2024 Nebraska Football Season – Syndication Server

Jimari Butler to enter transfer portal

Another Nebraska defender has entered the transfer portal

On Monday, the parade of players into the transfer portal included Cornhuskers junior defensive lineman Jimari Butler. The Mobile, Alabama native joins Huskers defenders Mikai Gbayor, Stefon Thompson, and Vincent Jackson as Blackshirts to hit the portal.

Butler finished his fifth regular season with the program this fall after arriving in Lincoln prior to the 2020 COVID season.

After playing in just two games in 2021 as a redshirt freshman, Butler became a key part of the Husker’s defense starting in 2022. He would play in 34 games over the course of the 2022-2024 seasons. In his 37 career games played, Butler totaled 65 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

Butler was a consensus three-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting cycle. After originally being committed to the Tennessee Volunteers, Butler committed to Nebraska during the early signing period.

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Nebraska linebacker Mikai Gbayor plans to enter transfer portal

Another Nebraska linebacker has entered the transfer portal.

Another Blackshirt is planning to enter the transfer portal. Mikai Gbayor is now the third Blackshirt planning to enter the portal, joining Stefon Thompson and Vincent Jackson.

Gbayor arrived in Nebraska in 2021 but didn’t step on the field until 2023. Across his two years of play, he delivered 73 tackles, three pass breakups and 1.5 sacks.

He played in the entire 2024 regular season for Nebraska and had 49 tackles, a sack, three pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries.

Gbayor was the top ten recruits in the state of New Jersey. He chose Nebraska over the Kentucky Wildcats, the Michigan State Spartans, the Ole Miss Rebels, and the West Virginia Mountaineers. He has two more years of eligibility left.

Monday was a busy day for the Cornhuskers, with multiple players entering the transfer portal and changes to the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Tony White has taken the same position with the Florida State Seminoles, and offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen signed a two-year contract.

More players are expected to enter the transfer portal in the next several days as early signing day and the 105 player roster limit are expected to play a significant role in those decisions.

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Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Iowa

Who will win on Friday?

The college football regular season ends this week, and for the first time since 2016, Nebraska will be going bowling. The Huskers are coming off a 44-25 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers last weekend, and now they have a chance to end the regular season on a high note when they travel to Iowa City to face their rival, the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Iowa’s offense lives and dies by the run this season, averaging nearly 214 rushing yards and only around 134 passing yards per game. The Huskers can stop the run, allowing just 111 rushing yards a game. But Iowa is bound to break through here and there, which could get the Hawkeyes’ offense moving.

The question lies between Iowa’s passing offense and Nebraska’s passing defense. Though the Hawkeyes barely throw the ball, it can exploit the Huskers’ secondary if the run game stalls.

But Iowa is on its third-string quarterback, Jackson Stratton, who’s thrown 37 total passes across five games in his collegiate career. The Blackshirts could finally rebound by getting to Stratton early and often.

The Huskers’ offense picked up a lot of momentum in a short amount of time with Holgerson as offensive coordinator. The team brings a balanced offense, succeeding through the air and the ground this season.

Iowa’s defense continues to pose a threat to every team it faces, allowing under 18 points per game. However, the Michigan State Spartans, the UCLA Bruins, and the Ohio State Buckeyes each put up over 200 passing and rushing yards on the Hawkeyes.

The Iowa State Cyclones and the Troy Trojans exploited the Hawkeyes with the deep pass early on in the season, with both teams bringing in a receiver that racked up over 130 yards and at least one touchdown off just five catches.

Iowa’s last home loss was to Iowa State in September. But with Nebraska’s offense looking to continue its run and the Blackshirts’ ability to stop it, the Huskers stand in a strong position to get another win.

Score Prediction: Nebraska 27, Iowa 20

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Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Wisconsin

Who will win on Saturday?

Another week, another attempt to get win number six. Nebraska hosts the Wisconsin Badgers with both teams sitting at 5-5 and signs point to the Huskers defeating the Badgers.

Wisconsin’s got a big disadvantage. They’re on a three-game skid, lost a low-scoring 16-13 battle with No. 1 Oregon, fired its offensive coordinator and are playing in Lincoln on Senior Day.

But this is still Nebraska, a team whose last trip to a bowl game occurred in 2016, a team on a 10-game losing streak against Wisconsin, a team that any opponent would prefer to play in November.

