Husker Big Red Daily: New starting kicker, offensive changes, recruiting buzz

Welcome to Husker Big Red Daily, your daily stop for the latest Nebraska football news, recruiting buzz, transfer portal updates, and Huskers headlines. Here’s a quick look at the latest storylines surrounding Nebraska athletics.

There was a change in the starting lineup this week that could have a big impact on Nebraska football moving forward, as John Hohl will handle the place-kicking duties.

Kyle Cunanan missed a critical field goal against Washington last week in the fourth quarter from short range. He missed another against Indiana. So Matt Rhule announced that John Hohl will take over.

Hohl made 10 of 15 kicks for Nebraska football back in the 2024 season. He was 3-for-3 against Ohio State. However, he also missed some key kicks. There was a miss against Illinois with just over two minutes left. He also missed a kick in the 13-10 loss to Iowa.

So, it remains to be seen if this is an upgrade. Hohl did make his one attempt last week.

Nebraska football offensive changes

The Huskers aren’t making major personnel changes, but they are adjusting. Dana Holgorsen and Geep Wade will each be in the booth.

Offensive coordinators are often in the booth. The same can’t be said for the offensive line, but maybe the perch will give Wade a better viewpoint. Lonnie Teasley will be down on the sidelines, so he can coach the technique stuff. It’s interesting, though. I’ve never heard of an offensive line coach being in the booth.

That makes me think Geep might have a bigger role in the play-calling, or maybe Rhule wants him to have a bigger role. Either way, Nebraska needs to be more patient running the football.

Matt Rhule also said on the radio Wednesday night that Anthony Colandrea just needs to be himself.

“When you’re the quarterback, everyone’s looking to you. So we don’t want him to be too much. But we do want him to be Ant,” Rhule said. “Ant’s a dynamic player. I want him to run around and make plays. Be in the quarterback run game. I don’t want him to listen to, ‘Don’t run it. Be in the pocket.’ When you’re in the pocket, be great in the pocket. When you’re outside the pocket, go be you.”

Nebraska is ‘team to beat’ for 4-star tight end Israel Johnigan

Tim Verghese of Hurrdat Sports reported that Nebraska football is the team to beat in the recruitment of four-star tight end Israel Johnigan.

The blue-chip tight end out of Missouri is part of the 2028 class. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder is ranked No. 216 overall, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He visited for the Washington game and has taken multiple trips to Lincoln.

The one complication is that Oregon and Notre Dame have offered recently.

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