Now that the Nebraska football team has officially finished its season, it’s time to look at the 2025 campaign. However, before it finished up the year with its Pinstripe Bowl win, it was able to take advantage of something it hadn’t been able to for many, many years.
The Huskers have talked a lot about the extra practices they were allowed for bowl prep. And while some of those practices were indeed getting ready for Boston College, they were also useful for other reasons.
The Nebraska football team was able to work out early enrollee quarterback TJ Lateef. He was able to join the squad to get ready for the Pinstripe Bowl, despite the fact that there was zero chance he was able to actually play in the game.
Nebraska early enrollee QB TJ Lateef in action at practice this week https://t.co/tnAqiN1b6f
— Tim Verghese (@TimVerghese) December 24, 2024
Nebraska football gets to take advantage of early enrollee rules
Lateef's arrival marked a turning point for the program, providing him with a head start in adapting to the college game. The additional practices allowed him to learn the playbook, build rapport with teammates, and familiarize himself with the speed and intensity of collegiate competition.
While NCAA rules prevented Lateef from participating in the actual bowl game, the experience gained during these sessions was invaluable for both the young quarterback and the team.
This head start isn’t just about one player; it’s emblematic of Nebraska’s evolving approach to development. With early enrollees, the Huskers can begin laying the groundwork for the next season well in advance.
For a team looking to climb back into national relevance, every advantage matters. The 2025 campaign will show if this forward-thinking approach translates to success on the field for the Nebraska football team.