Progrums

Huskers’ Rising Trio Poised for a 2026 Leap

Nebraska’s 2025 recruiting haul included 20 newcomers, three of whom—Isaiah Mozee (RB), Dawson Merritt (LB) and Kade Pietrzak (EDGE)—are primed for sophomore breakthroughs. Mozee, a converted wideout with 383 all-purpose yards as a freshman, inherits the lead-back role after Emmett Johnson’s NFL departure. Merritt, the No. 103 2025 prospect, logged eight games and two starts despite injuries, and now enters a healthier fall camp vying in Rob Aurich’s 4-2-5 defense. Pietrzak, who recorded 17 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and 2 sacks as a freshman, has bulked up to 275 pounds and aims to carve out significant snaps on Nebraska’s defensive line.

Move over, cornfield whispers—Nebraska’s coaches have discovered the secret recipe: sprinkle three underclassmen with a dash of offseason hype, then sit back as they attempt to conquer the Big Ten. Isaiah Mozee, once a fleet-footed wideout, now churns tackles like a malfunctioning combine. Dawson Merritt, fresh off dodging knee braces and portal transfers, will strut his way through the linebacker room as if auditioning for a medieval joust. And Kade Pietrzak, the dune-buggy of the defensive front, promises to plow through offenses with all the subtlety of a bull in a ballet class. Grab your popcorn—this sophomore showcase could be more entertaining than Nebraska’s last string of close losses.