Tag: Nebraska Cornhuskers Football

In-state kicker John Hohl transfers to Nebraska

Former Lincoln Southwest kicker John Hohl announced on Friday that he is transferring to Nebraska for the 2024 season.

The Nebraska football team made another offseason addition to its roster, this time in the kicking department. Former Lincoln Southwest kicker John Hohl announced on Friday that he is transferring to Nebraska for the 2024 season.

Hohl previously attended Iowa Western Community College and redshirted his freshman year in 2023. He arrives at Nebraska with four years of eligibility remaining. Hohl garnered attention from his performance at a Kohl’s Kicking showcase in late May.

His performance earned him the rank of top transfer kicker at the event. Following the event, Hohl also received an offer from Coastal Carolina, temporarily joining the Chanticleers. However, Hohl instead opted to walk on at Nebraska, earning a spot on the roster for the upcoming season.

Hohl is now one of three kickers for the Huskers, joining Tristan Alvano and incoming true freshman Nico Ottomanelli.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.

Nebraska football lands NAIA Player of the Year Jalyn Gramstad

The newest addition to the Huskers is the reigning NAIA Player of the Year. 

The Nebraska football team landed another player from the transfer portal Thursday afternoon. The newest addition to the Huskers is the reigning NAIA Player of the Year.

Jalyn Gramstad announced on social media that he will be playing for Nebraska this season. He made the announcement following his participation at the Huskers postgraduate camp earlier this month.

Gramstad previously played four seasons at Northwestern College, taking the backfield at quarterback. Gramstad led the Red Raiders to a 14-1 season, falling in the NAIA Championship. The Lester, Iowa native led the team with by throwing for 3,681 yards, 35 touchdowns and just nine interceptions with an NAIA-leading 67.8% completion percentage. He also rushed for 780 yards and eight touchdowns on 780 rushing yards.

This performance earned Gramstad the title of NAIA Player of the Year to cap off a stellar career at Northwestern College. Through 52 games, he threw 438 completions off 647 attempts for 6,237 passing yards and 60 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,822 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns off 327 carries.

Gramstad now joins a quarterback room that includes five-star freshman Dylan Raiola, Bellevue West star Danny Kaelin and Heinrich Haarberg.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.

Commanders’ Luke McCaffrey says he is blessed for this opportunity

McCaffrey talks the impact his family has had on him becoming an NFL player.

Luke McCaffrey feels that to finally have his new NFL team that he can bond with is “a blessing.”

McCaffrey sat down recently with Bryan Colbert Jr for another episode of “Raise Hail with the Rookies.”

The former quarterback turned receiver was the sixth player drafted by the Commanders in the 2024 NFL draft. He was the 100th player drafted and the last player in the third round. Incidentally, it was the 49ers selection, where brother Christian plays. The Commanders had traded Chase Young to the 49ers in October in exchange for that draft choice.

He spoke of his family as being close, his three brothers being his best friends. He referred to his family as “the biggest blessing I never earned,” expressing how they were all athletes and were so supportive and encouraging of each other.

“There’s nothing I ever did for it. There’s nothing I could have done to put those people in my life. I was blessed with the best role model that I could ever imagine for myself, in my dad.”

Each of his three older brothers followed Dad (Ed) in becoming a football player. Luke has enjoyed learning from all three in their football journeys. “You know, our mom holds us all together. She is the glue, the rock. That family atmosphere is such a blessing, such a gift that I got.”

McCaffrey likes having been drafted by Adam Peters. “He’s a smart person, a smart GM, and a great person. I think when you have that high level of skill at your job, it allows you to be yourself and relate to people. I think that is why he is such an authentic person.”

The rookie from Rice also sees the Commanders as a good opportunity for himself. “To be able to be part of something that is new (Owner, GM, Coaching Staff) and be able to go out there to compete in the culture that is being created here is such a cool opportunity.”

 

Nebraska football offers 2026 South Dakota wide receiver

The Huskers continue their summer with multiple scholarship offers to potential Nebraska players.

The Huskers continue their summer with multiple scholarship offers to potential Nebraska players. The most recent player they have offered is a junior speedster at wide receiver.

Dveyoun Bonwell-Witte received an offer from Nebraska following his participation in the Huskers Football Camp on Saturday. Bonwell-Witte completed his sophomore year at Brandon Valley High School and is a class of 2026 recruit.

