4 questions we have after Nebraska football’s Spring Game

How does the Nebraska defense look? With most of Nebraska’s expected starting defense in the fall not participating in the bulk of the scrimmage, it was hard to get a sense of how the Husker defense will come together.

There’s no question that players such as Nash Hutmacher, Isaac Gifford and Marques Buford will contribute in the fall, but how many snaps will they play? And who will push them for playing time? Many young Husker defenders had the opportunity to impress on Saturday, but whether their efforts will lead to bigger roles in the fall remains to be seen.

What will Nebraska’s transfer portal efforts look like? If any Nebraska players want to enter the transfer portal before the spring window closes, the clock is ticking. Players have until May 1 to enter the portal, though they can wait to decide their future school for several months after that.

In order to get a sense of its roster numbers for the fall, Nebraska will need to be certain about its roster in the coming days. Transfer departures are not out of the question, with head coach Matt Rhule and his Husker assistants set to meet with players at the end of the spring slate.

Who starts at running back? It’s possible that Nebraska’s starting running back in 2024 didn’t see the field on Saturday. Senior Rahmir Johnson and junior Gabe Ervin Jr., recovering from season-ending injuries suffered last fall, didn’t take part in the scrimmage.

Instead, sophomore Emmett Johnson continued his growth from the previous campaign and sophomore transfer Dante Dowdell impressed with two rushing touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Kwinten Ives also received a steady workload, allowing NU coaches to evaluate their three healthy scholarship running backs. This position battle appears likely to continue through the fall.

Will there be special teams improvements? There was both good and bad to Nebraska’s special teams efforts on Saturday. Freshman Jacory Barney Jr. dazzled with an electric kickoff return on which he nearly scored a touchdown — though Rhule pointed out postgame that Barney might’ve been down earlier since the Huskers were not tackling on special teams plays.

Nebraska did not return either of the two punts in the game, a key area the Huskers are seeking improvements in 2024. Sophomore kicker Tristan Alvano also missed two of his three field-goal attempts, connecting on a 40-yard try in the fourth quarter.