Nebraska got one encouraging update and one waiting game on the pregame availability report in East Lansing.
Backup edge defender Jordan Ochoa, who had worked his way into the rotation before getting hurt, was upgraded from probable to available. Safety Rex Guthrie, meanwhile, was listed as a game-time decision. He had a wrap on his left knee, but he was in uniform for final warmups.
Michigan State’s side brought a clearer picture. Cornerback Tyran Chappell, who had started two games, was ruled out. Linebacker Brady Pretzlaff was already known since Wednesday to be out, and he finishes with the second-most tackles on the Spartans with 17.
The setting matched the calendar. It was a clean September day in Michigan, with temperatures expected to sit in the mid- to high-60s for the game.
The sky stayed mostly clear, with only a light wind. Spartan Stadium’s grass surface also looked to be in good shape, and Nebraska’s time spent practicing on grass should make that a non-factor.
The Huskers’ travel roster also offered a few names worth noting. First-year freshman defensive tackle Dylan Berymon made the trip and is tough to miss.
Tight end Luke Sorensen is on the road for the first time, while the other tight ends here with Carter Nelson out included Danny King and Cayden Echternach. Shawn Hammerbeck also traveled, appearing to be Nebraska’s seventh tight end.
At defensive back, the Huskers brought Amare Sanders, Mario Buford, Jasin Shiggs and Larry Tarver. Shiggs and Tarver are regulars on special teams, so they’ve become familiar faces on these road trips. Buford is the backup nickel.
Nebraska also traveled with six running backs. Along with the top three, Kwinten Ives, Vincent Genatone and Conor Booth were on hand, with Genatone carrying special teams value as well.
Up front, a few offensive linemen stood out on the trip list, including Brock Knutson and first-year freshman Hayden Ainsworth. Ainsworth already being on the two-deep and on the travel roster is a strong early sign. Preston Taumua, Sam Sledge and Gibson Pyle were also there, as expected.
The Huskers arrived businesslike, with most players and coaches walking into the stadium with their eyes forward and headphones on. A few did break off to greet family members along the ropes, including Mekhi Nelson and Jamal Rule, who both went over to Nelson’s family.
In Other News...
Nebraska Just Lost A Big Reason To Like The Illinois Matchup
Illinois defense is headed into a new era at an awkward time for Nebraskas upcoming trip to Champaign. Bobby Hauck was relieved of his duties as defensive coordinator after Illinois finished his first season as the playcaller ranked 101st nationally in points allowed, and head coach Bret Bielema said the two sides agreed a leadership change was best for the team.
For Nebraska, the timing matters because the Cornhuskers are scheduled to meet Illinois on Nov. 6, and any shake-up on that side of the ball can quickly alter the feel of a matchup. The Illini now have a defense trying to reset in-season preparations under a new voice, which means Nebraska can no longer count on seeing the same version of a unit it may have started planning for months ago. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Fans Face A Tough Memorial Stadium Ticket Reality
Nebraska fans are going to have to get used to a different kind of ticket scramble in the coming years at Memorial Stadium. As part of the University of Nebraskas $600 million renovation project, two major changes to the stadium will force season ticketholders to pick new seats for the 2027 and 2028 football seasons, adding a real layer of uncertainty to a process many supporters have followed for decades.
The project is expected to be finished before the 2028 season, but the road to get there will not be simple. The Holland Computing Center will be relocated, and fans should also expect temporary concessions arrangements during the rebuild, another reminder that this is a sweeping overhaul, not just a facelift. For longtime ticketholders, the next couple of seasons may come with a lot more seat selection stress than game-day comfort. [Read more 🡒]
Andrew Marshall Is Turning Nebraskas Secondary Into A National Story
Andrew Marshall has gone from a transfer addition to one of the biggest reasons Nebraskas defense is getting national attention. After the Week 4 win over Michigan State, he owned the highest PFN Impact Grade among cornerbacks, a fitting snapshot of how disruptive he has been during the Cornhuskers 4-0 start. The former Idaho defensive back has quickly settled into Nebraskas secondary and become a key part of a pass defense that is playing at a high level.
Against Michigan State, Marshall didnt allow a completion on any of the three passes thrown his way and came away with an interception, the kind of outing that reinforces why he has already picked up conference recognition. For Nebraska, the bigger question is how far this secondary can carry a team that looks increasingly legitimate on the national stage, with Marshall now at the center of that conversation. [Read more 🡒]