The Nebraska Cornhuskers have been busy in the Transfer Portal, bringing in 16 new faces this winter. Yet, the buzz among fans is centered on who they didn’t add, particularly in the running back position.
With the departure of standout Emmett Johnson, many expected a big name to fill his shoes. But offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen and head coach Matt Rhule are taking a different approach.
Holgorsen addressed the concerns head-on, emphasizing confidence in their current roster. "I think you guys are worse than assistant coaches when it comes to needing more players," Holgorsen joked. He pointed out the reality of roster limits, suggesting that their strategy is more about quality than quantity.
Reflecting on last season, Holgorsen highlighted some bright spots in the running back room. Mekhi, for instance, showed flashes of brilliance, especially during the bowl game against Utah.
Despite Nebraska's 44-22 loss, Mekhi’s performance was a standout. He racked up 88 rushing yards on 12 carries and snagged three passes for 43 yards.
His 38-yard touchdown was a display of patience and vision, breaking through the defense with speed that might even surprise Emmett.
Holgorsen didn’t stop there, praising other backs like freshman Isaiah Mozee, who he described as "incredibly powerful." Kwinten Ives also caught the OC's attention with his progress in December, convincing the staff they didn’t need to look elsewhere. And then there's incoming freshman Jamal Rule, who Holgorsen believes could be a future star.
While the decision not to chase a new running back might raise eyebrows now, Holgorsen is confident that come September, those worries will be a thing of the past. The Huskers are betting on their homegrown talent, and only time will tell if that bet pays off.