Husker Big Red Daily: Isaiah Mozee trending in Nebraska RB battle, plus fall camp and recruiting buzz

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Nebraska football held an open practice on Tuesday as the Huskers continue with fall camp. Only a portion of the practice was open to the media, but there was still plenty to be observed.

One key observation came at the running back spot, where it appeared as though Isaiah Mozee was getting all the No. 1 reps. He was at least getting the first reps in all of the drills. Maybe that doesn’t mean anything. However, according to Steve Sipple, it could mean something.

On 93.7 The Ticket, Sipple, a well-known Nebraska football insider, said, “There are some insiders that have told me, ‘You need to mention Mozee more as a possible starter. Isaiah Mozee is 100% a threat to start at running back.”

Mozee has worked his way to 215 pounds after joining the program as a wide receiver. Last season, he touched the ball 40 times for 270 yards. His 26 rushing attempts went for 115 yards (4.4 per carry). The sophomore has worked specifically on being a better runner inside the tackles.

Mekhi Nelson will have a role, too. Or vice versa. This isn’t going to be a bell-cow situation like it was in 2025 for Nebraska football. Mozee, Nelson, and Jamal Rule are probably all going to have roles this season. But as far as the starting running back, today, it feels like Mozee is trending in the right direction.

Other quick-hitters from Nebraska football open practice

Sipple also mentioned that Victor Evans has been running with the No. 1’s a lot on defense. However, Rob Aurich said to the media that Jeremiah Charles was having a strong camp. Danny Odem also got mentioned by Addison Williams. 

Regardless of who starts, Nebraska will need plenty of snaps from beyond Andrew Marshall and Donovan Jones, who is the nickel. Evans, Charles, and Odem should all have roles to play.

The linebacker room is also getting interesting. Vincent Shavers might have to come off the bench this season because Dexter Foster and Owen Chambliss appear to have locked down those starting jobs, at least if open practice was any indication.

Beyond that, the Huskers lived up to being Matt Rhule’s biggest team. This Nebraska team has 26 300-pounders. Nine of those are on the defensive line, although one of them, Gabe Moore, suffered an injury during practice.

Nebraska leads for 2028 four-star recruits

Four-star tight end Israel Johnigan is a name that Nebraska fans need to know. Out of the Kansas City area, the 6-foot-5, 215-pounder is ranked No. 299 overall, according to Rivals. Iowa State is a slight leader according to Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine, but the Huskers will host him for a Gameday visit this fall and lead for the blue-chip tight end, according to Bryan Munson of Husker Online. 

The Huskers are also in a strong spot with four-star wideout Baron Marshall. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound wideout is ranked No. 203 overall in the 2028 class, according to Rivals. Nebraska football has hosted him for six visits already, and the Huskers lead via the Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine.

Nebraska has done really well in the Kansas City area, thanks in large part to Jamar Mozee, and it feels like more blue-chippers are coming to Lincoln in 2028, including Johnigan and Marshall.

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