Nebraska's three biggest concerns going into fall camp

There has been plenty of positivity surrounding Nebraska’s first offseason under new head coach Matt Rhule. However, some notable questions remain as the Huskers prepare to open fall camp.

Here are three of our biggest concerns facing NU going into the 2023 season…

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What happens if Jeff Sims misses any time?

Nebraska got a clear answer to one of its most pressing offseason questions shortly after spring practices. Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Sims emerged as the frontrunner for the starting quarterback job going into the summer. Incumbent starter Casey Thompson transferred to Florida Atlantic soon after.

The Huskers haven’t hidden their excitement about Sims’ potential in leading their offense this season. However, with Thompson and Logan Smothers (Jacksonville State) now gone, there is a significant drop-off in the rest of the QB room.

Chubba Purdy made two starts in six appearances last season as a redshirt freshman, but his performances left plenty to be desired. He went 0-2 while completing just 22-of-48 passes for 147 yards and rushing 24 times for 73 yards and two touchdowns. The Huskers scored a combined 16 points in his two starts.

Heinrich Haarberg received some buzz this spring after essentially being written off by the previous staff. But while he has ideal size (6-5, 210) and athleticism, his inexperience remains a concern. The former Kearney, Nebraska, standout hasn’t taken a live game snap in nearly three years.

Pair that lack of proven depth with Sims’ recent injury history, and NU could be walking a slippery slope under center in 2023. The junior missed the Yellowjackets’ final five games last season due to a foot sprain.

How much will the offensive line improve?

As usual, it won’t matter who’s at quarterback or how much firepower Nebraska has at the skill positions if the offensive line doesn’t take a massive step forward.

Rhule raised some eyebrows by retaining NU o-line coach Donovan Railoa to his staff, and the Huskers will be rolling with primarily the same group up front. They did add an important piece in Arizona State transfer Ben Scott, who immediately solidified the No. 1 center job in the spring.

What Rhule and Co. are banking on is that all of the offensive line’s continuity will translate into noticeable improvement this season. However, that will require players who have struggled over the years to make jumps.

It will start with the tackles. The Huskers have posted some of the lowest collective PFF tackle pass-blocking grades of any team in the country over the past two years. Left tackle Teddy Prochazka, who’s had two straight seasons ended early by injury, needs to stay healthy. Bryce Benhart needs to realize his potential – Rhule called him an NFL player – at right tackle.

They’ll also be banking on Nouredin Nouili stepping up at guard after serving a season-long suspension in 2022. Scott must be the leader NU hopes at center, and someone must emerge as a mainstay opposite Nouili at guard.

Can the defensive line hold up?

Winning in the Big Ten always comes down to winning in the trenches. Along with the questions on the offensive line, Nebraska has plenty to figure out on its defensive front.

The unit’s lack of established veteran depth is arguably as great of a concern as any for the Huskers entering the fall. Ty Robinson, Nash Hutmacher, and Blaise Gunnerson are back, but the dearth of experience after them is undeniable.

The good news was that NU added some much-needed talent on the d-line through the portal and its 2023 freshman class. Texas A&M transfer Elijah Jeudy should be an immediate contributor up front, as could JUCO transfer Kai Wallin.

Nebraska also saw impressive flashes from early-enrollee freshmen edges Cam Lenhardt and Princewill Umanmielen this spring. Both players are expected to be fixtures in the rotation this season, and other freshmen like Jason Maciejczak and Riley Van Poppel could join them in the fall.

A couple of former tight ends – AJ Rollins and Brodie Tagaloa – could also factor in after surprisingly strong springs at their new positions.

Until some of those new additions and young players establish themselves, though, the play of the defensive line will be one of Nebraska’s most season-defining questions.

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