Nebraska’s issues remain the same. Outside of a Ceyair Wright’s pick-six, the Trojans sliced up the Blackshirts secondary. Though some passes found a USC receiver’s hands by luck, others fell right into an open Trojan’s hands.

It also struggled to stop running back Woody Marks, the second running back this year Nebraska fully allowed to get the better of it.

However, the Badgers’ struggles do allow for potential rebound by the Huskers. Along with its offense making a sudden change at play caller, Nebraska’s defense is presented with a chance to hold an opponent to 20 or fewer points for the first time since the first week of October.

Indiana and Ohio State are some of the toughest teams in the nation. UCLA was building momentum, and USC’s quarterback fit more into Lincoln Riley’s system. All played a part in Nebraska’s already struggling defense being pressured further.

Braedyn Locke has been inconsistent this season. His main strength is hitting the deep shot receiver or the quick slant, both of which Nebraska needs to prioritize. However, the run game is just as important, with Tawee Walker averaging 4.8 yards per carry this season.

Locke’s inconsistency lately gives the Blackshirts an opportunity to bounce back properly compared to their previous four quarterbacks. However, Wisconsin’s change in offensive coordinator makes it more unpredictable than ever, which in turn acts more as a disadvantage for the Blackshirts until proven otherwise.

As for Wisconsin’s defense just held No. 1 Oregon to 16 points, its fewest in a game all season. But in Oregon’s defense, it played in Madison under the lights and looked to control the game offensively instead of dominating it.

Holgorsen now has a game under his belt as offensive coordinator for the Huskers and knows more of the offense’s strengths and weaknesses during a game.

But it’s likely going to be another one-score game, and once again, recent history shows a win by Nebraska in November by one-score is more surprising than anything else.

Unfortunately, despite the look, history is most likely going to continue.

Score Prediction: Wisconsin 24, Nebraska 21

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Expert score predictions: Nebraska vs. USC

Who will win between the Huskers and the Trojans?

Nebraska travels to California for a clash with the USC Trojans in the Los Angeles Coliseum. Both teams announced big changes to their offenses ahead of this matchup, making the outcome more unpredictable.

The Huskers changed offensive coordinators and play-callers, bringing in Dana Holgorsen to jump-start Nebraska’s offense. However, USC also made a change during the bye week, benching quarterback Miller Moss and starting sophomore UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava.

Maiava played in all 14 games for the Rebels in 2023, leading the team to the Mountain West Championship, where they fell to Boise State. UNLV then played Kansas in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl but lost 49-36 after throwing 24 completions off 35 throws for 291 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions

He finished his freshman year completing 224 of 353 passes, averaging just over 220 passing yards, throwing 17 touchdowns and ten interceptions, and suffering only ten sacks across 14 games.

However, he also had run support at UNLV, with the Rebels racking up 2,429 rushing yards and 39 rushing touchdowns. Maiava is a dual threat, breaking seven double-digit yard runs during the 14-game span.

UCLA’s Ethan Garbers showed that quarterback runs are another critical factor in getting by Nebraska’s defense. However, Maiava only has one season of play under his belt, which primarily consisted of facing Mountain West teams.

Now, he earns his first start as a Trojan against a Big Ten defense that, despite its struggles, still poses a threat to inexperienced quarterbacks. The Blackshirts stand with 25 sacks and nine interceptions while holding opponents to just over 19 points per game.

Also, adding Phil Snow as a defensive consultant could give Tony White support and help turn the defense around.

USC relies on the passing game but can produce on the ground when needed. Nebraska’s defense primarily shuts down running backs, excluding Indiana. So, the Huskers need to get to Maiava if they want to stop the pass. Bring the pressure, take away the first read, and force the Trojans to run.

With a shake-up finally occurring for Nebraska, USC can’t rely on the predictability aspect, as it’s hard to say what Dana Holgorsen will call from the playbook or even cook up.

He’s only been in Nebraska for less than two weeks, so it’s more than likely that Satterfield’s playbook is still present. But Holgorsen is calling the shots and could even rework a few of the plays to his liking.

However, unlike the Husker’s last three opponents, USC can’t foresee what Nebraska will do, which doesn’t help its defense. The Trojans allowed an average of around 22 points per game this season.

