“Bringing it back for the Husker Nation; Wait a bit longer, we’re gonna bring a lot this year,” Huskies’ Jacory Barney exuded confidence in the offense, promising the lot to a fan base hungry to end the 26-year-old championship drought. Matt Rhule enters his third season after an improved 7-6 record and a Pinstripe Bowl, accompanied by Dana Holgorsen’s offensive playbook. Clearly, the optimism peeked through as the roster was in good spirits, aiming high, as they set their sights on the fall camp.

Kicking off on Monday, the camp, under warm weather, was pumped up with adrenaline. Day 1 at Lincoln was packed with energy, with a roster eyeing at least a playoff push. QB1 Dylan Raiola hit the turf and began the practice, passing to a variety of receivers. While the grind is on, Rhule updated on the roster’s health following the Day 1 practice, delivering a gut punch to Dylan Raiola and the team.

Rhule presented the injury report with several key players missing after day 1 of the fall camp. The list includes WR Demitrius Bell and three freshmen, namely RB Jamorion Parker, DL Malcolm Simpson, and OL Juju Marks. No elaboration on the nature of the injury was provided, as per The Daily Nebraskan reporter Bobby Schneider’s tweet.

These new setbacks come fresh off already injured players. OL Turner Corcoran, who met with a hamstring injury, and DL Tyson Terry, who sustained a knee injury, are still working their way back to the turf. So, should we worry? Well, Corcoran, an experienced fifth-year offensive lineman, was a significant player on the roster. In 2023, as well, he sustained a foot injury. As of the Class of 2025, Tyson Terry is still recovering from a torn ACL, which he sustained in his senior high school season.

Speaking of the D-line, Matt expanded on his comments from last week, describing the defensive line as ‘hell on wheels’. “I always have confidence in our players,” Rhule said. “The last thing our players need is to say they’re not going to be good. I think the only thing that’s going to limit them is their own brains.” But how will these injuries affect the roster in the upcoming season?

What next for Dylan Raiola’s offense?

Well, the Huskers lost three of their four running backs during the offseason. Rahmir Johnson exhausted his eligibility, while Dante Dowdell moved to the Kentucky Wildcats. Another RB, Gabe Ervin, transferred to Kansas State. But to fill the void, Rhule brought in transfers. Elijah Pritchett, Rocco Spindler, Dane Key, and others made their way into Lincoln.

As per the injury report. Demitrius Bell remains injured following his knee injury during last year’s spring game and hasn’t recovered, prompting further questions about his participation on the turf against Cincinnati. At the same time, the rise of players like Jacory Rice, who clinched the 2024 Midseason True Freshman All-American honor, is an asset. Freshman RB Jamorion Parker, DL Malcolm Simpson, and OL Juju Marks are also injured, putting a toll on the roster and limiting Rhule’s playbook to use fresh talent on the field.

But that doesn’t mean that their motivation has dimmed. Recently, Rhule sat down with the Husker Radio Network and gave fresh insights on the Cornhuskers, prepping up for the natty. “Dane Key did such a great job of coming in as a guy with production in the SEC. You bring like, the youth and exuberance of like Jacory and those guys, and you bring the experience of Dane. Kwinten Ives, Mekhi Nelson, Isaiah Mozee, you know, moving around from wide receiver, not kind of going over running back. I just think we have a lot of difference makers.”

With fans singing, “Dear Old Nebraska U,” the Husker nation holds its breath. Will Matt Rhule’s third-year charm work? Or will the injured roster dilute Rhule’s strategy?