Young Nebraska football defender is 'earning' game snaps as the season goes on

As the Nebraska football team prepares for its game against UCLA, there’s a little something extra in the air. The Huskers players, coaches and fans all know that this is yet another chance for NU to get its sixth win for the first time since 2016. And it’s the first time in 2024 that there really won’t be any excuse if they don’t. In fact a loss to the Bruins will start some rather impressive levels of panic among the fanbase.

Knowing that, the Huskers are looking for all kinds of players to find a way to make a play. As young players start showing they are picking up the systems and doing what they’re supposed to do in practice, they’re going to get on the field more. And one player who apparently fits that bill is Willis McGahee IV.

Among the ways McGahee is showing Nebraska football coaches he needs to play more is by making big plays against big teams. In particular he flashed his skill as an edge defender at Ohio State last week. In a close game that the Huskers nearly won, he had an impact play by beating left tackle Zen Michalski for a strip sack on quarterback Will Howard.

Nebraska football looking at young guys to step up

"I think he's got great mentorship in that room from MJ. And I thought we got production out of him, which was awesome," Rhule said of the young defender. "So his snaps will continue to go up. And the biggest thing is, I'm proud of him because he's earning them. He's earning the snaps. It's not just his talents, his production, which comes from what he does in practice. I've been really pleased with him in practice, and I think you'll see a lot more of him moving forward."

Perhaps his snaps will go up against UCLA as the Nebraska football team looks for ways to shut down the Bruins and win what has become the biggest game of the year.