However, with Nebraska’s recent history of seeking the sixth win, it’s hard to give the Huskers the win here. USC has struggled in the fourth as of late, but it couldn’t have asked for a better team to get out of that stretch than Nebraska.

Score Prediction: USC 28, Nebraska 24

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Huskers hit rock bottom with 56-7 loss to No. 16 Indiana

Next Saturday, Nebraska will head to Columbus to face the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers returned from their bye week with a road trip to face the No. 16 Indiana Hoosiers. However, the Huskers’ struggles heading into the bye week appeared to have been amplified as Indiana leveled them in a 56-7 blowout.

The Hoosiers dominated from start to finish, scoring on eight of their 11 drives. This translated to Indiana racking up nearly 500 total yards on offense, including 280 in the air and 215 on the ground.

On the other hand, Nebraska only mustered 304 total yards with one touchdown. Dylan Raiola threw 28 completions off 44 pass attempts for three interceptions. The run game was non-existent, as the Huskers produced just 70 yards and a touchdown on the afternoon.

Nebraska’s defense fared no better. Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke threw 17-of-21 for 189 yards and a touchdown, while backup Tayven Jackson threw 7-of-8 for 91 yards and two touchdowns.

On the ground, the Huskers surrendered the most rushing yards in a game all season. Indiana ran the ball 33 times for 215 yards and five touchdowns.

This marks Nebraska’s biggest loss since 2016, when it was blown out by Ohio State 62-3. The Huskers fall to 5-2 on the season and 2-2 in the conference.

Nebraska’s road doesn’t get easier. Next Saturday, the Huskers will head to Columbus to face the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. CT on FOX.

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Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Purdue

How do you think the Huskers will do?

Nebraska closed out the first quarter of the 2024 season on a sour note, falling to No. 24 Illinois in overtime after one too many miscues once again caused their downfall.

The main two issues were not stopping Illinois’ passing game and botching one offensive drive that saw a touchdown and a field goal slip through its fingers.

Now, the Huskers hit the road for the first time this season, needing to respond to the loss to the Fighting Illini. Their matchup against Purdue could do just that, as this is the Boilermakers’ third straight game facing an opponent coming off a rough loss at home.

Notre Dame blew out Purdue 66-7 after losing to Northern Illinois, and then they lost to Oregon State 38-21 after the Beavers were demolished 49-14 by Oregon.

The Husker’s offense could have a field day against Purdue both on the ground and the air.

Oregon State decimated the Boilermakers in the run game, rushing for 341 yards off 51 attempts for four touchdowns while throwing ten completions off 18 passes for 104 yards.

Now, Purdue is set to face Dylan Raiola, who’s averaging almost 21 completions and 241.8 passing yards per game. This, along with the Huskers averaging 140.5 rushing yards per game, gives the Boilermakers a big test defensively.

But last week showed that Nebraska’s defense versus Purdue’s offense could be the deciding factor. The Huskers had no answers for Luke Altmyer in the Illinois loss, allowing the senior to throw 21-of-27 for 215 yards and four touchdowns, with most of his incompletions being simple drops by receivers.

Hudson Card for Purdue was quiet in the loss to Oregon State, throwing for 7-of-17 for 56 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

The Boilermakers stuck to the ground game, going for 263 total yards and two touchdowns. Purdue scored two touchdowns late in the game on the ground after breaking out big runs against the Beavers.

Nebraska needs to keep Card from exploiting its passing struggles, but it can’t let the Boilermakers run it down its throats, either. If the Huskers’ offense continues to thrive and the defense delivers a solid bounce-back game, this first road game should favor Nebraska.

Score Prediction: Nebraska 31, Purdue 17

Expert score prediction: Nebraska v. Colorado

It’s almost time for a Saturday night showdown at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska and Colorado will continue their rivalry for the 73rd time on Saturday night. The Huskers have lost the last three clashes against the Buffaloes, but they have the opportunity to snap the streak.

Nebraska lost 36-14 in last year’s battle, but there are a few changes this time around that could give the Huskers a much-needed edge over Colorado.

Quarterback was one of the weakest points on Nebraska’s 2023 team, with former Husker Jeff Sims struggling heavily in the Colorado loss. He was just 9-of-15 for 106 yards and one interception while coughing up the ball twice.

