4 thoughts on a crazy day for Nebraska football

In terms of news, Nebraska football fans probably feel like their heads are spinning.

All in one day, Nebraska football made the hire of Dana Holgorsen official, lost defensive coordinator Tony White, lost multiple players to the transfer portal, including one (Jimari Butler) who already announced his return, then it was reported that Garret McGuire wasn’t going to be retained, before it was reported that he was, in a different role.

So yes, Monday was one of the crazier days Nebraska football fans have probably experienced, at least in the offseason and things are just getting started.

The good news is that Holgorsen was retained. That was essential and as much as I love White and what he did the past two seasons, Dana was the coordinator Nebraska really needed to keep.

If your head is spinning, you aren’t alone. Here are some thoughts on a crazy day for Nebraska football.

Keeping Holgorsen was essential

The most important thing for the future success of Nebraska football is the development of Dylan Raiola and the addition of Holgorsen helped him take a step in the right direction down the stretch.

The Iowa game is what it is but it’s Iowa and it was Raiola’s first start against Iowa (and Phil Parker). Outside of the strip stack, he played well and if Isaiah Neyor catches a perfect pass in the fourth quarter, it might be a touchdown.

At worst, Nebraska takes the lead on a field goal. But with Cortez Mills projected to flip to the Huskers, along with Jacory Barney, Carter Nelson, Quinn Clark, Isaiah McMorris, Dae’vonn Hall, and others on the roster, the future is exciting.

I’m hopeful that Dante Dowdell and Emmett Johnson will each return. Nebraska also needs another playmaker at wide receiver from the portal, but Holgorsen will make all that easier.

Garret McGuire, according to a report from Sam McKeon of The Omaha-World Herald, will remain with the program in an adjusted role. I don’t know exactly what that means but McGuire is a strong recruiter and could be an asset.

There might be time to help him develop into a solid receivers coach too, but Holgorsen needs to have his fingerprints on that room, even if McGuire does stay. That room needs to be more productive.

Tony White’s not-shocking departure from Nebraska football

Tony White flirted with USC and his departure for Florida State shouldn’t shock anyone. I know some Nebraska football fans are wondering why White would leave for a 2-10 program, but the Noles won double-digit games in the previous two seasons and won the ACC title in 2023.

The Seminoles aren’t in the Big Two. But they are still a big-time program and if White can turn things around there defensively, it might be a better path to a head coaching job. He’ll have more talent to work with and more resources in the transfer portal.

The real kick in the groin was Terrance Knighton leaving with him. I expected Knighton to get an NFL job, not leave for Florida State. I’m sure there is a hefty pay raise and good for Pot Roast. He was a dude on the trail but I’d be worried about every D-line commitment (and the dudes on the roster).

We saw Jimari Butler leave after announcing his return. That has to be connected to White/Knighton leaving. It wouldn’t be shocking if others followed. Vincent Carroll-Jackson also entered the portal, as did running back Gave Ervin.

Losing Butler hurts

The loss of Jimari Butler stings. Some Nebraska fans didn’t want him back, but the 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive lineman had 22 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and one fumble recovery. He’s got 7.5 sacks over the past two seasons and has developed into a stellar run defender.

Butler was a two-year starter and teams will be in hot pursuit. Elijah Jeudy announced his return which gives Nebraska one option to start. Riley Van Poppel is another.

However, Nebraska football already needed a nose tackle. Now, they need another proven starter since the only one expected back on the D-line is now gone.

Who will be DC?

The next big decision for Matt Rhule is the defensive coordinator. John Butler, the secondary coach, will surely be an option. He’s a good one too. I love coordinators that come from the NFL.

Rhule’s former DC, Phil Snow, who has been working as an analyst for Nebraska, could be a candidate but I feel like the Huskers will opt for a younger candidate.

Rob Dvoracek is another internal name that might be considered. He’s never called plays though so that seems risky and Rhule can’t afford a risk.

Butler feels like the one option on the staff that makes sense, but if Rhule wants to adjust to a different scheme, now is his chance.

Either way, this is one hire Rhule can’t mess up.

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