'Just a different experience': Hundreds turn out for Nebraska football's Fan Day
Hours after walking the stage at Big Ten media days in Indianapolis, Garrett Nelson and Travis Vokolek traded their suits for a T-shirt and shorts.
A wise choice, even for a relatively cool late July evening in Lincoln.
Their outfits weren’t the only contrast from a morning filled with questions about on-field production, win totals and NIL. Instead, high-fives and smiles were shared all around as hundreds of fans gathered at Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night for Nebraska football's annual Fan Day.
The annual event gives fans a chance to see players up close and receive autographed footballs, jerseys, helmets and gloves for their personal collections. That was the mission for Beckam Maack and his dad, Trevor Maack, a pair of longtime Husker fans from Lincoln.
For Beckam, getting an autograph from Nelson was the highlight of his evening. The junior edge rusher tossed him a glove and a towel at games last season, so a commemorative autograph from the team leader was the only thing missing. He got that and more, shown in a gray hoodie filled with autographs from the many position groups the Maacks had gone through.
“This is the best time of year,†Trevor Maack said. “This is the first time after all these years that we’ve done this. I’ve never been for Fan Day and I’d never taken him to this, so it’s just a perfect night for this.â€
Indeed, the weather made for a much better experience than the scorching temperatures fans suffered through a year ago. Bottled water was still much-needed as fans stuck out the lines, but things moved quickly for the hundreds of Husker supporters in the stadium.
That is, with the exception of the quarterback line which snaked up and down the field and was the longest of any position group by far. Newcomers such as quarterback Casey Thompson and offensive coordinator Mark Whipple got their first up close encounters with Husker nation at the event, and their hands might have been sore after signing autographs for 90 minutes.
However, they stuck it out for the young fans like Tanner Kraynak, who proudly proclaimed he’s “a big fan of the offense.†Along with his dad, Mark Kraynak, the young Husker fan has been at every fan day for several years now – a streak they’re looking to continue in coming seasons.
“We’ve got last year’s poster still on the wall, so we needed to replace it with this year’s,†Mark Kraynak said.
The best part about fan day is often the smiles from young Husker fans meeting their idols for the first time, something that Aaron Fryzek and his four-year-old son Weston had accomplished. Unlike some of the other fans in attendance, Weston had his eyes on Nebraska’s offensive linemen — a glove he’d gotten from Brant Banks was the highlight of his evening.
“The kids really enjoy it, they’re at a great age to take it all in and the players are really good with them,†Aaron Fryzek said.
Weston had received a Nebraska flag as part of his membership with the Lil’ Huskers fan club, an object that was soon filled from top to bottom with signatures by the end of the night. As the young Husker fan wore the towel like a cape and smiled when thinking about what he’d do with it when he got home, the goal of the night had been accomplished.
The next time Weston Fryzek sees a player like Banks on TV, he won’t just be a name in a crowd — he’ll be a friend.
“We love all Husker athletics, but this is just a different experience,†Aaron Fryzek said. “Going to this place, being on the field and seeing the players close up is just awesome.â€
Shatel: Frost's strange stumble out of the gate is a perplexing start to Big Ten media days
INDIANAPOLIS — It’s not about a number.
Scott Frost’s future as Nebraska football head coach hinges on a deeper dive going on inside Trev Alberts’ program evaluation.
Alberts wants an elite college football program, one that coaches, plays and acts elite on a consistent basis. More wins than losses, yes, but with emphasis on coaches and players who care and want to fight for Nebraska.
In some ways, the process of deciding if Frost can deliver that started on Tuesday.
It began with an awkward silence.
Frost was the first coach up on stage at Big Ten media days at Lucas Oil Stadium. He was introduced by Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren, shook Warren’s hand and then posed for some quick photos.
Frost then walked up to the microphone and stood there. A Big Ten staffer whose job is to call on the media for questions looked at him, expecting the coach to say something.
Nothing.
Not a hello or welcome to the media and Big Ten officials at the event. Not words of enthusiasm about the 2022 season and the team, full of new players and assistants. A coach who is excited about the chance to make things right.
Perhaps a word about his role as head coach going forward, and the renewed vision in place.
