Heinrich Haarberg on Nebraska quarterback battle: 'I'm the incumbent'

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are in the midst of a quarterback battle. There are some exciting new names in that battle, alongside a familiar player in Heinrich Haarberg.

Following Nebraska’s spring game, Haarberg explained his approach to that quarterback battle and that he’s thinking of himself as the incumbent in the room.

“I’m pursuing it as the incumbent,” Heinrich Haarberg said. Gonna keep working at it as the starter and I know those other two will as well. Then, that’s what’s going to drive this room to be great is all of us, every day, competing for that number one spot, each of us having the mindset that we’re gonna be the starter.”

In total, Nebraska has six quarterbacks currently listed on its roster. Among the most notable of those quarterbacks is Dylan Raiola. A true freshman, Raiola came to Nebraska as a five-star recruit and the 21st-ranked prospect overall in the Class of 2024, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

With all of that talent on the roster, Heinrich Haarberg is working to compete and be a part of the best quarterback room possible.

“So, I think that’s what will take this room to another level with all the talent that we have, all the weapons that we have. It’s not going to be a clash of ram. We’re not gonna go head-to-head. We’re going to work together, but at the same time, compete.”

Over the past couple of seasons, Nebraska has seen plenty of turnover at the quarterback position. In 2023 alone, the Cornhuskers had three quarterbacks play a significant amount of time. Now, head coach Matt Rhule is looking for stability at the position.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule updates process in selecting a starting quarterback

Following the Nebraska spring game, Matt Rhule broke down where he was in the process of choosing a starting quarterback.

“I want the quarterbacks to feel like they have the race and all of a sudden I want the other guy to come along and try to challenge him. I think it’ll elevate all of us. And then when we know we know, but I wouldn’t anticipate us saying hey, this guy is the starter like today, you know? Because I thought all three quarterbacks went out there and said, hey, I can be the starter and that’s my challenge for the players is don’t worry about where you stand,” Rhule said.

“At all positions. Don’t worry about how much opportunity you’re getting. Just worry about what the tape looks like. Do you look like a Big Ten winning quarterback? Do you look like a Big Ten winning left tackle? Do you look like a Big Ten Winning d-tackle? And if you do, your time will come. So that’s a long very philosophical answer. But I would say it would take a while because I just think there’s so many guys doing good things and I want to give them a fair shot.”