Top 40 Huskers for 2024: 26-30

With Nebraska’s 2024 season around the corner, the HuskerOnline team voted on the Top 40 Husker players going into Matt Rhule ‘s second season in Lincoln.

The voting criteria were to rank the players based on their importance to the team, overall talent, and future potential for the upcoming season. Our voters focused specifically on the 2024 season, not future seasons, a player’s long-term importance, or future talent.

The voting panel consisted of HuskerOnline publisher Sean Callahan, columnist Steven Sipple, senior writer Robin Washut, and staff writer Abby Barmore. Each voter submitted their own Top 40 list from which the votes were tallied.

Our annual Top 40 Huskers series continues with players 26-30, a cast of new and old faces looking to break out in 2024.

Series: 3 6-40 | 31-35

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30. Turner Corcoran, OL, Sr.

In his 31st career start, Turner Corcoran’s 2023 season ended abruptly during an October win over Northwestern. A foot injury sidelined him for the rest of the year and kept him limited into the Huskers’ spring practices.

But the do-it-all senior is finally healthy and ready to return as a versatile piece on Nebraska’s offensive line this season.

Corcoran was NU’s starting left tackle for the first seven games last year. But the 6-foot-6, 310-pound native of Lawrence, Kansas, could play either tackle spot, both guard positions, or even center if necessary.

29. Nate Boerkircher, TE, Jr.

Given the returning and incoming star power at his position, Nate Boerkircher often gets overshadowed in Nebraska’s tight end discussion. But the junior has been a staple in NU’s offense the past two seasons.

The 6-5, 245, native of Aurora has played in 24 straight games with 11 starts, including seven in 2023. He ranked second behind Thomas Fidone for catches (five) and receiving yards (51) by an NU tight end.

It’s hard to know what Boerkircher’s role will be this season with Fidone back and heralded freshman Carter Nelson joining the mix in the fall. However, as evidenced by his 61-yard touchdown catch in the spring game, he brings plenty of playmaking ability to the table.

28. Carter Nelson, TE, Fr.

The top 2024 prospect in Nebraska, Carter Nelson arrives in Lincoln this summer. The Ainsworth product has an excellent opportunity to immediately claim a significant role in NU’s offense.

His off-the-charts athleticism caught the eye of college coaches across the country. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban flew to Ainsworth and watched eight-man football for the first time just for him.

Expectations are soaring for the true freshman, and he has all the tools to meet and exceed them during his Huskers career. There could be a learning curve from eight-man football to the Big Ten, but Nelson is the type of player who can handle it.

27. Malachi Coleman, WR, So.

A former four-star prospect and the No. 60 overall player in the 2023 cycle, Malachi Coleman arrived at Nebraska as the highest-rated recruit of Rhule’s first class.

The former Lincoln East star showed flashes of his potential as a true freshman, playing in 11 games with eight receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown. Coleman missed most of spring ball and the Huskers’ Red-White game due to an injury, but he’ll be firmly back in the mix this fall.

Not many NU receivers have the 6-4, 190-pounder’s blend of size, strength, and speed. Nebraska added some talented wideouts through the portal this offseason, but Coleman is still in line for a breakout 2024.

26. Rahmir Johnson, RB, Sr.

In many ways, Rahmir Johnson embodies the current state of Nebraska’s running back room. The sixth-year senior has been a valuable backfield weapon when healthy. Unfortunately, injuries have kept him off the field far too often.

Johnson had 12 carries for 78 yards and had a 65-yard kickoff return at Minnesota to open 2023. Then, a dislocated shoulder in the Huskers’ win over Northern Illinois sidelined him for the rest of the year. That was after an injury ended a promising 2021 campaign.

Despite his ailments, the 5-10, 185, native of New York City is still by far NU’s most experienced back. He’s played 34 career games with eight starts, and Rhule and Co. love everything about him.

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