Everything is happening!

We’re not even a week into fall camp for Nebraska, but it feels like a lot has happened already.

Photo courtesy Nebraska Athletics

We’re not even a week into fall camp for Nebraska, but it feels like a lot has happened already. After a long offseason, that’s never a bad thing though, right?

Here are a few of the recent highlights that have captured my attention.

The start of something new (for Nebraska)

A practice benefitting 1890 Nebraska, the Huskers’ official collective for name, image and likeness, took place on Saturday. While a first for Nebraska, the Huskers are not alone in taking this kind of approach.

"In college now, this is the new normal,” Rhule said ahead of Saturday’s practice. “An article came out the other day about Alabama, us and Ohio State all doing this. To me on our end, it's a good faith gesture. 1890 has done so much, they've stepped up so much, and the fans and the donors and the people who give to 1890 have stepped up so much. You understand football coaches, you guys certainly understand me. I don't want anybody watching our live practices but I can't sit there and ask and not give back, so to me I hope everyone has a good time tonight.

"And then I hope the 3,500 people that come tonight turns into 10,000 next year, turns into 20,000."

Yes, Memorial Stadium hosted approximately 3,500 Nebraska fans on Saturday for the Big Red Preview — a scrimmage where fans paid $25 to be in attendance. And what fans saw wasn’t all fluff. It was a real, legitimate Nebraska football practice.

Some programs, like Minnesota, have taken it a step further already. The Gophers essentially gate kept their spring game this past spring, opting out of the traditional spring showcase and instead creating an opportunity for fans to see Minnesota in action as members of Dinkeytown Athletes collective. One practice was open to the public (at not cost), while the other required a membership.¹

For Nebraska, coach Matt Rhule was clear that the Huskers would not charge for something that had previously been free. That meant Nebraska wouldn’t slap a cost on Fan Day or something of that sort. The decision to open up a practice in this way is relatively new — the student section has previously been able to attend a fall practice for free as part of the “Boneyard Bash” — which provided an opportunity to do something different.

And yes, even Rhule’s family had to pay the $25 per person. It’s a fundraiser after all, Rhule reminded a few times leading up to the event. 

“Moving forward in this new model, we have to find ways to raise revenue and support 1890,” Rhule said. “They’ve gone above and beyond and this is a great way to do that, support our roster and support our student-athletes.”

It’s a numbers game

When freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola started wearing No. 15 during spring ball, eyebrows were raised. Not because No. 15 is all that controversial for a quarterback — Patrick Mahomes wears it, and Raiola has already had a number of comparisons to the Kansas City Chiefs QB — but because it’s not a number that is actually available at Nebraska.

As of now, the number on the offensive side of the ball belongs to wide receiver Malachi Coleman. 

Raiola was asked about it last week. What happens if Coleman wants 15?

“We haven’t had our single digits or whatever,” Raiola said. “That’s his plan, but we’ll figure it out when the time comes. We haven’t figured it out yet.”

Here’s the sticking point: No. 15 is Coleman’s unless he earns a single-digit jersey number or he comes to an agreement with Raiola to give the number up. From what Raiola said, that discussion hasn’t been sorted out yet.

In the meantime, if you thought No. 15 was inspired by Mahomes, Raiola cleared that up as well.

“I wore 15 in my first year of football actually (because ) of Tim Tebow,” Raiola said. “A strong Christian person, played football in Florida, and I mean I just look up to people that have good character and a good person, and he was that guy at the time.

“I kind of went away from it. Went to 1. Then, it just felt better to be a 15, honestly. At Buford (High School), funny story, (Georgia safety) KJ Bolden wore No. 1. And when I transferred there, we were trying to work something out like, ‘Can I get No. 1?’ and whatever. Then, it kind of just worked out to be 15 and I just started wearing it. I felt like it fit me and it’s a cool number.”

Grass is coming

Just about a year ago, Counter Read looked at the possibility of grass returning to Memorial Stadium. Former athletic director Trev Alberts played coy when asked, but it’s clear the wheels were in motion. It’s what Rhule was advocating for, and changes were already being made to bring grass to the practice field.

Now we know — thanks to current athletic director Troy Dannen — that grass is coming to Memorial Stadium. It isn’t expected any time before the 2026 season, per Dannen, but it’s on the way. Rhule won’t be in the weeds (no pun intended) regarding the project, however.

“The things I’m worried about in my life right now is whether we can pick up third-down blitzes,” Rhule said, “so that’s kind of something Troy is spearheading.”

Injury updates

In addition to the names Rhule previously provided that would be out to start fall camp — kicker Tristan Alvano, cornerback Blye Hill, fullback Barret Liebentritt, running back Maurice Mazzccua and linebacker Michael Booker — the head coach provided a few more updates to players fan wouldn’t see on Saturday.

Here’s what you need to know:

>> Jaylen Lloyd was out Saturday, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. He was experiencing some tightness and it’s nothing long term.

>> Tommi Hill was also out, but again, nothing to be concerned with. This was just a load management deal, and Rhule joked that fans might see a “fistfight because he wants to practice.”

Speaking of Hill, his GABOS approach makes sense with that in mind.

>> Princewill Umanmielen was also out, but just because he had bumped his knee. It was nothing serious, per Rhule.

>> Henry Lutovsky will likely be out two to three weeks after re-injuring a calf issue he’s been dealing with over the summer. Rhule expects for him to be back by Week 1 of the season.

>> Freshman defensive back Roger Gradney was unfortunately carted off the field on Saturday. It appeared to be a right ankle/foot injury toward the end of the practice, but we’ll have to wait for more information from Rhule this week.

One last thing

This isn’t football related, but still worth noting.

Nebraska volleyball begins practice this afternoon, but a few key participants will be missing — so don’t panic when you see photos and videos surface.

Nebraska volleyball head coach John Cook and seniors Lindsay Krause and Kennedi Orr will be en route to Chicago for the third annual Big Ten Volleyball Media Days. While media days begin Monday, the Huskers will take the stage Tuesday, Aug. 6 at the Big Ten Network Headquarters in Chicago. 

Nebraska will be live in studio on Big Ten Network from 11:05-11:25 a.m. (CT). Immediately following, Nebraska will hold its official press conference from 11:30-11:50 a.m., which will be streamed live on B1G+. 

1. A membership starts at $10 per month.