Geep Wade didn’t waste any time making his presence felt in Lincoln.
The new Nebraska offensive line coach arrived last weekend and was already on the field coaching during bowl practices by Monday. And according to the players he’ll be leading in the trenches, Wade’s impact is already being felt - not just in the drills, but in the energy he brings to the room.
“We love Geep. Geep’s an amazing coach,” said offensive lineman Tyler Knaak on Tuesday.
“He has great energy. Brings some great swagger to the room.”
That kind of immediate buy-in from players matters, especially when you're stepping into a room that had a strong connection with the previous coach. Donovan Raiola, who spent the last few seasons guiding Nebraska’s offensive line, clearly left a mark - both professionally and personally.
“We're all going to miss Coach Raiola,” Knaak continued. “He did an amazing thing for us.
Me personally, he brought me out of a place I didn't know I was going to be put into and did a lot in my own life that I couldn't be more grateful for. And I really hope he finds that next job, wherever that may be.”
That’s a heartfelt endorsement of Raiola’s impact, and it speaks to the kind of trust and mentorship that often goes unseen in the stat sheets. But it also sets the stage for Wade to come in and build on that foundation - which, by all early accounts, he’s doing.
Wade brings with him a fresh voice, but also a clear sense of purpose. He’s not just filling a vacancy - he’s stepping into a leadership role with urgency, and the players are responding.
That first-step quickness? It’s not just a coaching cliché.
It’s showing up in how fast he’s building relationships and setting the tone for what’s next.
And Wade’s not alone. Nebraska also added Lonnie Teasley, the former South Carolina offensive line coach, to the staff.
Like Wade, Teasley is already on the ground and working with the linemen during bowl prep. The two hires represent a significant investment in the offensive line - not just in terms of coaching talent, but in the kind of culture and energy they’re bringing to the unit.
“Bringing in Geep has been a great addition to the unit,” Knaak said. “Also bringing in Coach Lonnie as well. They've been two amazing hires that have really influenced a lot of good energy in the room.”
That’s the kind of feedback you want to hear when a program is trying to level up in the trenches. Nebraska’s offensive line hasn’t always been a strength in recent years, but there’s a clear sense that the group is turning the page - and doing it with coaches who are already earning the trust of their players.
As bowl prep continues and the Huskers look toward the future, it’s clear the new-look O-line room is in good hands - and moving fast.