There’s never a quiet offseason in Lincoln, and right now, Nebraska football is once again in the thick of it. From coaching staff shakeups to transfer portal buzz, there’s no shortage of storylines. Head coach Matt Rhule added fuel to the fire during a media appearance on Friday, offering insight into the current state of the program - and hinting at what might still be to come.
Let’s start with the coaching front. Rhule addressed the situation with Mike Ekeler, and while he didn’t spell it out word-for-word, the writing’s on the wall: Ekeler is on his way out.
Rhule’s tone made that clear. The focus now shifts to what’s next for Nebraska’s staff and how that transition will impact recruiting and development, particularly on special teams and defense where Ekeler had a hand.
But the more intriguing piece of Rhule’s comments came when he turned his attention to the running back room - and that’s where things get interesting.
“We like the room we have.”
That’s what Rhule said when asked about the current state of Nebraska’s backfield. He mentioned Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee as two players the staff is high on.
He also made it clear the Huskers have done their homework - evaluating not just their own roster, but also available talent in the portal. The message?
Nebraska feels good about where things stand, but they’re not closing the door on additions either.
That became even more evident shortly after Rhule’s comments, when Nebraska secured a commitment from Boston College defensive tackle Owen Stoudmire. It’s a move that bolsters the defensive front, but it also signals that the Huskers are still active shoppers in the portal.
So the natural question becomes: Will one of those final additions be a running back?
Charmar Brown: A name worth watching
Rhule didn’t name names, but the buzz around one player in particular is hard to ignore: Charmar Brown.
Brown, currently suiting up for Miami in Monday night’s national championship game, is a name Nebraska fans will remember. He seriously considered the Huskers during the spring portal window before ultimately choosing Miami - reportedly in part due to a more lucrative NIL offer.
That decision worked out for both sides. Brown carved out a role as the third back in a stacked Hurricanes backfield, while Nebraska got an All-American season out of Emmett Johnson.
Still, there’s a sense that this story might not be finished.
If Miami wins it all - and Brown walks away with a ring - would he consider a return to Lincoln for a bigger role and a better NIL package? The opportunity would be there.
Nebraska wouldn’t just be offering him a spot; they’d likely be offering him the RB1 job outright. And for a player looking to boost his NFL stock, that kind of workload could be more valuable than any championship ring.
Just look at Johnson. He went from being an afterthought on draft boards to a likely Day 3 pick.
That kind of leap doesn’t happen without consistent touches and a system that showcases your strengths. For Brown, Nebraska could offer both.
What’s next for the Huskers?
Rhule’s message was measured, but it left the door open. Nebraska likes the backs currently in the room - and there’s talent there - but the possibility of adding another playmaker remains very much alive. Whether that ends up being Brown or someone else, the Huskers aren’t done building this roster.
And that’s the key takeaway: Nebraska isn’t standing still. Rhule is keeping his options open, evaluating every angle, and looking to upgrade where it makes sense. That includes the running back position - even if the right fit hasn’t officially hit the portal yet.
This offseason is far from over in Lincoln. The Huskers are still shaping their 2026 identity, and the next few weeks could be pivotal in determining just how far this team can go.