Bonwell-Witte played primarily wide receiver for the Lynx, while occasionally playing running back. He finished the season with 30 catches for 588 yards and 5 touchdowns through nine games. He also rushed for 98 yards off 13 carries for two touchdowns.

Bonwell-Witte is listed at 6 feet, 2 inches, and 190 pounds. His 40-yard dash time is 4.58 seconds, while his 100-meter dash time is 10.9 seconds. Bonwell-Witte also ran track and field and helped his 4×100-meter relay team finish second in the state while the overall team took fifth.

Nebraska is Bonwell-Witte’s first Big Ten offer after receiving offers from Kansas State and Oklahoma this past week.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.

Looking back at Colorado’s history against rival Nebraska

Colorado could make some history this fall in Lincoln

You can understand why Colorado football fans are basking in the fact that the Nebraska Cornhuskers haven’t beaten the Buffs in nearly 5,000 days.

Historically, the rival Cornhuskers have had CU’s number more often than not, leading the series with an all-time record of 49-21-2. From 1962 to 2000, Colorado beat Nebraska only four times in 39 total meetings.

Since then, the series has been very close, with Colorado winning 7 of the last 13 games, including a current three-game winning streak dating back to 2018. If Colorado can beat Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 7, the Buffs will set a new record for their longest winning streak in the series. And with no future matchups currently scheduled, they can keep the Big Red stewing in frustration for even longer.

Check out the highlights from Colorado’s infamous 62-36 win over Nebraska in 2001:

Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

Colorado-Nebraska makes Joel Klatt’s list of games that will shape next season

Colorado’s Week 2 trip to Nebraska should be one of the most impactful games of next season, Joel Klatt believes

Fox Sports analyst and former Colorado quarterback Joel Klatt believes the Buffaloes’ Week 2 rivalry matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers will be one of the most impactful games across college football next season.

On his podcast, Klatt shared the top 10 games he believes will shape the 2024 season, and Colorado’s trip to Lincoln made the list. Neither team was featured in another game on Klatt’s list.

Many on social media have disagreed with Klatt’s inclusion of the game on his list, arguing that neither the Buffs nor the Cornhuskers will seriously impact the College Football Playoff. After all, CU’s Week 2 win over Nebraska last season brought high expectations before both teams finished a combined 9-15. Even Klatt didn’t place his alma mater in his post-spring top 25.

Unlike most, however, Klatt has played in this specific rivalry three times. His most recent showing against Nebraska happened almost 20 years ago, but the emotions surrounding this matchup haven’t waivered. And with head coach Deion Sanders’ squad still somewhat of a wildcard ahead of his second season in Boulder, Klatt’s unlikely choice certainly has the opportunity to cash in.

Three months still separate the college football world from this highly-anticipated matchup. Kickoff at Memorial Stadium is set for 5:30 p.m. MT (NBC) on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

Chris Cooley film review of Commanders’ WR Luke McCaffrey

Cooley on McCaffrey: “He’s going to be a good player.”

“He is super fast.”

That’s how former Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley began his film review of Commanders third-round selection (100) Luke McCaffrey.

A guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast this week, Cooley mocked those who have already stereotyped McCaffrey as a receiver who won’t be able to work downfield. Cooley asked, “Why? Because he is a white receiver?”

Cooley continued, “He tracks the ball incredibly well, and he is able to go up and get it. He has great ball skills.” He then alluded to McCaffrey’s one-handed, all-hands catches.

The former Washington tight end and broadcaster likes McCaffrey’s measurables as well: 4.46 (40 yards), 6-foot-2, 198 pounds, 36 inches (vertical). At the NFL Combine, McCaffey’s other measurables were broad jump (121), shuttle (4.02), and 3-cone (6.70).

For quick descriptions, Cooley offered: “Fearless, tough, great run after the catch ability, good at finding open spots, a good, all-around player.”

“He can play in the slot; he can play outside. He will go over the middle and make a catch anywhere.”

“He is in and out of his breaks pretty well. He does need to do a better job setting up those breaks/setting up those routes. But as of now, he is able to create separation.”

“He attacks the ball at its highest point; he makes body adjustments.”

“He is a fearless blocker; he will get after it when he is in the run game. He is a play-every-snap kind of guy.”

