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Haarberg using bowl prep to change role, maximize potential

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Haarberg using bowl prep to change role, maximize potential


Haarberg using bowl prep to change role, maximize potential

The transfer portal hasn’t been the only reason Nebraska’s quarterback room looks different right now as bowl practices continue in Lincoln for the first time since 2016.

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Daniel Kaelin, a local product and three-star recruit out of Omaha (Neb.) Bellevue West, is currently in the transfer portal and not at practice. Right now, Dylan Raiola’s top backup has been Jalyn Gramstad, the former NAIA Player of the Year from Northwestern (Iowa) who transferred to the program last summer.

And it will be Gramstad getting the QB2 opportunity when Nebraska travels to Yankee Stadium in New York City to play Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 28.

What of Heinrich Haarberg?

Nebraska’s fourth-year player who backed up Raiola and played in 11 games this season is using these bowl practices to make the full transition to tight end. Haarberg will still be available at quarterback against Boston College — those quarterback-designed runs worked well at times this season — but his focus right now is on the future at a different position.

“Heinrich’s been pretty much full-steam ahead, getting ready for next year and being sort of like that F, Y tight end type guy,” Rhule said.

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During a previous press conference, Rhule said he made a commitment to Haarberg to use him at a different position.

“We’ve made a commitment to Heinrich that we would let him explore some other positions,” Rhule said on Dec. 4. “He really wants to be a pro player with his athleticism.”

On Thursday Rhule said the 6-5, 225-pound Haarberg is one of the best athletes he’s ever coached. In 11 games this season Haarberg completed 10-of-18 passes for 101 yards while rushing for 102 yards. He also caught one pass for eight yards.

As the starter for eight games in 2023, Haarberg recorded team-highs in passing yards (967), rushing yards (477), rushing touchdowns (5) and passing touchdowns (7). He also caught a pass for a first down in the season-opener at Minnesota on a split block bluff to the flat:

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“He’s big, he’s explosive, he’s athletic, he can catch the ball, he’s really smart,” Rhule said. “Heinrich can go out there, he can play tailback on one play and play X receiver on the next.”

With a play-caller and designer like Dana Holgorsen now in the fold, Rhule believes Haarberg has a chance to make an impact at a tight end position that, like many others across the team, will look different in 2025.

“I think he’s gonna have a real chance there,” Rhule said.

Nate Boerkircher, a talented but underutilized all-around tight end, entered his name in the transfer portal and is going through that process. Thomas Fidone II and Luke Lindenmeyer are two more tight ends with playing experience. Carter Nelson now has a season of college football under his belt, primarily as a slot receiver at 6-5, 230 pounds.

Mac Markway, a transfer from LSU who arrived just before the start of the season, will continue with his rehab for an ACL injury he suffered at practice in September. Ian Flynt and Eric Ingwerson are two true freshmen who each appeared in one game this season, the opener against UTEP.

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In the 2025 class, Jeremiah Jones could factor into the tight end discussion, though he could play anywhere from tight end to receiver to outside linebacker to safety.

“Since Dana has gotten here, he’s really, really, really seen a lot in Luke Lindenmeyer, and we’ve used him a lot,” Rhule said. “We’ve seen a lot in Nate. We think Carter Nelson is going to grow into one of the best tight ends. We think Heinrich is going to be a great tight end prospect. And we have some young guys that we like.”

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Nebraska

Nebraska outfielder Will Jesske coaches local legion team

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Nebraska outfielder Will Jesske coaches local legion team


LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) — After a hamstring injury during Nebraska’s baseball season, Will Jesske was advised to take it easy this summer. He is, but Jesske has found a new way to stay involved in the game.

Jesske is coaching a local legion baseball team. He is a volunteer assistant for Lincoln Hotel Group, the senior legion team for Standing Bear High School.

Jesske, a Lincoln Southeast graduate, describes himself as the “hype man” in the LHG dugout. He brings energy and enthusiasm, which players enjoy. Jesske said coaching is a way he can give back to local players while helping LHG’s coaching staff. Jesske played under Tanner Lewis and Kyle Beacom in high school. They now lead the LHG legion program.

Jesske is entering his senior season at Nebraska. He has appeared in 95 games over his career, including 33 during the Huskers’ 43-win season this spring. Jesske was injured early in the season but played through it as Nebraska hosted an NCAA regional. He hit .318 in his junior season. Jesske said he is fully healthy and credited extended rest with his recovery.

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Former Nebraska wrestler AJ Ferrari wanted in Lincoln, accused of assaulting pregnant woman

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Former Nebraska wrestler AJ Ferrari wanted in Lincoln, accused of assaulting pregnant woman


LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Former Nebraska wrestler AJ Ferrari is wanted in Lancaster County on suspicion of assaulting a pregnant woman in May.

An arrest warrant was filed for Ferrari on Thursday. He faces three felony charges which include first-degree false imprisonment and assault by strangling a pregnant woman.

According to an arrest affidavit, a woman from California contacted police in Lincoln on May 8 just after midnight. She told officers her daughter called for help and pointed them to Ferrari’s apartment.

Police arrived at the apartment and knocked on the door. A pregnant woman came out after several minutes of knocking with no answer. Officers said the woman was visibly upset.

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She told officers that Ferrari tried taking her phone away after an argument, but she wouldn’t let him take it. The arrest affidavit shows Ferrari then dragged her off a bed by her feet.

Police think Ferrari then got on top of her and strangled her, likely until she was unconscious. The woman told police that she felt as though her throat “collapsed” and that she was “breathing through a straw.”

Once regaining consciousness, police said the woman tried hiding in a closet and contacting her mother on another device. But Ferrari followed her, pushed her onto a bed and sat on her until she apologized, according to the affidavit.

She apologized in order to be released, police said. The woman then tried to leave the apartment, but police said Ferrari dragged her by the arm back inside. She found her phone and contacted her mother, yelling “help!”, prosecutors wrote.

Ferrari grabbed the phone and hung up, according to the affidavit. The woman’s mother tried calling several more times before calling police.

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Authorities transported the woman to Bryan West for treatment. Officers said she sustained injuries consistent with strangulation, including bruising around her neck and other abrasions.

Last weekend, Ferrari was arrested in Lincoln County on suspicion of flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving and obstructing the police. He was cited after a trooper chased a Corvette in the North Platte area.

Lincoln County authorities told KOLN that Ferrari is out on bond. His current whereabouts are unclear.

Court records show that the woman has filed for a protection order against Ferrari. A hearing has been set for July 7 to give him an opportunity to show the court why one should not be issued.

AJ Ferrari appears in Lancaster County Court(KOLN)

Previously, Ferrari was booked in Lancaster County, Nebraska for an outstanding warrant in January of this year, but those charges were dismissed later that week.

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Ferrari parted ways with the Huskers in April of this year.

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Discounted tickets for Nebraska State Fair over 4th of July Weekend

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Discounted tickets for Nebraska State Fair over 4th of July Weekend


The Nebraska State Fair is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a special 72-hour flash sale on Season Passes.

From July 3 through July 5, fans can purchase a 2026 Season Pass for just $50—a significant discount from its regular value of $132.

The pass includes one admission per day for all 11 days of the 2026 Nebraska State Fair, making it ideal for visitors who plan to attend multiple days.

Fair officials say the promotion is one of the biggest Season Pass discounts offered in years and will not be extended.

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After July 5, Season Passes will remain available at a higher discounted price.



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