After a long silence, Frost was asked if he wanted to make an opening statement or just go to questions.Ìý
Finally, Frost said, let’s take questions.
It was a strange stumble out of the gate.
Opening statements are typically just an ice-breaker. Some coaches use them to make a statement about what’s on their mind.Ìý
Most are just letting you know they are the leader of their program, they recognize the moment and the conference-wide (televised) audience and it’s a way to show excitement about their team.
Also, that they have a pulse.
The other Big Ten coaches either made long or brief opening statements.
Frost did take and answer questions, offering thoughts about NIL and playoff expansion and complimented the Big Ten for its expansion move out west.
In an earlier breakout session, Frost was asked to define success this season and he quickly said, “Winning.†When a writer followed with “12-0?†Frost shot back a glare.
Perhaps that deserved a glare. But if a coach can’t or won’t elaborate on a simple question, this is what happens.
Four years ago, before his first NU season, Frost commanded the Big Ten Room with a presence and a cocksure swagger that let the other coaches know Nebraska was coming.
Four losing seasons has a way of muffling swagger. But the reviews of Frost on Tuesday were of a coach who is indifferent to the moment, and already succumbing to the pressure.
No big deal, right?
No coach ever won a conference title at media days.
You don’t beat Wisconsin with words. What matters is what happens on 12 football fields starting on the green in Ireland.
But this matters because of one Husker fan who was taking mental notes on Tuesday.
As Frost was on stage, Alberts stood in the back, listening intently. Then, when the coach was finished, Alberts was led to a spot near a tunnel where about 15 media folks could surround him.
Frost had given his press conference. Now it was Trev’s turn.
The imagery was unmistakable. Frost may be the head coach of Nebraska football. But Alberts is the CEO.
He has a clear vision and plan of what he wants Nebraska to become. Does Frost fit into that plan?Â
The two former Husker legends have what Frost called a “collaborative†relationship. They get together. They talk about strategy and direction and personnel.
Alberts doesn’t make demands. He poses questions and tries to direct Frost into a certain direction that Alberts wants to go.
And that will be the really interesting part of this relationship in 2022.
A winning record and bowl game might earn Frost another season in 2023. But the future of Husker football is about more than that.
Pressed by the Nebraska media on Tuesday, Alberts again ran down the list.
“Well-coached team,†he said. “Doesn’t quit. It’s physical. And in key moments makes the plays to get us over the hump.â€
"Every team is going to have some talent, some might have a little bit more. But we’re talking about the details of how we operate.
“Cohesion of the staff. Team that plays together and plays hard. Everything I’ve seen is going toward that.â€
While there is a mystery around the “metrics†Alberts gave Frost to meet in 2022, he told me again that it’s not a number.
A number, Alberts said, can be deceiving both ways. You might be 7-5 but still looked sloppy. You might be 6-6 but had impactful injuries and otherwise played well.
There’s nuance and a bigger picture to weigh.
Bottom line: You have to win. And at the end of the 2022 season, Frost’s program must not only look like it’s on the right track, it will get to Elite Town soon.
Part of that package is a head coach who looks and acts the part of a CEO, who is able to articulate and sell the vision and plan for the program.
It wouldn’t hurt to act like being head coach of Nebraska is the greatest job in the world. No indifference allowed.Ìý
The games will start in over a month. And then Alberts will have to figure out if Frost is his idea of an elite coach.
His opening statement fell flat.
The 2022 Nebraska football schedule
Northwestern Wildcats
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Georgia Southern Eagles
Oklahoma Sooners
Indiana Hoosiers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Michigan Wolverines
Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Big Ten notes: Trev Alberts says Nebraska needs 'great leadership,' reaffirms faith in Frost
INDIANAPOLIS — At the 2021 Big Ten media days, Nebraska Athletic Director Trev Alberts declined to offer any win-total expectations for the Husker football team. That decision turned out to be a wise one: NU won just three against a stacked schedule.
Alberts stayed the course at Big Ten media days Tuesday. Nebraska may need to make a bowl to show the kind of progress fans wants — which takes six wins — but Alberts kept his standards rhetorical.
“We want to see what everybody wants to see: A well-coached football team that doesn’t quit, is physical and, in key moments, makes the necessary plays to get us over the hump,†Alberts said.
