Nebraska, like almost every program outside of Dabo Swinney’s portal-resistant Clemson, is leaning heavily on the transfer portal to plug roster gaps. That’s the modern reality of college football, and it isn’t changing anytime soon. But even in the portal era, sustained success still depends on developing young talent into dependable contributors. Under Matt Rhule, Nebraska has recruited well by most major recruiting services. The challenge has been turning that promise into Big Ten-ready — and eventually NFL-ready — production. Recent combine invite numbers show Nebraska still has ground to make up.
So, who on the current roster could be next to break through?
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Offense
Grant Brix — Offensive Line (6-6, 315)
A four-star recruit ranked No. 218 nationally in the 2024 class, Grant Brix was a major recruiting win, fending off heavy interest from Alabama and Oklahoma. He moves exceptionally well for a player his size and has elite footwork, but his breakout moment hasn’t arrived yet. A projected move inside to guard could accelerate his development, and cracking the two-deep this season would be a strong step forward. Game reps are now the key to unlocking the potential that made him such a coveted recruit.
Cortez Mills Jr. — Wide Receiver (6-0, 185)
A four-star receiver ranked No. 210 nationally in the 2025 class, Mills Jr. was prolific in Florida, finishing as the No. 16 player in the state. He joins a receiver room with established names like Barney, Gilmer, and Hunter, meaning early opportunities may be limited. But seasons are long, and chances inevitably come. For Nebraska to truly elevate, it must start developing its own receivers rather than relying on one-year portal rentals. Mills Jr. must be ready when his number is called.
Eric Ingwerson — Tight End (6-7, 255)
A three-star and the No. 14 player in Nebraska in the 2024 class, Ingwerson enters a wide-open tight end room following Heinrich Haarberg’s departure and Mac Markway’s move to defensive end. At 6-7, he offers a red-zone presence Nebraska has sorely lacked. With Anthony Colandrea’s mobility extending plays, opportunities should open across the middle. Though lightly recruited, Ingwerson has a chance to outperform his ranking and establish himself as a dangerous weapon.
Defense
Christian Jones — Linebacker (6-2, 235)
The top in-state prospect and a four-star recruit ranked No. 157 nationally in the 2025 class, Jones was a massive pickup. Big Ten linebacker is a grown-man position, so his early development curve was expected. After a redshirt year, he should be more prepared for meaningful reps. Middle linebacker is the heartbeat of any defense, and having a homegrown leader from Omaha Westside brings both talent and identity to the unit.
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Tyson Terry — Defensive Line (6-2, 310)
A four-star recruit and the No. 3-ranked player in Nebraska in the 2025 class, Terry’s wrestling pedigree is elite — a four-time state heavyweight champion who even won a title with a torn ACL. Comparisons to “Polar Bear” Nash Hutmacher are natural. Nebraska’s defensive interior struggled badly late last season, and that cannot continue. Terry has the build to anchor the line, but after missing last year following surgery, spring ball will be the first real indicator of his readiness.
David Hoffken — Defensive Line (6-7, 285)
An intriguing international prospect from Germany, Hoffken played for the Cologne Crocodiles and Kiel Baltic Hurricanes. Though raw, he’s an exceptional physical specimen. With defensive coordinator Rob Aurich shifting to a four-man front, Hoffken’s ability to attack off the edge becomes more valuable. The key question is whether he can hold up against the run on early downs or remain a situational pass rusher. If his technical development catches up with his size and mobility, he could become a dangerous piece of the rotation.
The Bigger Picture
In the constant churn of the portal era, young players often fade into the background as ready-made transfers grab headlines. But programs built for long-term success rely on internal development, depth, and competition. Portal additions may battle for starting roles, but Nebraska’s young core must progress faster than in recent years.
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If even a few of these players break through, Nebraska won’t just fill gaps — it will build a foundation.
GBR
