An offensive lineman Nebraska football should target in transfer portal

Nebraska football has added 11 players via the transfer portal and they have made some major additions along the way.

The Huskers have added four players who are ranked in the top 100 of the 247 Sports transfer rankings: Williams Nwaneri, Dane Key, Nyziah Hunter, and Dasan McCullough. Andrew Marshall, who committed on Christmas Day, should also be a four-star based on his offers and resume.

Marshall will start at cornerback next season. He could be Nebraska’s punt and kickoff returner too. Jaylen George is another player who should play a key role next season. You also have the new punter and long-snapper, plus a blue-chip quarterback and two dudes with big-time upside on defense.

The one glaring need that remains, outside of a true nose tackle, is the offensive line. Nebraska football needs at least one, but probably two starting-caliber tackles or at least someone capable of starting at guard or tackle, which is why former Illinois starter Zy Crisler makes a ton of sense.

Crisler, 6-foot-6, 335 pounds, has been a three-year starter for Illinois but with the new rules for JUCO players, he is entering the transfer portal with one season left to play. Crisler has spent most of his time with Illinois playing guard, but he’s started at right tackle before too. He was also named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2023.

Illinois offensive lineman Zy Crisler has entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247Sports.

The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Crisler has been a three-year starter and two-time honorable mention All-Big Ten selection at Illinois… pic.twitter.com/p4RH7dPagV

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 26, 2024

On Thursday, Crisler entered the portal according to Matt Zenitz of 247 Sports. There hasn’t been any reported interest from Nebraska yet, but the Huskers should pursue Crisler. There won’t be many offensive linemen with three years of starting experience in the Big Ten entering the portal.

Considering its need, Nebraska should take advantage and strike while the iron is hot.

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