Nebraska Fall Camp Preview for 2024: Wide Receiver
Matt Rhule’s second fall camp at Nebraska is right around the corner. The HuskerOnline team dives into what to expect from the Huskers with our position-by-position fall camp previews.
We continue the series with Nebraska’s wide receivers, a unit loaded with untapped potential. Will 2024 be the year NU’s passing game finally breaks out?
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What we know right now: WR room is as deep as it’s been in years
For a unit that struggled to do much of anything last season, Nebraska’s wide receiver room is the deepest it’s been in a long time.
The most significant changes came through the transfer portal, as the Huskers brought in two high-profile wideouts: Jahmal Banks from Wake Forest and Isaiah Neyor from Texas. After impressive springs, both players quickly vaulted toward the top of NU’s projected depth chart.
The development of some promising young talent bolstered the group even more this offseason. Jaylen Lloyd emerged as a dynamic deep threat last year as a true freshman, hauling in a position-high three touchdowns on 39.5 yards per catch.
Malachi Coleman also showed flashes in his debut Husker campaign, and word is he’s made noticeable gains in his size and strength. That’s not even to mention experienced veteran Alex Bullock, who led Nebraska’s receivers in snaps and was second in catches and yards in 2023.
Senior Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, a former 2019 recruit, is back after a season-ending injury. Do-it-all Janiran Bonner moved back to wideout full-time this spring after spending last year at fullback. Some true freshmen could also join the mix, including standout Jacory Barney, who burst onto the scene this spring.
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Key stats and numbers from 2023:
Player | 2023 Snap Count |
Alex Bullock | 599 |
Bill Kemp* | 342 |
Malachi Coleman | 335 |
Marcus Washington* | 219 |
Jaylen Lloyd | 132 |
Ty Hahn | 98 |
Jaidyn Doss# | 79 |
Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda | 37 |
Player | TGT | REC-YDS | TDs | Y/REC | YAC |
Billy Kemp* | 55 | 35-310 | 1 | 8.9 | 194 |
Alex Bullock | 28 | 15-221 | 1 | 14.7 | 81 |
Malachi Coleman | 22 | 8-139 | 1 | 17.4 | 16 |
Jaylen Lloyd | 13 | 6-237 | 3 | 39.5 | 97 |
Jaidyn Doss# | 8 | 2-20 | 0 | 10.0 | 15 |
Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda | 5 | 1-7 | 0 | 7.0 | 0 |
Ty Hahn | 4 | 4-36 | 0 | 9.0 | 9 |
Biggest question: How many receivers will Nebraska play?
As much of a luxury as Nebraska’s wide receiver depth is, it also comes with a potential problem. How many of those talented options will regularly see the field this season?
Banks, Neyor, Lloyd, and Coleman seem like shoe-ins, while Bullock was the most consistent player in the room last year. Garcia-Castaneda was a Week 1 starter two seasons ago, and Bonner’s unique skill set could open up the playbook.
Then there’s Barney, who appears to be the true freshman closest to cracking the depth chart immediately in 2024. Could others push for time during fall camp?
Even with a slew of injuries at the position last season, only five wide receivers played more than 100 snaps for Nebraska. One would assume the rotation will expand significantly this year, but how deep will NU go?
Projected Fall Camp Wide Receiver Depth Chart
X
1. Jahmal Banks
2. Malachi Coleman
OR
Janiran Bonner
Z
1. Isaiah Neyor
OR
Alex Bullock
2. Isaiah Garcia Castaneda
Slot
1. Jaylen Lloyd
2. Jacory Barney