LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska football roster has undergone widespread change in less than 14 months under coach Matt Rhule.

Every position group appeared renewed — some with entirely fresh personnel, such as at quarterback and wide receiver, and others, like defensive back and offensive line, with a mix of veteran bodies and new blood.

Undeniably, the Huskers have improved their depth. In part, they’ve taken advantage of a changing landscape in the sport that has reduced the visibility of the 85-player scholarship limit.

For programs with robust NIL operations, a limited group of newcomers, former walk-ons and graduates can receive the equivalent of scholarships through NIL payments. It’s a new world, indeed, in college sports.

More important to track than the 85 is the 115-player roster limit for preseason camp in August. So we’re introducing a new staple: The 115. Much will change as players come and go and rise through offseason performance.

Today, it is a projection. But if preseason camp started tomorrow, Nebraska coaches would face several difficult choices. A handful of walk-ons who could impact the Huskers in 2024 might not make the cut.

Left off as they manage injuries that could impact their readiness for August: offensive linemen Ethan Piper and Jacob Hood and incoming freshman defensive back Evan Taylor.

We’ll update the 115 next when the window for transfer-portal entry closes after the conclusion of spring practice. As Nebraska offseason training begins this week, here’s the first edition:

Quarterbacks (4)

Heinrich Haarberg, junior, 6-foot-5, 215 pounds: Eight-game starter in 2023 might showcase his versatility.

Luke Longval, sophomore, 6-2, 200: The top walk-on at the position is needed for depth.

Daniel Kaelin, freshman, 6-3, 210: High-ceiling early enrollee would benefit from time to develop.

Dylan Raiola, freshman, 6-3, 220: Five-star signee and flip from Georgia and Ohio State projects as the starter.

Synopsis: Is this group too thin and young? Spring practice will answer the key question for new QBs coach Glenn Thomas. Raiola brings mega-talent, but Nebraska could look to the portal for depth and experience if needed.

Running backs (6)

Rahmir Johnson, senior, 5-10, 185: Third-down back on the mend from shoulder surgery.

Gabe Ervin, junior, 6-0, 220: A hip injury was the latest setback for the highly regarded runner.

Trevin Luben, junior, 5-11, 205: Walk-on contributed in a reserve role on offense and special teams.

Dante Dowdell, sophomore, 6-2, 210: Former four-star Oregon signee gets the chance to shine in spring.

GO DEEPER

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Emmett Johnson, sophomore, 5-11, 190: Started six of the final seven games last year and rushed for 410 yards.

Kwinten Ives, redshirt freshman, 6-2, 185: Strong runner preserved redshirt despite backfield depth issues.

Synopsis: Ervin and Rahmir Johnson have managed to rush for just 1,153 yards in seven combined seasons. Their injury problems created the need for Dowdell, a well-rounded back. Ives is the dark horse here.

Fullbacks (3)

Braden Klover, junior, 6-2, 235: Former defensive end switched sides of the ball last spring.

Barret Liebentritt, junior, 6-0, 235: Played linebacker at Notre Dame and in seven games for Nebraska last year.

Janiran Bonner, sophomore, 6-2, 220: Potential offensive weapon has skills to run, block and catch passes.

Synopsis: In the next iteration of the Rhule-Satterfield offense, a lead blocker still has a role. And we might see the Huskers throw more often to the fullbacks.

Tight ends (7)

Nate Boerkircher, junior, 6-5, 245: Started 11 games during the past two seasons and earned a scholarship.

Thomas Fidone II, junior, 6-6, 250: Bounced back from two knee injuries to emerge in 2023 with 25 receptions.

Luke Lindenmeyer, sophomore, 6-3, 260: Started five games last year and showed high-level blocking ability.

Ismael Smith Flores, redshirt freshman, 6-4, 225: Multi-sport star in high school whose dad was an All-American at Iowa.

Ian Flynt, freshman, 6-4, 255: Brings a physical offensive presence from a family of Nebraska track athletes.

Eric Ingwerson, freshman, 6-6, 250: Equally as talented in high school on D-line as at tight end.

Carter Nelson, freshman, 6-5, 225: Did it all as an eight-man star and prep All-American in Ainsworth, Neb.

