nebraska’s defense was much improved, especially in key moments, but there were still struggles against high-powered offenses. The spring practices will offer a chance to see how the Cornhuskers evolve under Rhule and defensive coordinator Tony White. Will they adapt to Rhule’s 3-3-5 defense, which focuses on creating pressure with versatile players and smart scheming? The spring games will give fans an early sense of how aggressive and disciplined this defense can be in 2025.
Key positions to watch will be the defensive line and linebacker corps, where Nebraska needs to continue developing depth. The secondary will also need to take a step forward, as they were often exposed in critical games last season. Rhule’s defense requires high IQ and excellent execution, and this spring is a crucial time to evaluate the team’s readiness to perform at a high level.
Conclusion
As Nebraska prepares for spring football, these three storylines—the quarterback competition, offensive line rebuild, and defensive transformation—are expected to dominate the conversation. The outcome of these battles will have a profound impact on the future of the Cornhuskers, and fans will be watching closely to see if Rhule can turn Nebraska’s football program into a consistent contender once again. Whether it’s finding the right leader behind center, securing the trenches, or building a championship-caliber defense, Nebraska’s spring practices will be a pivotal chapter in the team’s ongoing evolution.
