The Nebraska Cornhuskers are primed for a big season in 2025 and not just because it is Matt Rhule's third season with the team. Looking at Rhule's history, he always seems to really take a step forward in his third season with a team, and history seems to be repeating itself at Nebraska.
However, this team is primed for a big season with some of the returning players, players Rhule has brought in from the transfer portal, and a great recruiting class. Looking at Nebraska's roster for the 2025 season, while they may not be in the elite group of teams in the Big Ten just yet, they are certainly strong contenders.
So here are five players who solidify the Cornhuskers as contenders for the 2025 season.
QB Dylan Raiola
It should be no surprise that sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola is on this list. Coming last year as a true freshman, Raiola had so much hype around him, and not just for his playing style. Raiola also received a lot of attention for his uncanny resemblance to Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes. While his play didn't always resemble Mahomes's, he certainly had his moments.
Raiola is coming in with more experience this season and is looking to cut down on turnovers and make bigger plays for Nebraska this upcoming season. The former 5-star recruit threw for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns last season but also had 11 interceptions. With an improvement in offensive weapons and maturing in the offseason, Raiola is primed to be exactly what Nebraska needs him to be.
RB Emmett Johnson
Emmett Johnson broke out later in the 2024 season, especially against Wisconsin and in the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College. In the last four games of the season, Johnson received double-digit carries and over 50 rushing yards in each game. His best showing came against the Badgers when he had 113 rushing yards, but no touchdowns.
Johnson is coming in as the projected starting back for the Cornhuskers this season, and with 598 total rushing yards and 286 total receiving yards in 2024, he is looking like a strong back. Having a great catching back is great, especially for a younger quarterback, as the dump on in the slant can always be there.
S Deshon Singleton
DeShon Singleton was the leader on the 2024 defense with 71 total tackles, 45 solo tackles, three passes defended, and one interception. For a defense that was middle of the road in 2024, Singleton's return is big for the Cornhuskers in 2025.
Singleton should be the anchor in the middle of the field for Nebraska in 2025 and could be a top cornerback in college football heading into the season. The secondary needs help this next season, and Singleton will be that help.
LB Vincent Shavers
Vincent Shavers is coming back as a young linebacker this season and had a huge performance in the Pinstripe Bowl with six tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. For the season as a whole, Shavers had 25 tackles, 12 solo tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Along with Singleton, Shavers should be a big leader on the defense for Nebraska this season.
TE Luke Lindenmeyer
This one may surprise people as Luke Lindemeyer didn't get a lot of action in 2024, only five catches to be exact. However, with both tight ends he sat behind last year gone, Lindenmeyer is the top choice for the tight end position for the Cornhuskers.
With being the projected top tight end as the only returning tight end to Nebraska, Lindenmeyer has the opportunity to make a big impact and the most of his time on the field in 2025 as a great blocker and pass catcher.