5 2024 signees that’ll make early impacts for Nebraska football

Nebraska football signed 29 recruits in the 2024 class and here are five that will make an early impact for the Huskers in 2024.

Looking back in a few years, the 2024 recruiting class could be a turning point for Nebraska football. Not only does the class include a five-star quarterback, but there are also three top-100 signees according to the 247 Sports composite rankings, as well as eight blue-chip recruits total.

When you consider key in-state commitments from players like Elite 11 QB Daniel Kaelin, Dae’Vonn Hall, Isaiah McMorris, and Caleb Benning, as well as a bunch of other dudes who feel underrated, this class is solid all-around.

There are some holes, such as the obvious one at running back. But Nebraska football signed a top-20 class with a five-star quarterback so it deserves an A. Going further, here are five dudes who will see time on the field next season for the Huskers.

QB Dylan Raiola

This one is pretty obvious. Some Nebraska football fans are holding out hope that the Huskers add a quarterback from the portal, but I’m not sure why. Heinrich Haarberg won five games last season as a starter and won’t be a bad emergency quarterback if needed.

The present and future is Raiola. He’s a generational talent and I fully expect him to be the opening-day starter for Nebraska next season. Talent matters, especially at that position. Raiola is also very polished and his impact on the Huskers will be instant.

TE/ATH Carter Nelson

Nelson is ranked as the No. 61 player in the 2024 Sports composite rankings. He’s 43rd overall in 247 Sports own rankings and the talent is apparent. Tight end seems to be his best fit at the college level, but Matt Rhule talked about him running the ball too. He’s 6-foot-4, 205 pounds. Nelson has played quarterback, running back, and pretty much everything for his 8-man team.

There could be some adjustment time for Nelson, but he’s an elite athlete. The Huskers will find ways to get the ball into this hands and by November, Nelson should be a fixture in the offense. At the very least, he will have a role.

WR Jacory Barney

A four-star wide receiver from Miami, Jacory Barney is another guy who will have the chance to make an impact next season. Malachi Coleman and Jaylen Lloyd should have big roles at receiver next season, but the Huskers are pretty thin after that.

Nebraska looks like it wants to add a transfer. However, a guy like Barney has speed and is an impressive deep threat even though he’s listed at 6-foot, 160 pounds. Barney can play in the slot or the outside and with an accurate deep-ball quarterback, he will create some explosive plays, sort of like Coleman and Lloyd did last season with four touchdown catches combined of 40 yards or more.

LB Vincent Shavers

It feels like Shavers could have a shot to play the weak-side linebacker position vacated by Luke Reimer or he could play the JACK position. He’s been a productive player who has played as a stand-up pass rusher before. Shavers is listed at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds. Nebraska has him listed as a linebacker.

Shavers is ranked No. 550 overall according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. Sort of like at wide receiver, Nebraska could be looking for linebacker depth from the transfer portal. But as we saw last season, if young guys are ready, they will play and I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Shavers getting defensive snaps next fall, especially since he will be enrolling early.

DB Caleb Benning

One of my personal favorites in this class is Caleb Benning. He’s a perfect fit for the 3-3-5 defense in the sense that he can play multiple spots in the secondary. He’s also a solid tackler and has a knack for finding the ball.

After being hurt for part of his junior season, Benning had 43 tackles, 7 TFL, and six interceptions this past season for Westside. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown and averaged 10.1 yards per punt return on 32 attempts.

Whether it’s on defense or special teams, Benning will make an early impact next season. He’s probably going to be more of a sub-package player next well, as well as a potential special-teamer, but he’s going to outplay his ranking and we’ll see signs of that next season.

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.