The Nebraska Cornhuskers are gearing up for an exciting new season in college football, and their head coach, Matt Rhule, is determined to have his roster in peak physical condition. After a challenging year plagued by injuries to key players, Rhule shared some encouraging updates during a recent winter press conference, indicating a positive outlook for the team’s health as they prepare for the upcoming NCAAF season.
During the press conference, Rhule addressed the media, discussing not only the expectations for the season but also providing insights into the recovery status of several players. “Turner [Corcoran] had surgery,” Rhule explained. “That was a hamstring that just never quite healed. So, he had to have surgery from a specialist a couple of weeks ago. So, we’re hopeful that he’ll be back at some point. Teddy Prochazka, you know, he’s right on pace.”
Corcoran has been a vital component of Rhule’s offensive line strategy since joining the team in the 2020 class. Unfortunately, his college career has been marred by significant injuries that have sidelined him more often than not. The Cornhuskers are undoubtedly eager to see him back on the field, contributing to the team’s success.
Wide receiver Trey Palmer #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers celebrates scoring with tight end Travis Vokolek #83 and offensive lineman Turner Corcoran #69 and wide receiver Oliver Martin #89 against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Another player whose potential has been hindered by injuries is Teddy Prochazka, a member of the 2021 recruiting class. His contributions could be pivotal for the Cornhuskers, but like Corcoran, he has faced challenges that have prevented him from showcasing his skills fully. The coaching staff hopes that with time and proper rehabilitation, Prochazka will be able to make a significant impact on the field.
Demitrius Bell’s current situation
Demitrius Bell presents a different scenario. The wide receiver has had limited opportunities to prove himself on the field due to injuries, but Rhule remains optimistic about his recovery. “Demitrius [Bell] is a little bit behind but trending in the right direction,” Rhule noted. “So, we think he’ll be full go this summer. So, I think those guys are doing a good job in the training room.”
Bell faced a setback after redshirting in 2023, suffering a season-ending injury before the season even began. The entire Nebraska offense is looking forward to his return, as his presence could provide a much-needed boost to the receiving corps.
Matt Rhule addresses the possibility of not playing in the spring game
In addition to injury updates, Rhule also tackled the topic of the Cornhuskers’ traditional Spring Game. Athletic director Troy Dannen had previously mentioned the possibility of not holding the game, leaving many fans and analysts surprised. Rhule shared his thoughts on this matter, stating, “I don’t know that yet. But I’ll be honest with you, I highly doubt it. Fundamentally, I hate to say it like this, it’s really because last year, we were one of the more televised spring games and I dealt with a lot of people offering our players a lot of opportunities after that.”
Rhule expressed concerns about showcasing players in a televised format, fearing that it might attract unwanted attention from rival schools. “To go out and bring in a bunch of players, and then showcase them for all the other schools to watch, that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. The word ‘tampering’ doesn’t exist anymore. It’s just absolute, free, open, common market. I don’t necessarily want to open up to the outside world. I don’t want these guys all being able to watch our guys and say, ‘Wow, he looks like a pretty good player. Let’s go get him.’”
Despite these concerns, Rhule acknowledged the importance of displaying talent, saying, “But I don’t know yet. I just thought it was important that we at least started to broach that subject of it not being televised. At the same time, I do want to show off our players in some ways. What exactly it’ll be yet, I am not worried about anything other than recruiting right now, both the portal and into the ’26 class. Now, I have to kind of turn my attention to all those things.”
As the Cornhuskers prepare for the new season, the focus remains on player health and development. With Rhule at the helm, the team is optimistic about overcoming last year’s challenges and making a significant impact in the upcoming NCAAF season. Fans are eager to see how these developments unfold and how the roster shapes up as they move closer to kickoff. The anticipation is palpable, and the Cornhuskers are ready to rise to the occasion!
