Five Nebraska storylines to watch at 2024 Big Ten Media Days
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule returns to Indianapolis on Wednesday for his second Big Ten Media Days appearance. Safety Isaac Gifford, defensive lineman Ty Robinson, and center Ben Scott will join him as NU’s three player representatives.
Here are five of the biggest storylines we will follow as the Huskers make the rounds at Lucas Oil Stadium…
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How will Rhule and the Huskers handle the quarterback talk?
The Nebraska spotlight has been shining on Dylan Raiola before he even took a snap during spring practices. While Rhule and his staff have done their best to downplay the hype surrounding the heralded true freshman quarterback, that task has been much easier said than done.
Odds are that Rhule and his players continue to push the narrative of an open competition under center. However, the former five-star recruit and Husker legacy will undoubtedly be a hot topic for local and national media alike in Indianapolis.
Will Nebraska stand firm that the starting QB job remains up for grabs? Or will their comments possibly clear that picture up a bit this week?
Will we learn anything more about Evan Cooper’s departure?
Nebraska nearly made it through the offseason without any notable drama. Then, defensive backs coach Evan Cooper suddenly and unexpectedly resigned earlier this month.
While Rhule wasted little time hiring John Butler, few details have emerged about why Cooper and NU parted ways. Will Rhule provide any further information on what went down?
On that note, Gifford will be an important interview at the side podium. Arguably the leader of Nebraska’s secondary, the sixth-year senior could share the unit’s perspective on losing Cooper and adjusting to Butler.
How is Nebraska utilizing its additional coaches?
In a move many felt was a long time coming, the NCAA approved additional on-field coaches beyond teams’ 10 full-time assistants.
Nebraska hit the ground running in bolstering its staff, including hiring former Lee’s Summit (Missouri) North head coach Jamar Mozee as a Senior Football Assistant. The Huskers likely aren’t done in that regard, either.
Rhule’s plan for managing his additional staff will be interesting. Along with the on-field duties, teams can designate 10 coaches to go on the road recruiting from a potential pool of more than 20 on-field coaches.
How creative will Rhule get with delegating coaching and recruiting duties within Nebraska’s expanded staff?
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Where does the No. 2 cornerback battle stand entering camp?
There aren’t many intriguing position battles on Nebraska’s defense heading into fall camp. That’s a luxury of returning nearly everyone from last season on that side of the ball.
However, the No. 2 cornerback spot remains up in the air. In fact, following the recent addition of USC transfer Ceyair Wright, that competition is now an even greater mystery.
Rhule should give another update on Blye Hill’s recovery from a knee injury he suffered in the spring game. Before getting hurt, Hill appeared to be in the driver’s seat to start opposite Tommi Hill. Now, there’s a chance he won’t be ready to return to action until after the start of the season.
Wright is a former four-star and top-100 recruit who started 11 games for the Trojans. Is he immediately the new frontrunner? Or will veteran Malcolm Hartzog or promising redshirt freshman Jeremiah Charles make a push during camp?
Will Nebraska A.D. Troy Dannen have any news to share?
Rhule and his players will be centerstage for Nebraska at Media Days, but look for new athletic director Troy Dannen to have a few things to say as well.
Dannen has no shortage of topics to address, especially potential updates on Nebraska’s plans for Memorial Stadium. Could he have some news on a grass field or specific stadium upgrades?
Dannen should almost certainly give his thoughts on the big-picture conversations on the future of NIL, revenue sharing, conference expansion, and keeping NU at the forefront of the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.
Beyond all of the administrative talk, what might Dannen say about his expectations for his first football season with Rhule?
