Friday Five: New looks, old wisdom and what’s next for Nebraska
Nebraska’s third spring practice brought a clearer picture of the offense taking shape under offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. Let's dive in.
Nebraska’s third spring practice brought a clearer picture of the offense taking shape under offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen — and the growing leadership of quarterback Dylan Raiola. With a new system being installed, returning players stepping up and position battles unfolding, this week’s Friday Five — It returns! — dives into the key takeaways from Thursday’s availability.
Let’s get to it.
Dana Holgorsen is reshaping the offense, not reinventing it
Nebraska’s veteran offensive coordinator is known for his Air Raid roots, but don’t expect the Huskers to suddenly become pass-happy. Instead, Holgorsen has spent the offseason carefully adjusting the system he inherited, aiming to increase efficiency and clarity for both Raiola and the offensive line.
“I sat here for a month, watched every cut-up and figured out stuff I wanted to do and didn’t want to do,” Holgorsen said.
After stepping into the play caller role for the final four games last season, Holgorsen has since narrowed down the playbook by 50% and found a rhythm. That means this spring, he’s building on that foundation with tweaks to terminology, sets and route combinations. That said, he’s still keeping what worked from those four games.
“If there are subtle changes in terminology, sets or plays, a majority of it’s going to stay the same. We have good coaches here. This is a good scheme,” he said.
He’s also working closely with offensive line coach Donovan Raiola to ensure everything makes sense up front. Because, you know, that’s a pretty crucial piece of the puzzle.
Holgorsen’s goal is also not to overhaul the system but to evolve it. Nebraska’s offense wasn’t dynamic last year but it was functional. Now it’s about refining the pieces and knowing who the playmakers really are.
“I can take the same offense we had. I can be comfortable with it, but I’ll tweak it based on what I see as good and bad,” Holgorsen said. “That’s what spring football is all about.”
Dylan Raiola is growing as a leader
After a freshman season that saw him flash five-star potential while navigating growing pains, Raiola is settling into his role as QB1. He started spring ball down nearly 10 pounds. He credited a focused approach to conditioning that included cardio, boxing and diet changes but it didn’t happen overnight. Raiola said it took several weeks of work, but he feels the best he ever has now as a result.
He also addressed outside chatter about his weight directly.:
“If I’m going to be honest, it sucks,” he said about some of what was being said online.
Beyond the physical gains though, Raiola is growing into a leadership role. It’s something that didn’t come naturally during his first year in Lincoln, he admits.
Raiola said it’s “easier” though to lead with a year under his belt, but it still takes hard work and consistency. He’s earned trust and he’s pushing himself to be more vocal and accountable, which are qualities that Holgorsen says are critical for his development.
Nebraska’s receiver room looks different and deeper
“It’s like a car guy who loves cars who has a bunch of Ferraris in his garage … It’s been fun,” Raiola said about the new-look group of receivers around him.
That Ferrari room includes returners like Jacory Barney, who is stepping into a leadership role of his own, and newcomers like freshman Cortez Mills. Holgorsen declined to name names this early, but he noted that the room “looks different” and that competition will be fierce.
New Nebraska receivers coach Daikiel Shorts has helped bring consistency and attention to detail, and Barney said his influence is already noticeable.
“The talent is crazy,” Barney said of the group. “It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.”
Emmett Johnson is leading the way for the running backs
There’s been speculation that Nebraska might need to dip into the transfer portal for a running back. Both Holgorsen and Matt Rhule made it clear this week: that’s not the plan right now.
Holgorsen specifically pointed to junior Emmett Johnson as the clear lead back, commenting on how different he looks starting spring ball.
There’s inexperience behind Johnson but plenty of upside. Kwinten Ives had what Holgorsen called a “huge December” and he’s impressed coaches so far this spring. Mekhi Nelson is another name to watch, described as “dynamically explosive” by Rhule. The staff is also high on early enrollees Jamarion Parker and Conor Booth.
But back to the whole transfer portal thing. Rhule’s mindset is simple: let them compete and evaluate after spring.
QB2: “Grandad” knows the offense
If the season started today, Nebraska’s No. 2 quarterback would be Jalyn Gramstad. The senior transfer from NAIA power Northwestern (Iowa) College brings maturity, experience and a strong grasp of the system.
“We call him Granddad,” Holgorsen said. “He really does act like a granddad.”1
Raiola said he personally pushed for Gramstad to return for another year.
“I told him, ‘Dude, I need you,’” Raiola said. “He’s an invaluable resource for me.”
Gramstad got a ton of reps during bowl game prep and has earned the staff’s trust through his work. For now, he holds the backup role while talented but freshmen TJ Lateef and Marcos Davila continue learning the offense.
What’s next?
Spring is about installation, evaluation and steady growth. Holgorsen made it clear on Thursday that there’s a long way to go before the staff knows what this group is fully capable of.
“Between now and Cincinnati in Arrowhead, your guess is as good as mine,” he said.
That’s what makes it fun, right?
As for what’s upcoming, Nebraska will be back on the practice field Saturday to conclude Week 1. The Huskers will then have a couple of days off before hitting the ground running for Week 2:
Tuesday, April 1: Practice (DC John Butler, 3-4 players available to media)
Thursday, April 3: Practice (QB Coach Glenn Thomas, OL Coach Donovan Raiola, 2-4 players available to media)
Saturday, April 5: Practice (Coach Rhule available following practice)
Until next week.
Amazing nickname. No notes.
Excellent article. I'm just not in an emotional place to get excited about the offense. But it's probably going to happen anyway. Just like it does every year.