The first depth chart of the new season was just released by Nebraska football and there were several things that stood out. At the top of the list was no question that offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett was not listed as the starting left tackle.
Instead, he's the third option? That's exactly how things stand, as Gunnar Gottula and Turner Corcoran are ahead of him with the 'or' label. This is not what anyone expected ahead of the season-opener, as Pritchett was a high-profile transfer from Alabama.
While speaking to the press on Friday, head coach Matt Rhule didn't mince words on why if the squad had a game tomorrow, Pritchett wouldn't run out on the field with the rest of the starters. Straight up, mental mistakes have caused for him to be in such a disappointing spot:
Nebraska HC Matt Rhule says that as of today, OL Elijah Pritchett is not a starter because of his football performance.
— Luke Mullin (@LjsLuke) August 22, 2025
“An unbelievably talented player, but a lot of false starts and a lot of mistakes," Rhule said of Pritchett, stressing NU's need for "dependability" at tackle.
Former Alabama OT Elijah Pritchett is not living up to the hype with Nebraska
When Pritchett originally committed to Nebraska after leaving Tuscaloosa, it felt like a monster get for Rhule and the Cornhuskers. Last season for the Crimson Tide, he was the starter at right tackle for most of the season. With his versatility, it opened the door for him to claim the LT job.
However, Rhule has ended up being more frustrated with Pritchett's play throughout fall camp instead of being impressed. Too many false starts and mental mistakes? That's not what a head coach wants to see from a veteran lineman in a position battle. That's why Pritchett is a third-stringer right now.
This is frustrating for the Nebraska faithful, as they were all hoping Pritchett would be a reliable playmaker in the trenches and be a brick wall in protecting Dylan Raiola's blind side. Instead, with Nebraska getting ready to take on Cincinnati next Thursday night, it's looking like either Gottula or Corcoran will get the nod vs. the Bearcats.
With Rhule entering a crucial Year 3, there's a ton of excitement surrounding this group and what they'll collectively be able to get done. At the same time, if a playmaker isn't getting the job done and he's also struggling, Rhule won't have him start just because of his name or what he previously accomplished. Pritchett has plenty of work to do in order to get back in the mix.