Synopsis: It’s not just a deeper and more adept group than a year ago, but the Huskers have balance here, with a healthy mix of playmakers and old-school edge blockers.  

Thomas Fidone ranked second on Nebraska in receiving yards with 260 in 2023. (Dylan Widger / USA Today)

Wide receivers (15)

Jahmal Banks, senior, 6-4, 205: Wake Forest transfer earned honorable-mention All-ACC honors in 2022.

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Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, senior, 6-0, 190: Strong start in 2022 as a New Mexico State transfer.

Isaiah Neyor, senior, 6-3, 215: Texas transfer tore ACL after posting 878 receiving yards at Wyoming in 2021.

GO DEEPER

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Elliott Brown, junior, 5-11, 180: Valuable walk-on suffered a knee injury in November.

Alex Bullock, junior, 6-2, 205: Started eight games and caught 15 passes in first major playing time.

Taveon Thompson, junior, 6-3, 205: Walk-on with good size played in first two games of career last year.

Malachi Coleman, sophomore, 6-4, 190: Speedy top signee from 2023 started six games and scored first career TD.

Jaylen Lloyd, sophomore, 5-10, 160: Lloyd and Marvin Harrison Jr. were the only Big Ten receivers with three 50-yard TD receptions.

Demitrius Bell, redshirt freshman, 6-0, 175: Picked Nebraska over top SEC offers and shows promise as big-play talent.

Jaidyn Doss, redshirt freshman, 5-11, 190: Caught two passes in a four-game redshirt season.

Jacory Barney, freshman 6-0, 170: Among five signees from Miami, early enrollee played high school QB.

Quinn Clark, freshman, 6-5, 205: Son of ex-Nebraska running Ken Clark committed after June camp offer.

Dae’vonn Hall, freshman, 6-1, 190: Part of Bellevue West trio that was first from same high school to sign with Huskers since 1987.

Isaiah McMorris, freshman, 5-10, 170: Hall’s prep teammate caught a state-record 90 passes as a junior.

Keelan Smith, freshman, 6-2, 205: Large-class offensive player of the year in Missouri and son of Nebraska legend Neil Smith.

Synopsis: The addition of Banks and Neyor changes the offense. They give Nebraska experience and credibility and enhance the developmental timeline of nine first- and second-year pass catchers.

Offensive linemen (23)

Bryce Benhart, senior, 6-9, 315: Back for a sixth season after school-record-tying 41 starts at right tackle.

Turner Corcoran, senior, 6-6, 310: A knee injury in October snapped his streak of 30 consecutive starts, most at left tackle.

Micah Mazzccua, senior, 6-5, 325: Transfer via Florida and Baylor started for both schools at right guard.

Ben Scott, senior, 6-5, 305: Honorable-mention All-Big Ten pick at center last year.

Ru’Quan Buckley, junior, 6-5, 295: Moved late last year from D-line after playing in eight games.

Henry Lutovsky, junior, 6-6, 325: Spot starter and rotational guard past two seasons.

Joey Mancino, junior, 6-1, 295: Walk-on earned one start at left guard last year.

Keegan Menning, junior, 6-5, 330: Walk-on on the interior played last season in his first game.

Teddy Prochazka, junior, 6-10, 325: Returned from two injury-shortened seasons to take over at left tackle in the second half of 2023.

Justin Evans-Jenkins, sophomore, 6-1, 315: Five-game starter last year with versatility on the interior.

Tyler Knaak, sophomore, 6-6, 325: Utah transfer can provide tackle depth after redshirt.

Dylan Parrott, sophomore, 6-5, 330: Walk-on with a big frame got in three games last year.

Gunnar Gottula, redshirt freshman, 6-5, 295: Backup left tackle preserved redshirt while appearing in four games.

Brock Knutson, redshirt freshman, 6-7, 305: Developmental tackle did not play in his first season.

Jason Maciejczak, redshirt freshman, 6-2, 320: Switched from D-line and excited coaches with athleticism.

Grant Seagren, redshirt freshman, 6-6, 260: Walk-on added 35 pounds from listed weight in first months on campus.

