3 things left on Nebraska football offseason to-do list

After a 20-15 win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl, which clinched the first winning season for Nebraska football since 2016, the Huskers can turn their attention to the offseason.

And for the first time in a long time, they have some positive momentum. The 2024 season didn’t end in disappointment. Sure, if the ball had bounced differently, or if Nebraska football had a competent long-snapper, the Huskers could have finished 9-4.

Still, Nebraska went to the postseason and won a game for the first time in almost a decade. The Huskers have an up-and-coming starting quarterback in Dylan Raiola and plenty of reasons to be optimistic heading into the 2025 season.

Yet, here are three things that Nebraska football still needs to achieve this offseason.

Get a new special teams coach

This is clear to anyone who watched Nebraska football this season. I’m sure Ed Foley has worked hard, but the results just aren’t there to justify another season.

Special teams have been a constant headache throughout the Matt Rhule era. It’s time to fix it. Rhule himself said that special teams needed an “overhaul” after a blocked punt and a blocked PAT on Saturday.

You can’t have an overhaul with the same coach. Rhule needs to do what he did with the offense: Fire an ineffective coach and get someone who can do the job.

Special teams can’t hold this program back anymore. The Huskers addressed some key needs in the portal (long-snapper, punter, and returner) now it’s time to find a new special teams coach.

Add running back depth

Kwinten Ives scored a touchdown on Saturday but got just one carry. There are some talented players behind Emmett Johnson, but the Huskers need to add a running back from the transfer portal.

Johnson is going to be RB1. There’s no doubt about that, but it’s hard to survive the Big Ten schedule, even with one great running back.

Michigan tried to make it through a season with Blake Corum running the ball 20-25 times per game and his body broke down. Ohio State had two elite running backs last year. Penn State did too.

I love Jamarion Parker and Connor Booth. There is plenty of upside in the backfield, but if this team is serious about making a run at the College Football Playoff, they need to add another proven running back.

Add more bodies to the trenches

Nebraska football needs a couple of offensive linemen from the transfer portal. The focus seems to be on an offensive tackle and an interior player.

There will be plenty of time to add players over the next few weeks. More will trickle into the portal since any player has five days after their team’s season ends to enter even though the deadline was Dec. 28.

Grant Brix or someone along those lines could start inside if needed, but another offensive tackle is a must. I wouldn’t mind if they added two guys capable of playing tackle from the transfer portal.

On defense, a defensive tackle would be nice. Maybe Nebraska fooball is planning to use more four-man fronts, but there isn’t a replacement for Nash Hutmacher on this roster.

Elijah Jeudy and Riley Van Poppel would essentially handle the role right now, but if the chance arises, a 320-330-pounder who can stuff the run would be perfect.

Outside of that, the roster is in a good spot, and with a favorable schedule, playoff contention should be a reality in 2025.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel. You can also find our podcast on Apple or Spotify.