Who will start for Nebraska offensive line coach Donovan Raiola in 2025? As we inch closer to the start of spring workouts, the Cornhuskers have already lost their starting center Ben Scott. And after playing 60 games with the program, right tackle Bryce Benhart has exhausted his eligibility. But it isn’t all bad. NU has the sixth-best portal class ranking in the country, according to 247Sports. Nebraska’s offensive line also is full of returning talent. This allows several Huskers to make a name for themselves in 2025. Let’s break down who they are.
Huskers To Watch: Nebraska’s Offensive Line
Elijah Pritchett
The sophomore transfer from Alabama is a big addition to Donovan Raiola’s position group. At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Pritchett comes to Lincoln looking to fill Benhart’s shoes at right tackle. He’s also a big recruiting win. Pritchett was a former five-star prospect in the 2022 class. This led him to take over Kadyn Proctor’s spot at left tackle against South Florida in week two. But this didn’t last. In the Crimson Tide’s week three game against Wisconsin, he was switched over to right tackle. This move allowed him to make the position his own. In 10 games in Tuscaloosa, Pritchett was able to notch over 500 snaps. He has the experience that Raiola needs, but he’s far from a finished product. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed 31 pressures and six sacks. It will be interesting to see if he can reach his potential in Lincoln.
Elijah Pritchett is officially a Husker
#GBR x #WhatsNExt! pic.twitter.com/HnuhsSL0ys
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) January 9, 2025
Gunnar Gottula
After Teddy Prochazka suffered a knee injury, the redshirt freshman was forced to take over his duties at left tackle. This was a major concern for Nebraska’s offensive line heading into the 2024 season. But in just twelve games, he managed to make the position his own. This gives him an inside track for the position in 2025. He’s the most experienced left tackle on the Huskers roster, and there are not many options after him. Grant Brix and Brock Knutson just went through their first seasons of college football. It’s likely that they are still going to be developing in spring ball. The most likely challenger to Gottula would probably be Jason Maciejczak. He should get a chance to factor into the rotation after playing nine games in 2024. If that doesn’t pan out, Shiyazh Pete would be one to watch. The former New Mexico State tackle only allowed five pressures throughout the 2024 season. The Huskers are trending for his services after his recent visit to Lincoln.
Justin Evans
The 315-pound sophomore was a mainstay at left guard for the Cornhuskers. As a redshirt freshman, he only started five games. But as a sophomore, his role increased. He played 13 games as a member of Nebraska’s offensive line in 2024. This experience allowed him to easily help Raiola dethrone ex-Husker Adrian Martinez’s freshman passing record. Evans will likely play center in 2025. He got some work at the position against Purdue in 2023. With Raiola’s help, he can learn the position and make an immediate impact before spring football begins. But, it’s more likely that Dana Holgorsen helps to identify potential targets through the transfer portal. The 53-year-old has been critical to the Big Red’s success in the transfer portal so far. It would be interesting if the program used this strategy once again.
Henry Lutovsky
The junior right guard is poised to nab a starring role in 2025. After playing just nine games in 2024, former Florida transfer Micah Mazzccua is leaving the Cornhuskers. The Philadelphia native is likely going to try his luck in the NFL Draft, which gives Lutovsky a clear path to start. The Iowa native also has loads of experience in Nebraska’s offensive line. Throughout his career with the Big Red, Lutovsky has managed to start in 24 games. He should have enough experience for Raiola to pencil him into the starting lineup. But if they develop faster than expected, we could see Shawn Hammerbeck or Halafihi Tapu emerge.
Read more about Lutovsky’s career with Nebraska in Depth Chart Predictions: Nebraska’s Offensive Line
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