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Big Ten Football: Every team’s most important newcomer in 2021

By Dante Pryor

Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
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Nebraska Cornhuskers, 3-6:

This could be a make-or-break year for head coach Scott Frost. Heading into year four, Frost and the Huskers have yet to post a winning season or get to a bowl game. Though the program has seen improvement, there is still a long way to go for the ‘Huskers to be a contender in the Big Ten.

Though the Huskers see nearly everyone returns to Lincoln this fall, one familiar name will not return; Wan’Dale Robinson has returned close to home to play for the Kentucky Wildcats. Nebraska has to figure out how to replace that production. These three players could help with that.

  • Thomas Fidone, TE: When Nebraska was rolling in the 1990s, they always had great tight end play. Fidone, an Iowa native, could reestablish Nebraska as one of the schools that produce great tight ends once again. Though Nebraska is deep at this position, Fidone is the best tight end and one of the best athletes on the offense already. Fidone’s upside is through the roof. He’s long and athletic. Fidone understands body position and control as a former basketball player when the ball is in the air. Fidone needs to improve as a blocker but can instantly impact a passing game that needs playmakers.
  • Markese Stepp (transfer), RB: Much like Findone, Stepp comes on campus arguably the best running back in the room. Stepp is a physical runner with enough burst to bounce outside and break long runs. However, Stepp is not a dancer; he is one cut-and-go type of runner. Though the Huskers plan to use multiple backs, Stepp is likely to be the lead.
  • Samori Toure (transfer), WR: Toure is a bit of an unknown, much like the rest of Nebraska’s receivers. Toure was productive during his career at Montana with 87 receptions as a junior. Toure leaves the Grizzlies top 15 all-time in catches and touchdown passes. The redshirt senior leaves Montana to play against tougher competition to improve his standing in the draft. At 6-foot-3, Toure has the size to play in the Big Ten and has impressed during spring camp so far.
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