Carter Nelson hopes to show Nebraska football faithful what he can do finally. Count veteran tight end Luke Lindenmeyer among those who believe the former 8-man star has the talent and the know-how to break out in 2026.
“He can do it all,” Lindenmeyer said of Nelson, who’s now listed at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds during Big Ten Media Days earlier this week. “It sucked that he’s had surgeries every offseason he’s been here — hindering his development — but ever since he’s been cleared, he’s been taking off. He’s a great player. With him having the last two years to understand the plays a little bit better, he’s going to have a great year.”
Lindenmeyer doesn’t only think Nelson could have a breakout after two years of frustration and injuries that have greatly limited what he could do in the Nebraska offense. Nelson isn’t the only young tight end who Lindenmeyer thinks could be an impact player sooner rather than later.
Lindenmeyer has been similarly impressed by Luke Sorensen, a true freshman from Anaheim (Calif.) Servite High School. Sorensen, 6-3, 255, can play H-back as well. When Matt Rhule and Co. signed him, there was quite a bit of talk about how Sorensen could offer quite a bit to the program from several different positions. The veteran tight end believes people will see that Sorensen can do plenty of damage from one position.
Luke Lindenmeyer predicts Carter Nelson breakout for Nebraska football
He also gave Sorensen about the most glowing comparison possible.
“He’s ahead of me physically,” Lindenmeyer said of the freshman. “He’s insane. He’s like Gronk (former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski), in some aspects, mentally and physically. He’s like a guy I’ve never met before,” Lindenmeyer added. “He’s going to be really good. If he has a good camp and can learn the plays pretty quickly, he’s going to have a good impact this fall.”
Lindenemeyer knows a little something about coming out of nowhere and all of a sudden being a go-to weapon for Nebraska. He had never had more than 5 catches in a season entering 2025, but he exploded on the scene, catching 29 passes for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Those numbers not only led Nebraska tight ends but were three times as many receptions as any other player at the position.
Lindenmeyer has gotten plenty of praise on his own. During Big Ten Media Days, head coach Matt Rhule said his starting tight end might be the best in the game and should absolutely be an All-American candidate.
If Lindenmeyer, Sorensen and Nelson can all have big seasons for Nebraska, the Huskers’ offense will be quite exciting to watch.
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