NU’s not likely to have significant talent advantages like it did in the 1990s, Alberts said. Instead, NU will have to master the “granular details†of its football operation. Coach Scott Frost has dove into those details with “bold†changes in the coaching staff. Frost added 15 transfers to the team, too.
Now, Alberts said, Nebraska has to have “great practices†in the run-up to its game against Northwestern in Ireland, and Frost has to “meld†all the new pieces together over the next month.
“It’s going to take great leadership,†Alberts said. “I think Scott can do that — I know he’s working hard on that — but that’s going to be really critical. Because a team full of talent, isn’t necessarily a team.â€
New coaches like Mark Whipple and Mickey Joseph, Alberts said, represent a “broadening†of Frost’s perspective.
“When you sit around a table with difference experiences and different abilities, it’s just going to impact you in a positive way — as long as you’re receptive to it. And I think Scott has certainly been receptive to it.â€
Alberts acknowledged the pressure and interest in NU’s 2022 season. The sellout streak, more than a half-century long, is again in the balance, as Nebraska offered designed to entice fans into attending the North Dakota and Georgia Southern games. But Big Ten athletic directors also marvel at the Huskers’ fan base. And other Big Ten schools have challenges of their own, too.
“Every single coach in the Big Ten under pressure to win,†Alberts said. “We are in the competition business — that’s not going to change. We don’t get tenure in athletics."
Camp critical for O-line
The conversation about how good Nebraska’s offense can be this season begins with its blockers. An offseason of change has left projecting the offensive line trickier than usual.
Frost said Tuesday he believes new O-line coach Donovan Raiola will part of the solution after consistency — both in pass protection and the run game — eluded the unit last year.
“I just think we’re going to come off the ball better,†Frost said. “I’d rather run the ball and lose yardage once every three plays but get a big chunk the other two than not come off the ball and get a yard or two without moving people. I think it will be pretty noticeable how much different it is the way they approach, especially the first couple steps.â€
How everything comes together will remain nebulous until after fall camp begins. Turner Corcoran could play anywhere on the line, Frost said, after holding down left tackle last season. Right tackle Bryce Benhart has progressed under Raiola’s tutelage. Freshman Teddy Prochazka will have a chance to do the same now that he’s “full go†in his recovery from an ACL tear. Multiple transfers, veterans with previously smaller roles and developing underclassmen will be in the mix too.
Said Frost: “I think as that group goes, we’re probably going to go. Donnie is the right guy to lead that group.â€
Eyes on Ireland
Nebraska will spend nearly a week in Ireland next month. But this is no bowl trip.
Frost and players frequently called the season opener against Northwestern in Dublin a “business trip.†That means staying focused on the plane ride and in another country. The team may do some limited sightseeing but little else ahead of a must-have matchup.
“We’re going over there for one reason and for one reason only and that’s to win a game,†Frost said. “It’s not a bowl trip that we’ve earned; it’s just a game that we gotta go focus on.â€
The Huskers will leave the Monday before the Aug. 27 game, which Frost said is a bit earlier than some suggested. The aim is for players to sleep during the flight before easing into workouts and practice in a place six hours ahead of central time. They will eat a mix of their own food and local cuisine. After the game they’ll leave immediately as they aim to readjust their body clocks before a Sept. 3 home game against North Dakota.
Frost said something he learned playing a week zero game last year — when NU lost at Illinois — was the challenge of preparing for a new coaching staff with new tendencies. The Huskers may be on the advantageous end of that now.
Quick hits
» The consensus among Husker players is a healthy respect for the work ethic of quarterback Casey Thompson and his capabilities as a vocal leader.
Thompson, a transfer from Texas, is the odds-on favorite to be NU’s starting quarterback, although he spent some time this summer working through a lingering thumb issue.
» Tight end Travis Vokolek said the Huskers’ offense, under Whipple, “can fly†and worked at a quick pace.
» Vokolek’s prominent mullet only has one year left, he joked. He’ll get rid of it after he leaves Nebraska and heads to the NFL.
