The Nebraska Cornhuskers struggled in their first season under head coach Mike Riley, posting 6-7 overall record with a 3-5 record in the Big Ten conference. The Cornhuskers' new head coach knows that it will take time to develop the program in Lincoln, but he is looking to build a strong foundation and has already landed some of the top high school recruits in the nation heading into the 2016 season.
The Cornhuskers are looking to build off their success last season, and with both quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. and wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp returning for their senior seasons, Nebraska will look to contend in the West division of the Big Ten.
While Nebraska is looking to build off their first season under Riley, Cornhusker fans across the nation saw first-hand their new coach's ability to recruit, as four-star recruit Keyshawn Johnson Jr. has announced his commitment to Nebraska. The young, talented wide receiver is the first four-star receiver to pledge to the Cornhuskers program since Westerkamp in 2012, and he should headline a 2017 class that already features three-star receiver Jaevon McQuitty and three-star linebacker Willie Hampton.
"The Huskers just got better today, what a time to be a Husker!" Riley wrote on Twitter following Johnson's announcement. The Cornhuskers ranked 26th in the nation in college recruiting this year, and Riley is showing his ability to bring top recruits to a program with a strong history. While the Cornhuskers won't have their new star receiver until the 2017 season, Nebraska fans are still anxiously awaiting their first game against Fresno State at Memorial Stadium in September.
After a difficult season last year, the Cornhuskers quarterback, Armstrong, is looking to remake himself in 2016 and has spent the offseason revisiting his fundamentals, as well as dedicating himself to becoming a better leader. The Cornhuskers quarterback completed 55.2 percent of his passes for 3,030 yards with 22 touchdowns to 16 interceptions in his junior season, and he will need to work on ball security if the Cornhuskers want to be in contention for the Big Ten title in December.
Nebraska suffered some heartbreaking losses last season, including losing four games by three points or less, but the Cornhuskers look to have a bright future ahead of them, recruiting some talented players that should turn this team into a consistent contender in the Big Ten West.
