Husker Big Red Daily: Nebraska O-line starters seem set after Geep Wade update, latest recruiting buzz

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The Nebraska football offensive line has felt like it has been set in stone since the spring.

There was talk about Gunnar Gottula making things interesting at right tackle, but in listening to Geep Wade’s interview with Kyle Crooks of the Huskers Radio Network Thursday night, it’s pretty clear who the top five are right now. Actually, it’s clear who the top seven are.

When asked about the three transfers: Brendan Black, Paul Mubenga, and Tree Babalade, who bring almost 60 combined starts in the SEC and Big 12 to Nebraska, Wade said they were “grown men.”

Wade, in his first as O-line coach, raved about their toughness and physicality. He said the group wasn’t perfect. Wade said he wants Justin Evans to “run more” and use his athleticism more. Wade also said he expects “big things” from Elijah Pritchett this season.

Pritchett has started 20 career games between Alabama and Nebraska. If healthy, he should start every game on the blindside for the Huskers in 2026. Gottula, who has 16 career starts at right and left tackle, has played both positions in fall camp. He has even played some at right guard, which might be his best position.

Gottula could be the perfect swing tackle this season, someone who could fill in on the right or left side in a pinch. Tyler Knaak is doing the same at guard, and it feels like the coaching staff has confidence in seven of those guys.

Wade said he feels like Nebraska football has seven starters, which is a good thing, but it feels like there is a wide gulf between the starters and the rest, if anyone beyond those first seven has to play,

Nebraska football is trending up with key 2028 targets

The Huskers have a bunch of 2028 recruits coming to campus for games. The board is still taking shape, but it’s good to see Nebraska building the foundation for another solid class.

As far as two 2028 recruits who are top priorities, one is four-star EDGE Owen Price out of Grand Island, Nebraska. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound EDGE has gotten six offers since the Huskers offered a scholarship on June 8.

Price is ranked No. 298 overall in the 2028 class, via the 247 Sports composite rankings. He’s No. 1 in Nebraska, but already has a crystal ball in favor of the Huskers. Oregon, Kansas State, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, and Penn State have also joined the fray.

Tim Verghese of Inside Nebraska reported that Price was going to visit for three games this fall. More heavy hitters could join the mix with an offer, but the Huskers are in the pole position, at least for now. Verghese also said he was “close” to projecting elite Tayaun Lawrence to land with Nebraska. He’s a top-125 recruit overall.

Nebraska fans have wanted the program to be solid on both lines, and at least the Huskers are putting in the effort to make that a reality again.

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