“He is going to be a good (NFL) player.”

Remember, Luke only played receiver his last two years at Rice, after first playing quarterback at both Rice and Nebraska. Thus, he is still learning and developing at his “new” position.

Also, Luke’s dad, Ed McCaffrey accumulated 185 NFL games in his career, McCaffrey had 565 receptions for 7,422 yards, including 55 touchdowns. McCaffrey also averaged 13.1 yards per reception.

Luke’s older brother, Christian, followed in Ed’s footsteps, playing in the Pac-12 conference for Stanford. He has enjoyed an illustrious NFL career, already rushing for 6,185 yards and scoring 81 touchdowns in his 91 NFL games.

Why one Commanders rookie might surprise in a few years

Don’t sleep on wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, who could prove to be a steal.

It’s only minicamp, but one Commanders rookie is a real prospect.

Yes, the vast majority of the attention will go to quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, one other first-year player might gain more attention in time.

Former Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey is not your typical receiver coming out of college.

McCaffrey’s dad, Ed, was an NFL wide receiver from 1991-2003 with the Giants, 49ers and Broncos. His older brother Christian is one of the best dual-threat running backs in the NFL.

McCaffrey learned to pass a lot at a young age to his older brother and loved being a high school quarterback. He signed to play at Nebraska, where he would play for former Cornhuskers quarterback Scott Frost.

However, McCaffrey saw action in only 11 games as quarterback at Nebraska for two seasons, passing for three touchdowns and six interceptions. He did rush for 530 yards, averaging 6.0 per carry.

So he transferred to Rice, which he thought might be a better opportunity. Completing only 31 of his 62 attempts with two touchdowns and four interceptions led to another major change — not the transfer portal, but changing positions in the Rice offense.

He had never played receiver, yet he made the move for his final two seasons with the Owls. He amassed 71 receptions for 992 yards, averaging 14.0 per reception in his final college season.

The point is, how many NFL rookies have played their position for only two seasons?

No question, Commanders general manager Adam Peters had this as his focus in drafting McCaffrey.

Barring injury, he could really improve as he continues to gain experience at his new position. And don’t overlook the fact that his old position was quarterback. Consequently, he will understand the position from a quarterback perspective as well.

Certainly Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson are much more experienced, but McCaffrey is still learning the position. His ceiling might be higher than we are expecting for a receiver from Rice.

Nebraska LB visiting UCLA after entering portal

UCLA hosting Nebraska LB.

The UCLA Bruins football program continues to cast a wide net in the transfer portal. After landing Florida A&M EDGE Cherif Seye, the Bruins also hosted Nebraska linebacker Chief Borders, per Steve Wiltfong of On3.

Borders is a late addition to the portal and has two years of eligibility remaining, so it could be a good fit for UCLA.

Borders was at Florida previously and spent two years with the Gators before going to Nebraska, and now he enters the portal again.

Coming out of high school, Borders had offers from a lot of programs, including Arkansas, Auburn, Colorado, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, LSU, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Oregon,

So, UCLA being able to add Borders would be a terrific get for the defense. With UCLA going to the Big Ten, there is a scenario where Borders stays in the same conference and gets an uptick in usage in Westwood.

Cornhuskers offer rising 2026 offensive lineman Cannon Pickett

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have offered 2026 offensive lineman Cannon PIckett, a rising prospect out of Tampa, Florida.

A quick-rising name in the 2026 recruiting cycle is Tampa, Florida, offensive tackle Cannon Pickett.

The 6-foot-5, 295-pound lineman out of the Wharton School in Tampa has up to 14 scholarship offers in his recruitment, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers are one of the programs to offer Pickett most recently. 

Late last week, Pickett reported an offer from the Huskers, the 14th offer at the time in his recruitment. Shortly afterward, he would pick up offer No. 15 from Ole Miss.

Pickett is ranked as a top-250 prospect by both On3 and Rivals in the 2026 recruiting class. Rivals is the highest on Pickett, rating him as a four-star prospect and No. 177 overall.

Other programs that have offered Pickett include Florida, Florida State, LSU, Louisville, Miami (FL), Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Pittsburgh, South Florida, and Syracuse.

The Cornhuskers currently do not hold any commitments in their 2026 recruiting class.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.