Nebraska football kickoff countdown previews No. 95 Spencer Pankratz

As we eagerly await the start of the Nebraska football season, which is now just 95 days away, it's time to turn our attention to those who may or may not make an impact this upcoming season. In this kickoff countdown, we'll be highlighting players who unsurprisingly sport the same number as the number of days until the Huskers take on UTEP.

The hope is that the players that are featured in the kickoff countdown will also be guys who could be interesting contributors in a 2024 season where  the Huskers are expected to be stronger. Today’s focus is on Spencer Pankratz, who doesn’t figure to be a huge contributor, but you never know who could step up.

Nebraska football kickoff countdown previews No. 95 Spencer Pankratz

Spencer Pankratz is a kicker who has yet to see the field as a member of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Born in Lincoln, he first attended Furman University but transferred to the Huskers after two seasons

At Furman, the kicker was a teammate of fellow transfer Timmy Bleekrode. Pankratz did not play in a game with the Paladins, but he did not use a season of eligibility in 2020 and utilized his redshirt year in 2021.

Pankratz played his prep ball for Valor Christian High School in Colorado. He was Valor Christian's place-kicker as a senior, helping the team to a 10-2 record and playoff appearance. Pankratz was also a member of Valor Christian's 14-0 state championship team in his junior season.

In 2022 and 2023 he did not play a snap, but Pankratz did show that he was dedicated to the Nebraska football team, and his grades by becoming an Academic All-Big Ten in 2023. He was also named to the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team and Tom Osborne Citizenship Team last year.

For now, Pankratz continues to be behind Tristan Alvano on the depth chart, though the home grown kicker’s struggles this spring might open up the job.