Over the last two seasons, it seemed like the Nebraska Cornhuskers were primed to have successful runs to the postseason. Neither year turned out as expected, or even in alignment with how the Huskers started the year, but now, just maybe, Nebraska is actually set up for success.
This offseason, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule worked tirelessly in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail, ensuring that his team was ready for its upcoming schedule. That included and focused on rebuilding and revamping the team's offensive line.
"They're big, I'll tell you that," junior running back Kwinten Ives said about the O-Line. "They can run, and I like that too."
Nebraska coaches and players react to the Huskers’ revamped 2026 offensive line. 👀 pic.twitter.com/BW70jCm6Aa
— Hail Varsity (@HailVarsity) March 5, 2026
Mubenga and Black aren't only OL joining Nebraska
Rhule most notably added three-star interior offensive linemen Brendan Black, who just spent three years as Iowa State's starting right guard, and Paul Mubenga, who played two seasons as LSU's starting left guard.
"Just being able to drop back and sit in the pocket and throw the ball," sophomore quarterback TJ Lateef said. "It starts up front. I can't be who I am, the quarterbacks can't be who they are, running backs can't be who they are, receivers can't go get the ball, unless the O-Line is right."
Of course, Rhule also brought in Geep Wade as his offensive line coach to further revamp the O-Line as the Cornhuskers switch from former starting quarterback Dylan Raiola to an entirely different offense.
"Really impressed with those guys, even the guys coming back," quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas said. "We're in a good place with that. I think they're learning really good. Geep's doing a really good job with them... His energy, his intensity, and his attention to detail."
Beyond the transfer portal, Rhule also brought in a top-100 recruiting class from this cycle, including four-star offensive tackle Claude Mpouma, three-star interior offensive lineman Rex Waterman, and three-star IOL Hayden Ainsworth.
Rhule is putting in the necessary work to ensure that the Cornhuskers are set up for the best possible season this year, and that's exactly what Nebraska needed after last year's lackluster finish.
The Huskers kick off their 2026 season with a home game against the Ohio Bobcats on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Memorial Stadium.