Could Matt Rhule’s latest move yield a new starting running back for Nebraska?

One thing that Nebraska football fans should appreciate about head coach Matt Rhule is that, in terms of adding to the roster, he leaves no stone unturned.

Late additions have sort of been his thing at Nebraska. There was Jayln Gramstad, Ceyair Wright, and now Tikey Hayes, the former Penn State running back who spent one season with the Nittany Lions in 2025.

The former four-star recruit played in the bowl game for Penn State. He had three carries for 18 yards and also showed some solid pass protection skills.

Hayes entered the portal after essentially being No. 3 on the depth chart last season behind two Penn State running backs, who are now in the NFL. He ended up at Iowa Western. He was slated to be their starter. Instead, Nebraska football found a way to get him on the roster.

What does Tikey Hayes mean for Nebraska football RB room?

You can add players from the portal at any time. So this was a great find and one that could have an impact on the Nebraska football running back depth chart this season.

Some have floated the idea that Hayes could compete for the starting job, Steve Sipple being one of them.

“I will jump the gun on a lot of stuff. What I’m saying is: This (Tikey Hayes) could be your starter. He could be… what would set any of those (current Nebraska RBs) apart from Hayes?… Now, why do I say that? Because he’s good!” Sipple said on 93,7 The Ticket. 

Hayes isn’t just a guy. He was recruited by a bunch of Big Ten schools, and the right ones. Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Maryland offered, along with Tennessee. Hayes had over 7,000 rushing yards in high school. He’s also 6-foot, 200 pounds.

Hayes is the second-highest rated running back in terms of recruiting ranking. Isaiah Mozee is the only other four-star in the room, but he was recruited as a wide receiver before making the switch.

It seems as though Mekhi Nelson will be on the roster. If so, he feels like the starter, unless there is some sort of fallout for his legal situation, even if the charges were dropped. Jamal Rule should have a role, too, along with Mozee, who produced in limited touches last season.

Nebraska football suddenly has more depth. Hayes will have to learn the playbook to earn an opportunity to start, but running back is easier than most positions. It might take a few games into the season, but Hayes could easily be a factor in the starting running back job.

At the very least, the Huskers are deeper and better in the short term and the long term, thanks to a wise move by Rhule.

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