Sam Sledge, redshirt freshman, 6-3, 285: Worked into spot on two-deep at left guard while redshirting.

Grant Brix, freshman, 6-6, 285: Early enrolling top-100 prospect picked Huskers over Oklahoma.

Landen Davidson, freshman, 6-4, 310: June commit last year out of Colorado’s back yard.

Jake Peters, freshman, 6-3, 260: Three-sport standout from Iowa committed during June camp flurry.

Gibson Pyle, freshman, 6-5, 300: Early enrollee who played in All-American Bowl in January.

Xander Ruggeroli, freshman, 6-6, 285: Late bloomer out of Las Vegas was last to join O-line class.

Preston Taumua, freshman, 6-4, 320: Top-rated prospect out of Hawaii plays this week in the Polynesian Bowl.

Synopsis: A potential two-deep with seven juniors and seniors is just what Nebraska needs to make life a bit easier for its young quarterback. The group still lacks reliable depth at tackle.

Defensive linemen (14)

Jacob Herbek, senior, 6-5, 260: Former scout-team standout saw time in six games in 2023.

Nash Hutmacher, senior, 6-4, 330: Powerful tackle will play closer to 310 pounds this year after a 4.5-sack season.

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Ty Robinson, senior, 6-6, 310: Back for a sixth year on the interior with 33 starts over four seasons.

Elijah Jeudy, junior, 6-3, 280: Texas A&M transfer appeared in 11 games in his first year with Huskers.

AJ Rollins, junior, 6-5, 245: Moved from tight end last spring and appeared in four games.

Cameron Lenhardt, sophomore, 6-3, 250: Standout true freshman recorded five tackles for loss and three sacks.

Brodie Tagaloa, sophomore, 6-4, 260: Shelved by preseason auto accident after his move from tight end.

Riley Van Poppel, sophomore, 6-5, 275: Promising tackle made a major impact as a true freshman.

Kai Wallin, sophomore, 6-5, 250: Junior-college transfer played in four games and redshirted.

James Williams, sophomore, 6-5, 235: Rose from scout team to pass-rushing force and still redshirted.

Vincent Carroll-Jackson, redshirt freshman, 6-5, 270: Debuted in the season finale after bringing limited prep experience.

Mason Goldman, redshirt freshman, 6-5, 260: Settled well on defense after midseason surgery.

Sua Lefotu, redshirt freshman, 6-3, 300: Californian recovered a fumble against Colorado in his first action.

Ashton Murphy, freshman, 6-4, 225: Lone D-lineman in newcomer class is enrolling early.

Synopsis: Robinson and Hutmacher anchor the Blackshirts. Lenhardt and Van Poppel are two of better, young D-linemen in the Big Ten. And maybe Williams is the wild card as a natural at rushing the passer.

Ty Robinson recorded a career-high 29 tackles in the 2023 season. (Dylan Widger / USA Today)

Linebackers (16)

John Bullock, senior, 6-0, 220: Top returnee at position group notched 50 tackles in 10 starts.

MJ Sherman, senior, 6-3, 250: Former elite prospect transferred from Georgia and started five games in 2023.

Grant Tagge, senior, 6-1, 205: Three-year special teams standout is a valued locker-room presence.

Javin Wright, senior, 6-5, 215: Broke out in 2023 with 51 tackles after battling multiple injuries.

Michael Booker III, junior, 6-1, 210: Walk-on moved from DB and played a big role on special teams.

Chief Borders, junior, 6-4, 245: Florida transfer played a reserve role in every game during his first season.

Jimari Butler, junior, 6-4, 245: Started six games and led Blackshirts with 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Mikai Gbayor, junior, 6-2, 230: Another breakout performer, started four games in first career opportunity.

Stefon Thompson, junior, 6-1, 250: Played for defensive coordinator Tony White at Syracuse and made 52 stops last year with Orange.

Kaine Williams, junior, 6-2, 215: Alabama transfer has yet to crack the rotation in two seasons with Huskers.

Gage Stenger, sophomore, 6-2, 190: High school QB looking for the chance to make an impact.

Princewill Umanmielen, sophomore, 6-4, 240: Rising star earned second-team freshman All-America recognition.

