NEWS FLASH:Four Questions for Nebraska Football Heading Into Spring Ball.
As the Nebraska Cornhuskers gear up for spring ball, fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting answers to some key questions that will shape the program’s success in the 2025 season. With head coach Matt Rhule entering his second year at the helm, Nebraska is looking to build on last season’s progress and continue the climb toward Big Ten contention. Here are four critical questions surrounding the team as they hit the field for spring practices.
**1. Who will emerge as the starting quarterback?**
Perhaps the most pressing question for Nebraska this spring is who will take the snaps as the starting quarterback. With former starter Casey Thompson moving on, the Cornhuskers are looking at a group of quarterbacks vying for the top job. Logically, all eyes will be on incumbent starter Heinrich Haarberg, who showed flashes of promise in limited action last season. However, the addition of Texas transfer quarterback, Jadon Thomas, could throw a wrench into the competition. Spring ball will be crucial in determining who can seize control of the offense and lead the Cornhuskers effectively.
**2. Can the offensive line make the leap?**
Another major focus for Nebraska this spring is the performance of the offensive line. In recent years, Nebraska has struggled to establish a consistent and dominant offensive front, which has limited their ability to sustain drives and protect the quarterback. Under new offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, the Cornhuskers will need to improve their line play if they want to become more competitive in the Big Ten. Players like Teddy Prochazka and Ben Scott are expected to step up, but spring ball will be vital in testing their ability to gel as a unit and execute at a higher level.
**3. Who will step up in the defensive backfield?**
Nebraska’s defense, which was solid last season, needs to find answers in the secondary heading into the spring. With key contributors departing, there are voids to fill at cornerback and safety positions. Nebraska’s defense was known for its aggressive play and ability to generate turnovers, but they will need players like Quinton Newsome and Malcolm Hartzog to step up in a big way. Spring practices will offer a closer look at how these young athletes perform under pressure and if they can rise to the occasion.
**4. Will Nebraska’s depth improve across the board?**
Depth has always been a concern for Nebraska, and Rhule will need to continue developing the roster to compete with the best teams in the Big Ten. Spring ball will be a critical time for evaluating younger players who could provide the team with much-needed depth in various positions. Developing players to contribute as backups or rotate in the game is key to sustaining success throughout the grueling season.
As Nebraska moves forward with its spring preparations, these four questions will dominate the conversation and could determine the trajectory of their 2025 campaign. Fans and coaches alike will be closely watching to see how the Cornhuskers handle these challenges and whether they can start building a program that’s consistently competitive in the Big Ten.
