Full Breakdown
Nebraska Football Prepares for Home Opener Against Akron
9/2/2025, 12:45:19 PM
Depth Chart Changes Ahead of Akron Game
As the Nebraska Cornhuskers gear up for their home opener against the Akron Zips on September 6, 2025, significant adjustments to the team's depth chart have emerged following their season-opening victory over Cincinnati. Head coach Matt Rhule announced that wide receiver Janiran Bonner will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL, a loss he described as "tremendous" given Bonner's versatility across multiple positions, including special teams, running back, and tight end. Rhule emphasized the importance of Bonner not just as a player but as a person within the team.
In Bonner's absence, Rhule is looking to Carter Nelson to step up. Nelson, who previously played wide receiver, is now positioned to fill the void left by Bonner and is listed as an option for the No. 2 tight end spot behind Luke Lindenmeyer. Rhule expressed confidence in Nelson's talent, stating, "Carter's as talented a guy as there is in the country. It's his chance."
Offensive Line Dynamics
The left tackle position remains a point of contention, with Turner Corcoran, Gunnar Gottula, and Elijah Pritchett competing for the starting role. Rhule indicated that the current three-man rotation will not continue indefinitely, highlighting the need for a more stable lineup. Teddy Prochazka has secured the right tackle position, while the left side remains uncertain.
Special Teams and Kicking Competition
The kicking game is also under scrutiny, as Kyle Cunanan, despite a successful outing against Cincinnati, is still listed as an "or" with John Hohl. Rhule noted that while Cunanan performed well, the special teams unit as a whole needs improvement, particularly in kickoff coverage.
Performance Review and Areas for Improvement
Following the narrow 20-17 win over Cincinnati, Rhule acknowledged both strengths and weaknesses in the team's performance. Nebraska's defense excelled in pass coverage, limiting Cincinnati to just 69 passing yards. However, the team struggled against the run, allowing over 200 rushing yards, with a significant portion attributed to the opposing quarterback's mobility. Rhule emphasized the need for better discipline in tackling and maintaining lanes, particularly against teams that utilize tempo and running quarterbacks.
Upcoming Matchup and Historical Context
The matchup against Akron marks the second official meeting between the two programs, with Nebraska leading the series 1-0. The Huskers previously defeated the Zips 59-14 in 1997. This game also kicks off a four-game homestand for Nebraska, which has a strong record in home openers, winning six straight since 2018.
As Nebraska prepares to face Akron, the team is focused on addressing its depth chart challenges and improving its overall performance to build on the momentum from their season opener.
