Top-graded Huskers in season-opening win over UTEP

The Nebraska football team opened the 2024 season with a resounding win over the UTEP Miners on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.

It wasn’t only the Huskers’ first season-opening win since 2019 but also a clear sign of the team’s growth from last year and its potential this season.

According to the team’s participation report, 107 players played at least one snap in the win, of course, to varying levels.

Here are the top performers from Saturday’s game, according to Pro Football Focus (minimum of 15 snaps).

Offense

• TE Luke Lindenmeyer — 83.4
• QB Dylan Raiola — 79.5
• WR Isaiah Neyor — 77.3
• RB Emmett Johnson — 76.8
• RT Bryce Benhart — 75.1
• WR Jahmal Banks — 71.3
• RB Rahmir Johnson — 69.5
• QB Heinrich Haarberg — 68.6
• RG Micah Mazzccua — 68.3
• C Grant Seagram — 68.2

It was hard to find anyone who played really poorly in Saturday’s game. Even with more than 50 players seeing action, all but one received a PFF grade of at least 50 and the top-30 had at least a 60 grade. Now, of course, many guys only played a handful of snaps late in the game but the vast majority of the first- and second-stringers played really well.

It’s no surprise to see Raiola, the wide receivers and running backs up there after great debuts. Running backs Gabe Ervin (75.6) was also up there but only played nine snaps while Dante Dowdell’s fumble dropped his grade to 67.0. And how about Haarberg, who played mostly at quarterback on Saturday in relief of Raiola — plus a couple of sub-package plays — but will likely be used in a variety of ways going forward.

Related: Huskers show improved talent, depth in 40-7 win over UTEP

Defense

• S Rahmir Stewart — 84.0
• LB MJ Sherman — 82.4
• DE Ty Robinson — 74.9
• LB Mikai Gbayor — 74.5
• S Isaac Gifford — 72.8
• S Marques Buford Jr. — 72.6
• LB John Bullock — 68.3
• CB Tommi Hill — 67.2
• S DeShon Singleton — 66.9
• LB Stefon Thompson — 66.1

Again, the defense was pretty strong all day Saturday, minus the three-play touchdown drive that the Miners had. Even there, however, cornerback Malcolm Hartzog Jr., who was beat for the touchdown before later grabbing an interception, recording a 64.5 grade.

Only three of the Huskers defenders who saw action received a grade below 50, per PFF, and 37 had at least a 60 grade.

Some other guys who played fewer snaps but still shined include redshirt freshman cornerback Jeremiah Charles (72.4), junior cornerback and Lincoln native Derek Branch (76.4) and sophomore linebacker Princewill Umanmielen (81.4). Umanmielen, in particular, should get plenty of opportunities this season.

The Huskers get their next opportunity in primetime on Saturday when Colorado comes to Lincoln. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. in that one.

Related: Rhule, Huskers enjoy opening win over UTEP while recognizing work ahead