2026 Husker Camp Countdown
The World-Herald is counting down the top 50 Nebraska football players you need to know heading into the 2026 season.
(22) updates to this series since Updated
At a position in need of depth and breakout players, Lefotu, entering his fourth college season, could be counted on more this fall.
Hawthorne was once a high-priority recruit for Nebraska in the 2025 class. After a year at Iowa State, Hawthorne found his way to Lincoln, hoping to provide depth in the Huskers’ special teams and linebackers rooms.
Marques Buford was a staple in Nebraska’s secondary over the past two-plus seasons. Now, his younger brother Mario could have his turn to push for a starting spot this fall.
Dawson Merritt is primed for a sophomore breakout season for Nebraska this fall, but will have to recover from another injury to do so.
Dylan Rogers displayed improved pass rush and explosion off the edge last season in his first career start against UCLA. This fall camp, he could be competing for a larger role for Nebraska’s defense.
Tyler Knaak may never crack Nebraska’s offensive line as a full-time starter. However, he is the perfect depth piece for the Huskers as a “break glass in case of emergency” option.
Tyson Terry has been out of football for over a year. Nebraska’s fall camp could be his chance to solidify his spot in the Huskers’ defensive line rotation.
Jeremiah Charles’ first shot at a starting spot on Nebraska’s defensive didn’t go as he planned. This fall camp, he could get a second chance.
Caleb Benning had his breakout game in Nebraska’s Las Vegas Bowl loss to Utah at the end of last season. He could carry that momentum to compete for a starting spot on the Blackshirts during fall camp.
Willis McGahee briefly entered his name into the transfer portal this winter. He opted to remain a Husker and could be a factor in new coordinator Rob Aurich’s defense.
He's the latest defensive back Nebraska has plucked from the FCS ranks, joining Andrew Marshall and Jamir Conn from the 2025 transfer class.
The Ainsworth product is an elite athlete whose production hasn't popped quite yet, but could emerge in 2026 if he's fully recovered from surgery.
Odem joins Nebraska as the Huskers’ highest rated prospect in the 2026 recruiting class; 247 ranks him as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 19 overall player in the country.
This NU safety had a then-career-high four tackles against Iowa, then made his first career start in the Las Vegas Bowl. Against Utah, he logged six tackles.
In a limited role as a freshman, the receiver flashed the speed and athleticism that made him a four-star prospect out of high school.
The QB gave the Huskers a dual threat they didn’t have with Dylan Raiola and peaked with a nearly flawless game at UCLA, NU’s last win of the season.
The Cal transfer beat out John Hohl and Tristan Alvano for the kicking job last year and helped bring stability to a unit that lacked it in 2024.
After a solid first month of the 2025 season, this safety made his first career start against Michigan State as his role expanded during Big Ten play.
Wilson became a popular camp story last year as an Australia native who could kick with both feet and had never played a game of American football. One interview moment — when emotions overtook him as he spoke about missing his family — made international newscasts.
Nobody came away with more spring buzz than Rule, the former three-star prospect from North Carolina who enrolled early at Nebraska.
Black is new to Nebraska but not college football. He accumulated 30 career starts and 2,164 offensive snaps across three seasons at Iowa State.
A year-two jump for Mozee is possible — perhaps likely — as a role switch takes hold at a position of opportunity.
Nebraska football unveiled redesigned uniforms at its "Red Sea Rising" announcement Saturday with new-look numbers and pants.
The "voice of the Huskers" for six seasons of football and men's basketball, Warren Swain, has died. He was 79.
With Emmett Johnson now a Kansas City Chief, Nebraska’s running back hierarchy is unsettled. The starting job is up for grabs a year later.
If Lincoln Southeast graduate is healthy by the fall, he’ll compete with returner Elijah Pritchett and South Carolina transfer Tree Babalade for playing time.
Nebraska running back Mekhi Nelson was arrested Monday in Florida on an alleged felony aggravated battery charge, according to reports.
While Nebraska needs Anthony Colandrea to avoid big mistakes, writes Sam McKewon, his penchant for big plays can help the Huskers win a "toxic" category.
The Big Ten's nonconference slate has never been worse, writes Sam McKewon, with Indiana and Nebraska scraping the barrel.
One year after plenty of Nebraska talk at Big 12 Media Days, UCF coach Scott Frost detailed why his year-two Knights could take off and what he's still learning.
