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Nebraska Football Offensive Line Shows Early Signs of Improvement

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 12:21 GMT by Lincoln Journal Star

Nebraska Football’s Offensive Line: A Work in Progress Showing Glimmers of Potential

The Nebraska Cornhuskers football team faces significant challenges as they navigate the 2023 season, and few areas are under more scrutiny than the offensive line. As detailed in a recent article by Lincoln Journal Star's Kevin Axelrod, while far from a finished product, there are emerging signs that this unit – plagued by inconsistency and struggles in previous years – might be on track for improvement. The journey is ongoing, but early indications suggest progress under new coaching and a shifting personnel landscape.

For years, Nebraska’s offensive line has been a source of frustration for fans and coaches alike. Inconsistent blocking contributed to issues with both the running game and pass protection, hindering overall team performance. Last season, the unit struggled significantly, ranking poorly in several key metrics like sacks allowed and rushing yards per attempt. The need for substantial improvement was clear, and head coach Matt Rhule prioritized addressing this weakness during the offseason.

Rhule’s strategy involved a combination of recruiting, player development, and schematic adjustments. He brought in offensive line coach Steve Farmer, who has a reputation for building strong lines through detailed technique work and emphasizing fundamentals. Farmer's previous experience at BYU, where he helped develop a consistently solid offensive front (as highlighted by the Journal Star article referencing his background), offered hope that Nebraska could see similar results.

The current starting lineup is undergoing some shifts and experimentation. Early in fall camp, Bryce Spencer was slated to anchor the line at left tackle, a crucial position given its responsibility for protecting the quarterback’s blindside. However, injuries have forced adjustments. Spencer's absence due to injury has allowed Ben Brahmer to step into that role, with Brahmer displaying surprising poise and effectiveness. Brahmer's move highlights both Nebraska's depth challenges and the adaptability being fostered within the group.

Beyond Brahmer, the line includes players like Turner Corcoran at center (a position he’s transitioned to after previously playing guard), Matt Norfolk at right tackle, Henry Christophe at left guard, and Kaden Johnson at right guard. While each player possesses talent, experience, and a willingness to learn, they are still working on cohesion and communication – vital components of any successful offensive line. The article emphasizes that these players are relatively young and inexperienced overall, which explains some of the growing pains.

One encouraging development is the emergence of several younger players who are pushing for playing time. Players like Marcus Mims and Caleb Vanleeuwen have shown flashes in practice and could see opportunities to contribute later in the season. This competition fosters a culture of improvement and provides valuable depth, crucial for navigating the inevitable injuries that arise throughout a long football season.

The article also points out the impact of Rhule’s emphasis on physicality. He wants Nebraska's offensive line to be known for its toughness and willingness to impose their will on opponents. While this isn't immediately translating into dominant performances, there is a noticeable effort to play with more aggression and assertiveness. This shift in mentality is arguably as important as any technical improvement.

However, the journey is far from complete. The offensive line still faces significant challenges. Pass protection remains an area of concern, and establishing consistent run blocking will be crucial for supporting Nebraska’s offense. The early-season games against Minnesota and Wisconsin – two traditionally physical teams – will provide a critical test of the unit's progress. The article cautions that judging the line’s true potential will require patience and observation throughout the season.

Ultimately, the Nebraska offensive line is a work in progress. While there are no guarantees of immediate success, the combination of improved coaching, player development, increased competition, and a commitment to physicality offers reasons for cautious optimism. The early signs suggest that this unit might be trending in the right direction, laying the groundwork for future improvement and contributing to a more balanced and effective Nebraska football team. The true measure of their progress will come as they face increasingly tough opponents throughout the season.

Note on Limitations: This summary is based solely on the provided article from August 29th, 2023. The situation with the Nebraska offensive line is dynamic and constantly evolving. Player injuries, performance fluctuations, and coaching adjustments can all significantly impact their progress. Subsequent articles or game footage would likely reveal further developments not captured in this summary. The information presented here reflects the state of affairs as understood from that specific point in time.