The cornerback room in Lincoln is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing position battles heading into spring ball-and it’s not short on storylines. With Ceyair Wright no longer in the picture, Nebraska’s secondary is entering a new chapter. What it lacks in proven star power, it makes up for in upside, continuity, and a dash of five-star flair.
Let’s start with the known quantities. A portal addition from last cycle-who showed flashes last fall-is expected to take on a much larger role this year.
He’s a sophomore from Omaha, now with a full season of college football under his belt. The expectation?
Take that next step. He’s got the tools, and now it’s about consistency and command.
If he can elevate his game, he could anchor this group.
But he won’t be alone. There’s a cluster of returning players who’ve been waiting in the wings, grinding behind the scenes, hungry for their shot.
Spring ball is their opportunity to separate from the pack. It’s a crowded room, and with a new wave of talent coming in-including a highly touted five-star recruit-the competition is going to be fierce.
That’s exactly what position coach Addison Williams wants: a room where nothing is handed out, and everything is earned.
Then there’s Danny Odem. If you’re looking for a player with something to prove and the drive to match, circle his name.
Odem has already made it clear he’s not just here to fill a jersey. He’s embracing the challenge in front of him, and he’s aiming to leave Lincoln with a reputation far bigger than the one he walked in with.
That kind of mindset can be contagious in a young room.
And don’t overlook Andrew Marshall. The former Idaho standout was a portal pickup last year, and while he didn’t quite make the splash Nebraska hoped for in Year 1, there’s reason to believe he’s just getting started.
He’s got a key advantage: familiarity with defensive coordinator Rob Aurich, who coached him during his time at Idaho. That connection could be a difference-maker as the defense continues to evolve.
With spring ball just two weeks out, the cornerback room is one of the most wide-open position groups on the roster. For Addison Williams, that’s both a challenge and an opportunity. There’s no clear-cut “lead dog” yet-but by the time the pads come on and the reps start stacking up, someone will emerge.
The question is: who’s going to seize the moment?