In college football, success in the trenches often separates the contenders from the also-rans. Matt Rhule knows this as well as anyone, and the Nebraska head coach has made rebuilding the offensive and defensive lines a clear priority. With fresh leadership on the coaching staff and a promising group of young linemen in the 2027 class, the Huskers are laying the groundwork for a more physical, competitive identity in the Big Ten.
This offseason, Nebraska brought in new voices to lead the charge up front. Geep Wade took over as offensive line coach after time at Georgia Tech, while Corey Brown stepped in as defensive line coach, bringing two decades of experience coaching the position. Their arrivals signal Rhule’s intent to reshape the lines with fresh schemes, better development, and — most importantly — talent acquisition.
On the offensive side, the class already features several high-upside additions who could anchor the unit for years. Leading the way is four-star interior offensive lineman Jordan Agbanoma out of Grayson (Ga.). At 6-3 and 315 pounds coming in, Agbanoma brings immediate size and presence — the kind of build that turns heads before he even steps into Nebraska’s strength program.
Joining him from the same Georgia pipeline is four-star tackle Timi Aliu (6-4, 295). Listed as a tackle but with the frame to slide inside if needed, Aliu offers versatility and length that fits modern Big Ten football. Then there’s fellow IOL KD Jones, a three-star at 6-4 and 268 pounds. He’s on the lighter side now but has plenty of room to add good weight and become a mauler in the interior.
Local talent comes via Omaha native Matt Erickson from Millard North. The towering 6-7.5, 283-pound prospect projects as a tackle and looks like a potential future starter. With Nebraska’s development staff and weight-room work, Erickson has the frame and hometown backstory to grow into a local hero.
The defensive line haul shows a similar emphasis on athleticism and growth potential. Three-star edge rusher Ma’atoe Moe (6-3, 245) fits the mold of the slightly smaller, explosive pass rushers that thrive in today’s 4-2-5 or 4-3 schemes. He brings burst and bend that can pressure quarterbacks without needing to be a 280-pound bull rusher.
Nebraska added a trio of developmental defensive linemen: Jayden Travers (6-4, 285), Errol Demontagnac (6-3, 270), and Nehemiah Ombati (6-3, 275). All sit under 300 pounds right now, but they have the length and frame to add 20–40 pounds while maintaining quickness, probably.
Rhule and his staff understand you don’t always need 320-pound nose tackles to dominate. Plenty of successful programs thrive with game-wreckers in the 285–305 range who can slant, penetrate, and disrupt. These newcomers have that potential — raw but coachable, with upside that fits a modern, aggressive front.
Go Big Red
