3 newcomers who'll have instant impacts for Nebraska football in 2024

The Huskers signed a top-25 recruiting class and landed some key transfers but who will make the biggest impact for Nebraska football in 2024.

Jan 3, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers football assistant coach Donovan Raiola / Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

2 of 3

RB Dante Dowdell

One of the biggest needs going into the offseason for Nebraska football was at running back. Injuries hampered the Huskers at the position in the 2023 season and when it comes to the 2024 recruiting class, the prize Kewan Lacy ended up signing elsewhere.

Cue Dante Dowdell. The former Oregon running back entered the transfer portal after getting just 17 carries last season. Dowdell played in five games and burned his redshirt. The Ducks also have a loaded backfield so it wasn't clear he was going to be the starter.

There's some competition in Lincoln. Gabe Ervin averaged more than five yards per carry last season before his injury. Emmett Johnson also flashed some potential, however, Dowdwell was a former top-10 running back recruit in the 2023 class. He's a dude and he averaged five yards per attempt for the Ducks.

This isn't some up-transfer from the FCS. Dowdell is a legit back and could be the best Nebraska football has had in years.

Home/Nebraska Cornhuskers