The Nebraska football team has quite a bit of excitement surrounding its 2024 season. However, on the national scale, the Huskers are stll very much in prove it mode.
While most people think Matt Rhule and company are going to make a bowl game, there aren’t a ton of individual players that analysts believe are going to make waves. That was demonstrated by no Cornhusker being listed on the Maxwell or Lombardi Trophy watch lists.
However, the Nebraska football team won’t be shut out of all the preseason award watch lists. At least Bryce Benhart will get to compete for the Outland Trophy. In the process, it appears that making this list is indicative of what has been a career comeback for the offensive lineman.
Nebraska football player makes Outland Trophy watch list
The tackle, entering his sixth year at Nebraska was one of 75 players on the preseason list for the honor annually presented to the nation's top interior lineman. Benhart is one of 24 offensive tackles on the list and one of 13 Big Ten players.
After being much maligned in both 2021 and 2022, things seemed to click for Benhart under Matt Rhule’s regime. The tackle was an all-conference honorable mention in 2023 as he started all 12 games for the Huskers. His 41 starts on the offensive line are tied for a school record within the position group.
Benhart now has the chance to continue an impressive history for Nebraska football. NU has produced a nation-best nine Outland Trophy winners, the last being Ndamukong Suh in 2009. The last Husker offensive tackle to win the award was Zach Wiegert in 1994.