During his appearance at Big Ten Media Days, Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule talked about a number of subjects. One little tidbit was the rise of Tyler Knaak, who Rhule says would be the Huskers' starting right tackle if the season kicked off today.
In no small part because the Cornhuskers' offensive line has been looked at as an Achilles' heel more than an asset over the last decade, there is a ton of attention on just what the unit will look like and how it will play in 2025. To some degree, it appears that Rhule and his staff are interested in seeing it as well. The head coach said that while Knaak is the starter for now, there's still plenty that needs to be determined before he really is on the field against Cincinnati for the game's first snaps.
Knaak, Prochazka, Gottula set for fierce Nebraska football RT competition
Rhule made it clear that right now, there are at least three Nebraska football players who could start at right tackle. Gunnar Gottula and Teddy Prochazka are not far behind Knaak.
"I think you’re talking about Tyler Knaak, the first day would go out there first," Rhule said during a side session at the event. "Gunnar might go there as well. Teddy’s a guy that can swing on both sides. So I think you have a bunch of guys that have played, and so it's going to be one of those deals where it's going to come down to day by day. Like, we show up, we take a test. Whoever does best on the test probably goes out there first."
Rhule also offered up good news regarding Prochazka. The Husker head coach said the oft-injured lineman is "full go" now and will be fully competing for a starting spot when fall camp opens. Prochazka has the talent to bowl defenders over, but he hasn't managed to stay healthy at all and is returning from an ACL tear.
Rhule's comments underline that for now, the offensive line might have more depth than it has at any time since he arrived in Lincoln. The Nebraska football head coach added that it "won't be an emotional thing" when it comes to determining who the starting right tackle will be. Instead, it will be about who's more consistent.