Maverick Noonan, redshirt freshman, 6-4, 235: Preseason injury forced a redshirt after a solid spring last year.

Dylan Rogers, redshirt freshman, 6-3, 235: Options abound for a versatile defender out of Texas.

Willis McGahee IV, freshman, 6-1, 230: Early enrolling Miami product brings talent and name recognition.

Vincent Shavers Jr., freshman, 6-1, 205: Early enrollee recorded seven sacks as a senior at Miami Central.

Synopsis: This group lost a lot, but the ceiling appears high and depth is solid. Rob Dvoracek has quietly emerged as one of the most promising defensive assistants in the Big Ten.

Defensive backs (23)

Isaac Gifford, senior, 6-1, 205: Back for a fifth year after leading Huskers in tackles with 86.

Tommi Hill, senior, 6-0, 195: Realized abundant potential at corner last year with four picks in Big Ten play.

DeShon Singleton, senior, 6-3, 205: Breakout safety suffered a season-ending knee injury against Michigan.

Koby Bretz, junior, 6-2, 215: Made a jump to appear in 10 games as third-year safety.

Marques Buford Jr., junior, 5-11, 190: Returned from a knee injury to start twice in November and preserve redshirt.

Corey Collier Jr., junior, 6-1, 190: Florida transfer played in five games as a reserve in his first season.

Malcolm Hartzog, junior, 5-9, 175: Started seven games at corner and three at safety, recording 40 tackles.

Blye Hill, sophomore, 6-3, 185: Big corner intercepted two passes in his lone year at FCS St. Francis (Pa.).

Ethan Nation, sophomore, 5-10, 160: Returned punts and provided depth in seven-game true freshman year.

D’Andre Barnes, redshirt freshman, 6-0, 175: Progressed at rover in practice time during his first year.

Dwight Bootle II, redshirt freshman, 5-9, 170: Promising first season cut short by injury in the third game.

Jeremiah Charles, redshirt freshman, 6-0, 160: Played in two games at receiver before moving to secondary.

Syncere Safeeullah, redshirt freshman, 6-2, 175: IMG Academy product via Nashville.

Rahmir Stewart, redshirt freshman, 5-11, 200: Played in one game while redshirting out of Philly prep power Imhotep Institute.

Brice Turner, redshirt freshman, 6-0, 175: Rhule’s first commitment moved from receiver midseason in 2023.

Caleb Benning, freshman, 5-11, 185: Standout at safety and receiver from Omaha Westside, Nebraska’s top prep program.

Mario Buford, freshman, 5-11, 170: Early enrollee from Texas powerhouse DeSoto joins brother Marques in Lincoln.

Roger Gradney, freshman, 6-0, 205: First commit for 2024 class rose from unknown to four-star status.

Rex Guthrie, freshman, 6-0, 190: Senior season in Colorado was cut short by injury.

Donovan Jones, freshman, 6-0, 185: Intercepted four passes and starred on both sides as Omaha North senior.

Braylen Prude, freshman, 6-4, 185: Burst onto the recruiting scene at summer Nebraska camp in Houston.

Amare Sanders, freshman, 6-1, 175: Signing-day addition out of Miami is projectable at cornerback.

Larry Tarver Jr., freshman, 5-10, 170: Another from Miami, early enrollee flipped from FIU and Maryland.

Synopsis: A junior- and senior-dominated top group bodes well. Some questions exist at corner opposite Tommi Hill. Competition will be fierce there and for top backup spots.

Specialists (4)

Brian Buschini, senior, 6-1, 225: Two-year starting punter downed 20 of 57 kicks last year inside the 20.

Cameron Witucki, junior, 6-2, 225: Possible heir apparent at long snapper has spent four seasons in Lincoln.

Tristan Alvano, sophomore, 6-1, 200: Hit 9 of 15 field goals, including a 55-yarder, as a true freshman.

Kamdyn Koch, freshman, 6-2, 190: Top-five punter prospect nationally and son of Nebraska punting great Sam Koch.

Synopsis: Buschini and Alvano had their moments last season. But consistency is what the Huskers need from their kicking crew.

(Top photo of Gabe Ervin: Dylan Widger / USA Today)