As the calendar ticks closer to August 29th and Nebraska’s highly anticipated opener at Arrowhead Stadium, one truth is becoming clear: if the Cornhuskers are going to take the next step under Matt Rhule, it will be on the back of their offensive line.
And that’s exactly how it should be.
The face of this transformation is Henry Lutovsky—a classic offensive lineman in every sense. Tough. Nasty. Unselfish. Under the guidance of offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, Lutovsky represents more than just
experience—he embodies a new standard. One that no longer settles for “good enough,” but strives for dominance.
"I can only imagine what it's gonna be like with our fans there."
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) July 22, 2025
Henry Lutovsky shares some of his excitement over the upcoming @HuskerFootball game at Arrowhead Stadium. pic.twitter.com/h2U6dKBaY8
The Cupboard Is Full
For the first time in years, Nebraska isn’t scraping the bottom of the barrel to fill starting spots. The offensive line room is stacked—not just with bodies, but with talent.
Elijah Pritchett and Rocco Spindler, two transfer portal additions, look the part of immediate contributors. These aren’t just depth pieces—they’re expected to be day-one starters and tone-setters. Justin Evans has quietly asserted himself at center, bringing stability to a position that has been anything but in recent seasons.
At right tackle, competition is fierce. Teddy Prochazka, Turner Corcoran, Gunnar Gotula, and Tyler Knaack are all in the mix, each with experience and potential. This isn’t just about having a top five—it’s about having a top eight or nine who can rotate, recover, and respond throughout a long Big Ten campaign.
Gone are the days of throwing whoever was healthy onto the field and hoping for the best. This group has been carefully built and developed. And now, it’s time to deliver.
What a night! Thanks so much to all of the Huskers fans that joined us last night for a steak dinner with the Offensive Line at Chances "R" featuring @OmahaSteaks !
— Pipeline Jerky (@PipelineJerky) July 19, 2024
Great people and delicious steaks. Stay tuned for more events coming soon! @HuskGuys @henrylutovsky pic.twitter.com/3l4R0QXf34
The Next Wave
Donovan Raiola’s developmental approach—steady, patient, and detail-oriented—is bearing fruit. Behind the projected starters is a young crop that has fans and coaches excited for the future.
Names like Graht Brix, Sam Sledge, and Jason Maciejczak are waiting in the wings, developing at their own pace but drawing praise from within the program. In a conference that chews up and spits out offensive linemen, that kind of depth is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Built for Big Ten Battles
Even with a relatively favorable 2025 schedule, there is no escaping the physical toll of Big Ten football. Every week brings another bruising opponent and another set of defensive linemen looking to make life miserable.
Injuries are inevitable. Fatigue is guaranteed. But this is the most battle-ready and balanced Nebraska line in years. If they can stay mostly intact heading into November—or at least not suffer catastrophic losses—they’ll give Nebraska a real shot at contending down the stretch.
“It’s about to be a great job…Nebraska' s going to be in a great space in the next two to three years, but especially in four, five, six years.”
— Huskers Radio Network (@HuskersRadio) July 22, 2025
Catch the full interview on Sports Nightly at 6pm!
-Watch/Listen-
: https://t.co/BY7E1xeWOV
: https://t.co/WH43pycCeL pic.twitter.com/5lzWzzLuxX
Rhule’s Belief Is a Signal
Matt Rhule has always built his programs from the inside out. Year three is typically when his vision takes root—and in Lincoln, all signs point to the offensive line being the foundation.
Rhule believes in this group. That belief, combined with a generational quarterback talent in Dylan Raiola, should be enough to make Big Ten defensive coordinators take notice.
The pressure is there, yes—but so is the opportunity. This is the year Nebraska can stop the cycle of middling seasons. It starts up front, with a line that’s not just better—it’s ready.
If the Cornhuskers are going to matter in 2025, the offensive line won’t just be part of the story.
It will be the story.
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