5 freshmen who’ll make impacts for Nebraska football in 2025

Heading into the 2025 season, Nebraska football has a great blend of talent and experience. The Huskers signed 20 recruits in the 2025 class. 12 of them were ranked as blue-chip prospects.

We didn’t know that Archie Wilson would be part of the 2025 class, but he is a freshman. He’s also going to be a starter, and a “weapon” according to special teams coach Mike Ekeler.

There are a few freshmen who could see the field this season for the Huskers — a couple on offense, a couple on defense, plus at least one on special teams, although Wilson won’t be the only freshman on special teams.

However, in terms of impactful freshmen, here are the top five for the Huskers in 2025.

Archie Wilson

We know that Wilson is going to start. Matt Rhule has raved about him and his ability to punt with his left and right foot. Rhule called it a “game-changer.” If Wilson really can rugby punt to either side, that would be a weapon.

Beyond the fact that Wilson should be good right away, he’ll have four years of eligibility. This was a home-run pickup by Ekeler. Wilson might not be an all-conference player right away, but eventually, it feels like the Huskers will have one of the best punters in the Big Ten.

Cortez Mills

The 6-foot, 185-pound freshman from Florida is dynamic. He’s a deep threat and has already worked his way into the top four at wide receiver along with Dane Key, Nyziah Hunter, and Jacory Barney.

Outside of Wilson, Mills is the freshman’s name I’d expect to hear the most in Week 1. Some opposing team will have its third or fourth-best cornerback on Mills, which is a recipe for disaster, for them at least.

Rhule once compared Mills to Devonta Smith. Truth be told, he’s probably the most talented wide receiver on the roster, which will show up on the field this season.

Isaiah Mozee

The Kansas City, Missouri, prospect was supposed to play wide receiver at Nebraska, but with a need in the backfield, the former high school WR/RB changed positions.

Mozee had over 600 yards rushing during his high school career. He’s comfortable with the ball in his hands and was also a returner. In 2024, he had 52 carries for 420 yards, plus three punt return touchdowns.

His pass-catching ability will come in handy, too. The biggest concern for him is pass protection. It can be an issue for young backs. Mekhi Nelson excels at it. Emmett Johnson does, too. Picking up that skill will be important, but as long as Mozee does that, he’ll see the field plenty this season.

Dawson Merritt

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker has generated plenty of positive buzz during fall camp, probably more than any other freshman defender.

I fully expect him to be on the field on special teams almost right away. Ekeler said he prefers to play younger players in the kicking game, if possible. Merritt will make that possible. He had 141 tackles over the past two seasons in high school, plus 14 sacks and 28 tackles for loss.

Merritt can play all three linebacker positions. In addition to his versatility, Merritt is extremely talented. He’s someone who should play in every game for Nebraska football this season.

Kade Pietrzak

The top-ranked player from North Dakota enrolled at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds. Nebraska football signed him after winning a head-to-head battle against Oklahoma.

The pass rush has been fine the past two seasons. It could be better, though. Dasan McCullough will help at EDGE. Williams Nwaneri, Keona Davis, Cameron Lenhardt, and Jordan Ochoa are some of the other top pass rushers.

After some adjusting to college football, Pietrzak should make an impact this season. Lenhardt did as a freshman, and for what it’s worth, Pietrzak has turned heads in fall camp.

He will burn his redshirt and will have at least 10 tackles this season, along with a sack or two.

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