Now, the Huskers enter the 2024 showdown with five-star freshman Dylan Raiola, who threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns in the win over UTEP. This was thanks to stellar wideouts Isaiah Neyor and Jahmal Banks. The duo combined for 182 yards and two touchdowns off ten catches.

Nebraska also brings a running back squad of Rahmir Johnson, Emmett Johnson, Gabe Ervin Jr., and Dante Dowdell. The four combined for 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Now, Raiola and the offense need to take advantage of Colorado’s leaky defense and not give it any breaks. The Buffaloes allowed nearly 450 yards in their win against North Dakota State.

Colorado is bound to get points with the versatility of its offense, but the Huskers’ defense won’t let it walk all over them like North Dakota State. The Bison appeared lost at times against Colorado’s passing game, surrending 445 yards and four touchdowns to quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

The Huskers control their fate in this game. Their defense needs to continue to play at its current level while the offense continues to make strides in the right direction. The fact that it is a Saturday night showdown at Memorial Stadium should give Nebraska a clear home-field advantage.

Score Prediction: Nebraska 34, Colorado 21

Nebraska to honor Hall of Fame coach Frank Solich on Saturday

Nebraska will honor the former head coach on Saturday evening!

It’s already expected to be a big day on Saturday evening in Lincoln, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers will take on the Colorado Buffaloes on primetime television.

To make the day even bigger, the Cornhuskers announced on Wednesday that the program will honor former head coach Frank Solich with an on-campus salute on Saturday ahead of the game.

The on-campus event will be a joint effort from the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame and is the first of numerous traditions that take place before Solich is inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame later this year.

Solich was the Huskers’ head coach from 1998 through 2003, leading the program to a 58-19 record over 77 games and a 1999 Fiesta Bowl victory. After being fired following a 9-3 season in 2003, Solich took over the Ohio Bobcats program in 2005 and coached in Athens until 2020.

Over his entire collegiate coaching career, Solich was 173-101, including 77-46 in conference matchups. His trophy shelf includes one Big 12 championship, three Big 12 North Division championships, four MAC East Division championships, a Home Depot Coach of the Year Award, two Big 12 Coach of the Year Awards, and a MAC Coach of the Year award.

Of course, Solich was also a former Husker. He played for the program as a fullback between 1963 and 1965 and earned first-team All-Big Eight honors in 1965.

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Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. UTEP

Nebraska has not won a season opener in five years.

Nebraska has not won a season opener in five years. Saturday afternoon, the Huskers will try to snap that streak with a showdown against UTEP.

But UTEP won’t be a team to drop the pickaxe and rollover. It’ll battle Nebraska throughout the game, searching for any signs of success it can carry into the rest of the season.

The Miners begin the Scotty Walden era, who takes over at UTEP after going 26-14 at Austin Peay. Walden is bringing a fast-paced offense to El Paso. Last year, the Governors ranked 14th in the FCS in total offense, averaging 426.8 yards per game.

This led to Austin Peay averaging over 34 points per game last season, towering over UTEP’s mark of just under 20. The Miners have announced that redshirt sophomore Skyler Locklear will start the game at quarterback. Locklear transferred to UTEP after spending the last two seasons at Austin Peay.

Trey Goodman should be a primary target in the receiving game. In 2023, he had 34 catches for 721 yards and seven touchdowns at Austin Peay.

The Miners are bringing back multiple veteran players on defense, including edge rusher Maurice Westmoreland, who finished second in Conference USA last season with 7.5 sacks.

They also bring in transfers in the secondary. Kory Chapman of Austin Peay and AJ Odums of New Mexico can cause fits for the Huskers’ passing game.

However, an upset for UTEP in front of 90,000 people in Lincoln is not likely. This isn’t the 2018-2022 period where Troy and Georgia Southern pulled out the win or where South Alabama, Buffalo, and North Dakota gave Nebraska headaches.

Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola is entering his first game with an arsenal of talented players, which should translate into success against a Conference-USA defense.

Though there are bound to be mishaps in this opener, the Nebraska offense should be expected to light up the scoreboard throughout the game.

The same can be said for the Blackshirts. Finishing as one of the top defenses in the country last year brings high expectations for the season. Though it, too, will likely slip up here and there, nothing should happen that will raise alarms.

Score Prediction: Nebraska 38, UTEP 13