Nebraska football should target at least one Notre Dame O-line transfer

Nebraska football has done some solid work in the transfer portal. According to 247 Sports, the Huskers, who have signed 15 transfers, have a top-10 class.

However, when Pete Nakos of On3.com put out a list of teams with work to do in the spring transfer portal window, Nebraska football was listed as one with work to do.

That’s something many fans will agree with. Nebraska did add Elijah Pritchett to the offensive line, but there was hope among the fanbase, and probably among the coaching staff too, that they wanted to add multiple starters.

Nebraska was in the mix for offensive tackle Shiyazh Pete up until he committed to Kentucky. The Huskers are losing multiple starters from last season including right tackle Bryce Benhart and center Ben Scott.

With Gunnar Gottula back, Pritchett is essentially the replacement for Benhart, whether he plays on the right or left side. Justin Evan-Jenkins could move to center, but that leaves a spot open on the interior, which is why Nebraska should consider targeting one or two of the recent Notre Dame offensive line transfers.

A chance for Nebraska football to shore up the offensive line

There have been four transfers from Notre Dame this week and two who started during the run to the national title game — Rocco Spinder and Pat Cooglan. Spindler was a top-100 recruit in the 2021 class. He’s started 23 career games for the Irish, including 13 this season. Cooglan also started 13 games for Notre Dame, but neither was a starter coming out of fall camp.

Dylan Raiola started following Spindler on social but that doesn’t mean much. However, a proven starter, either at guard or center would be valuable. Sean Callahan of Husker Online reported recently that Nebraska football is up against the spring scholarship limit, so it would have to be a special player if there was one added.

I’m not sure if Cooglan or Spindler qualify. But if this program is serious about being a playoff contender, the offensive line needs to improve. Adding Pritchett was a start, but doesn’t feel like enough.

Adding Spindler or Cooglan would shore up another starting spot with a blue-chip player. That’s a no-brainer and if the Huskers can afford to add or or the other, they should at least try.

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