Saturday’s 30–27 loss to Michigan in Lincoln may have looked close on paper, but make no mistake—Nebraska was outclassed, especially in the trenches. The Huskers were physically dominated on both sides
of the ball, and while the scoreboard offered a hint of respectability, the game told a far different story.
For all the schemes and strategies Matt Rhule and Dana Holgorsen can draw up, football in the Big Ten still starts with the basics: line play. And right now, Nebraska simply doesn’t have the depth or talent in the trenches to win consistently in this league. That reality was hammered home by a Michigan team that dominated up front.
This is why recruiting linemen—especially offensive tackles—is not just a priority, but a necessity.
Talent vs. Development: What’s the Issue?
Donovan Raiola remains a divisive figure in Lincoln. As the lone holdover from the Scott Frost era, he has had time to implement his philosophy and develop his team. Some linemen have shown flashes, but the tackle play against Michigan was especially concerning.
Teddy Prochazka and Gunnar Gottula were overwhelmed. Michigan’s edge rushers blew by them with little resistance, leaving quarterback Dylan Raiola under constant pressure. While some of the blame falls on technique and coaching, the bigger issue might be a lack of raw talent—particularly the kind needed at tackle to hold up against elite Big Ten pass rushers.
Big, athletic tackle bodies with nimble feet and “grown-man” strength aren’t common—and right now, Nebraska doesn’t have enough of them.
Big-Time 2027 Targets to Watch
The recruiting board makes it clear where Nebraska’s priorities lie. Several elite offensive linemen were in Lincoln for the Michigan game, and the staff is casting a wide net—while swinging big.
At the top of the wishlist is Kennedy Brown, the No. 1 player in the nation for 2027. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound tackle from Humble, Texas, has offers from every blue blood program in the country. Nebraska is in the mix, but it would likely take a Herculean NIL effort to contend seriously.
Another major name is Albert Simien (6-4, 280 lbs) from Lake Charles, Louisiana—currently ranked the No. 2 interior offensive lineman in the class. Then there’s Jackson Roper (6-5, 285 lbs), a highly sought-after IOL who’s also on Michigan’s radar.Closer to home, Mason Halliman (6-5, 280 lbs) from Nebraska and Cameran Wagner (6-6, 300 lbs) from Saint Joseph, Illinois, represent high-upside regional tackle targets who could be foundational pieces for the future.
Help Is on the Way (Eventually): The 2026 Class
Nebraska has already begun addressing these needs with a trio of linemen in the 2026 class.
Claude Mpouma (6-7, 308 lbs) is the headliner. A 4-star tackle with a massive frame, Mpouma looks the part of a future Big Ten starter. He’ll need to adjust to the speed and strength of the college game, but the tools are there.
Rex Waterman (6-5, 295 lbs) from Arizona is a less heralded prospect but offers a solid developmental profile. With time in the weight room and the system, he could become a contributor.
Leon Noil Jr. (6-4, 255 lbs) rounds out the class. He’s athletic but undersized for Big Ten play. His success will largely depend on how his body transforms over the next couple of years.
In Closing
The Huskers have what they have, and while offensive tackle was seen as a potential strength entering the season, it’s now clear that Nebraska is still a few recruiting cycles away from having a truly competitive offensive line.
Help is on the way, but that won’t matter much for the 2025 season. Dana Holgorsen is a master of working around limitations, and he’ll need to dig deep into that bag of tricks. The immediate goal is simple: give Dylan Raiola just enough time to get the ball out and let Nebraska’s playmakers go to work.
In the long term, the solution is more fundamental. Until Nebraska consistently recruits and develops top-tier linemen, the ceiling in the Big Ten remains painfully low.
