Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule
***Rhule said he’s “really enjoyed the early start” to spring practices this year, especially with the weather allowing them to practice outside more than expected. “I’m glad we did it.”***Rhule said Nebraska would “take it day by day” with how they schedule their spring scrimmage days. They’re still acclimating guys into practices right now.
***Rhule said “there’s a lot expected” of the quarterbacks, and he’s “been pleased with the group” thus far.
***He said TJ Lateef had made “impressive” physical development this offseason, and he’s building on the experience he gained late last season. Daniel Kaelin has also impressed in his first few practices since returning to the Huskers.
“To me, he’s the true definition of a Cornhusker… It’s almost like he never left.”
***On Anthony Colandrea, Rhule said his athleticism, play-making ability, and competitiveness had immediately stood out.
***Rhule said Owen Stoudmire was “a very mature player” who was “full go” this spring after dealing with some injuries earlier in this career.
A productive NFL Combine, plus early thoughts on Jamal Rule
***Rhule was in Indianapolis to support his former players and meet with roughly 30 agents at the NFL Combine. He heard very positive reports on how well Emmett Johnson and DeShon Singleton interviewed this weekend.***A lot of those conversations with agents revolve around college and high school players they represent, and also to get an idea of what other schools are doing in recruiting. He said NU could have probably spent three days out there. “It was a business trip.”
***Rhule said the grass practice fields were “fantastic” coming out of the winter. Even with the recent snow, they had been “a really good investment” by the athletic department.
***Rhule said Dexter Foster is also full-go after dealing with some past injuries. He called the linebacker “a really good player who’s physical and athletic.” He’s still learning the defense, but “he’s learning it quickly.”
***Rhule said Jamal Rule was “a natural runner” who was already around 210 pounds as a true freshman. “He’s big, he’s fast, he has vision,” and “we’re all pleased with him.” He said Rule was “competing to play” this season.
***Rhule called Jahsear Whittington an “explosive man,” and there were “no concerns with his size.” Rhule said Whitting “plays at one speed. He plays at 100 miles per hour.”
Linebacker Owen Chambliss
***Owen Chambliss said the challenges with installing a new defense this spring were making sure everyone was on the same page. Having experience in Rob Aurich’s system, Chambliss has taken it upon himself to help his teammates as much as possible in practice and meetings.***Chambliss said the defensive calls were “basically the same” as they were at SDSU. He estimated that about 97% of the calls were the same.
***Chambliss said Nebraska’s defensive line had looked “amazing” and “as confident as you can be” this spring. He named Riley Van Poppel as a guy who had impressed early on.
***Chambliss said he “absolutely” looked ahead at Nebraska’s 2026 schedule and has already watched film on every opponent. He said there was “a little bit of similarity week to week” with Big Ten offenses, unlike the Mountain West, where you’d go from one extreme to another with Hawaii and Air Force.
One constant with the Big Ten has been the physicality, size, and “power” in the trenches. He prides himself on his physicality and is looking forward to the challenge this fall.
***Chambliss said the earlier start to spring would allow players more time to recover before fall camp. They’ll basically work out like “winter conditioning” in April and May, then transition to their normal summer workout schedule.
Wide receiver Jacory Barney
***Jacory Barney on Colandrea: “The swag he has is just different. I love it.” He thinks that can help Nebraska’s offense take the next step in 2026.***Barney said a dual-threat QB who can scramble like Colandrea adds a new element to the offense. He noted that Colandrea ripped off an “explosive play” with his legs during Saturday’s practice.
***Barney said Nebraska’s other quarterbacks had embraced the competition to try to win the job.
***Barney said he loves Kawzi Gilmer and that “he knows a lot about football.” Gilmer has already helped teach Barney some new things about the game and playing wide receiver.
***Barney liked hiring Brett Maher as special teams coordinator. He said Maher had a great mind for special teams and was looking forward to working with him.
***Barney said he will definitely work at kickoff returner this season. He added that he was only doing what his coaches instructed him to do in taking out all of the kick returns in the Las Vegas Bowl.
