When Nebraska starts the season against Ohio early next month, most analysts believe Mekhi Nelson will be RB1. There hasn’t been any indication that will change, but true freshman Jamal Rule is doing everything he can to change the narrative. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said as much when he hinted Rule is moving quickly to the RB2 spot at the very least.
"He doesn't look like a freshman to me,” Holgorsen said after Friday’s practice. The NU OC added that Rule came into the spring looking more like a freshman who was plenty nervous. However, the big back has settled in over the summer and impressed in fall camp. His improvement has included being a better blocker. "Encouraged where he's at. He's going to play. We'll see it here in a few weeks."
Rule keeps picking up believers as the summer rolls out. Last month, CBS Sports named the Nebraska freshman as one of the most “overlooked” players in the Big Ten. That article was at least the third or fourth time in the last few weeks that Jamal Rule was singled out as a potential breakout player.
It happened again earlier this month when Fansided.com’s Chris Landers listed eight breakout candidates in the Big Ten. Rule was joined by Indiana safety Byron Baldwin Jr., Ohio State linebacker Payton Pierce, Michigan wide receiver JJ Buchanan, USC defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart, Oregon linebacker Nasir Wyatt, Penn State offensive tackle Malachi Goodman, and Washington wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck.
Jamal Rule pushes Mekhi Nelson in Nebraska football running back battle
“He wasn't all that well-regarded out of high school, a three-star recruit who chose Nebraska over Virginia Tech, Syracuse, and Michigan State,” Landers wrote. “From the moment he stepped on campus this spring, though, the buzz has been building, and it sure sounds like he'll get the first crack at lining up next to QB Anthony Colandrea in Week 1. If the Huskers have a running game, this offense should have everything it needs to make some noise in the Big Ten.”
At the moment, one could take issue with Landers’ assertion that Rule will get “first crack” at starting running back. Mekhi Nelson is someone the coaching staff has raved about since Emmett Johnson declared for the draft and he stepped in. Still, Nelson was also away from the team for a few months as legal issues were pending in Florida.
Reinstated just ahead of Big Ten Media Days, it's still his job to lose. However, the way Rule has played so far in camp, there’s a legitimate position battle.
Landers is also correct in his assertion that if NU can come up with a potent running game, it should have everything it needs to be a contender in the Big Ten. Nebraska just needs to find the right combination on the ground, and it could surprise people who claim the program shouldn’t expect any better than another 7-6 campaign.
Dana Holgorsen on Jamal Rule: "He doesn't look like a freshman to me." A little nervous in the spring but settled in the summer. Also doing a solid job in protection. "Encouraged where he's at. He's going to play. We'll see it here in a few weeks."
— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) August 14, 2026
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