Nebraska Football Position Previews: Wide Receiver

Nebraska Football Position Previews: Wide Receiver

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Nebraska Football Position Previews: Wide Receiver

Leading up to Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago, Huskers Illustrated is examining each position group for Nebraska. Position groups: Quarterback, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Linebacker, Defensive Back, Specialist.

Today: Wide Receiver

  • Coach: Daikiel Shorts Jr.

  • Impact Additions: Kwazi Gilmer
  • Key Returners: Jacory Barney Jr., Nyziah Hunter
  • Returning Snap Percentage: 71%

Outlook

The two top playmakers from this position are back in Jacory Barney Jr. and Nyziah Hunter. The addition of Kwazi Gilmer, plus depth at the position from Janiran Bonner, Cortez Mills Jr., Quinn Clark, and more, brings offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen an embarrassment of riches to play with.

But can Holgorsen get them the ball? That’s been the issue the past couple of seasons, but with Colandrea at quarterback and more plays likely to be extended for big-play opportunities, this could turn into a big season for the Husker pass catchers.

Could a new quarterback unlock how Dana Holgorsen utilizes the wide receivers in 2026? | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Could a new quarterback unlock how Dana Holgorsen utilizes the wide receivers in 2026? | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The sentiment this offseason has been that the wide receiver situation, plus a mobile quarterback, has given Holgorsen the tools to do what he wants. The question remains, though: what does Holgorsen want his offense to look like, and does that match what Matt Rhule wants?

The offense lacked identity in Rhule’s first year, but since then it was a pro-style offense with Dylan Raiola and a lot of short routes and RPOs. Now, with Colandrea in Lincoln, the wideouts could have much more freedom to work downfield.

Who’s Back

The top two receivers from a year ago are back in 2026.

Hunter led the room with 617 yards and five touchdowns, notching the second-most receptions at 43. Barney had the most receptions by a wideout with 45, taking those for 484 yards and five scores.

Jacory Barney Jr. has been dynamic in his two seasons as a Husker, but many believe he is still far from reaching his ceiling. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Jacory Barney Jr. has been dynamic in his two seasons as a Husker, but many believe he is still far from reaching his ceiling. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Bonner couldn’t make it through the season opener before suffering an injury that would end his year. He’s a do-it-all type of guy, but his ability to line up anywhere makes him as dangerous as anyone in the room.

After those three, talent can be found every which way.

Cortez Mills had nine receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown. Quinn Clark made five catches for 102 yards and a score.

This doesn’t even include the addition of Kwazi Gilmer from UCLA, who led the Bruins last year in receiving yards (535), receptions (50), and receiving touchdowns (4).

Kwazi Gilmer's addition raises the floor of the room, but how much can he be used alongside Nyziah Hunter, Jacory Barney Jr., and others with dynamic skill sets? | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Kwazi Gilmer's addition raises the floor of the room, but how much can he be used alongside Nyziah Hunter, Jacory Barney Jr., and others with dynamic skill sets? | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Key Battle

Cortez Mills vs. Quinn Clark

Hunter, Barney, and Gilmer are going to be on the field as much as possible. Even Bonner will get plenty of run. But who comes next?

Mills is as electric a receiver as exists on the roster. He showcased that last year with a 62-yard touchdown against Houston Christian. The former four-star recruit out of Florida was a high school All-American.

Cortez Mills is looking to make a big jump from year one to year two in the program. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Cortez Mills is looking to make a big jump from year one to year two in the program. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Clark has a year up on Mills. The Husker legacy, whose father, Ken, played running back at NU in the late 1980s, had most of his yardage on the year against Power Four competition. He had a 43-yard reception against Minnesota, a 14-yard catch against No. 21 Michigan, and a 31-yard reception against No. 15 Utah.

If the wideouts are indeed operating with more freedom to chase space as plays break down and Colandrea extends and more deep routes are utilized this fall, Mills and Clark will find plenty of time on the field. But with only one ball, it remains to be seen who will benefit the most from that time.

In the Pipeline

A trio of wide receivers is already committed for next year.

Antayvious Ellis has been committed the longest of the bunch. Out of Texas, he joins quarterback Trae Taylor in moving to Nebraska to play for Millard South for his senior season. A speedster, Ellis has competed at the Nike Outdoor Nationals and USATF Junior Olympics.

Justyn Lindsay was part of the mass of commitments back in June. The Missouri native continues Nebraska’s recent recruiting surge in the Kansas City area.

The best of the bunch may be four-star Khalil Taylor. A former Penn State commit, Taylor made his decision to leave Pennsylvania and go with the Big Red early in July. He also has a background in track, which helps him pull away after the catch, but could also lead to opportunities for him in the return game.

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