One key for Vokolek — who has battled a variety of ailments since joining Nebraska — is to find “ways to take care of my body.†At 24 years old, he said the hits “build up.â€
“I go to the massage therapist, get stretched out, do all the extra stuff,†Vokolek said. “It takes time but it’s definitely worth it to try and stay healthy this year. But I’m really looking forward to it.â€
» Nelson said he watches tape of NFL players such as TJ Watt and Chase Winovich to learn how he can play effectively as an edge rusher.
The 2022 Nebraska football schedule
Northwestern Wildcats
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Georgia Southern Eagles
Oklahoma Sooners
Indiana Hoosiers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Michigan Wolverines
Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa Hawkeyes
'It's time to play': Nebraska's Garrett Nelson describes growing the chip on his shoulder
INDIANAPOLIS — Garrett Nelson acknowledges the chip on his shoulder — on the shoulders of all of Nebraska football players. The Nebraska outside linebacker — and likely captain of the 2022 Husker team — is plenty motivated to win games, and defend coach Scott Frost, after multiple losing seasons in a row.
“Everything’s right in the world when you win football games, and that hasn’t happened in my life in college yet,†Nelson said. “When you have professors or students or campus tour guides talk trash to you or your teammates all the time when you’re just around campus, just the media and everybody, just to hear that constantly, berate your university that you love and the players that you love and the coaches who are father figures who you love and are around every day, it destroys you as a player and as a man.
“So, growing that chip on your shoulder every day, from stuff like that, it’s time to play.â€
A reporter then asked Nelson if 2022 was “the year†for Nebraska.
“It’s time to play,†Nelson said. He conceded that Frost — who took severe criticism as a player in the 1990s when the team won national titles — probably would advise Nelson not to care so much about the critics.
“I love him too much not to worry about (the critics),†Nelson said.
At a national reporter’s prompting, Nelson described a class “with 10 players†where a professor “threw up a trivia question†along the lines of: “How many more incompletions can Adrian (Martinez) throw until he gets cut?â€
Martinez, Nelson said, was in the class. In another situation, Nelson said, a tour guide was leading a group of people near Memorial Stadium.
“He said, ‘This would be a lot cooler stadium if we actually won games,’†Nelson recalled.
All three Husker players at Big Ten Media Days — including Quinton Newsome and Travis Vokolek — agreed that Frost is closer to this 2022 team since he hired offensive coordinator Mark Whipple to oversee the offense and call plays. Frost has hung out in the weight room and locker room more often, they said. Frost agreed that he’s been freed up to spend more time getting to know players.
“It’s good,†Frost said. “I’m a football coach — that’s what I love to do. The reason I love it is being around the guys, so that part’s been great. I definitely don’t want to ever be just a figurehead. I love the game too much and I love the players too much. I’m going to have my hands in everything we do. That’s probably just going to be more things I’m able to touch.â€
The 2022 Nebraska football schedule
Northwestern Wildcats
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Georgia Southern Eagles
Oklahoma Sooners
Indiana Hoosiers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Michigan Wolverines
Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Big Ten coaches roundup: P.J. Fleck's reunion, and Pat Fitzgerald works on 'the basics'
While the rest of college football was overhauling, Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck planned a reunion.
Running back Mo Ibrahim, who tore his Achilles after a 170-yard first half against Ohio State, passed on the NFL to return for a sixth season. Fleck thinks Ibrahim’s decision influenced Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (now with two degrees and a wife), wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell and offensive lineman John Michael Schmidtz to do the same.
The oldsters call themselves “The Encore Four.†They'll be coached by offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, who will call plays again after spending one year each at Penn State and West Virginia.
The last time Ciarrocca coached that core, the Gophers won 11 games in 2019.
That made it an easy “yes†for Fleck to welcome Ciarrocca back to St. Paul. During his first offensive meeting this offseason, Ciarrocca explained his departure and return. The players, led by the lone remaining quartet from Fleck’s first recruiting class, responded positively and haven’t looked back.
Fleck says the 2022 Gophers are the most committed bunch he’s coached at Minnesota. They “can’t wait†to perform their required duties and they’re organizing themselves for offseason workouts.
Fleck credited his “Encore Four†for leading the Gophers’ commitment. It helps to have familiar faces around the program.
“This team is fully committed to each other and it’s been fun to watch,†Fleck said Tuesday at Big Ten Media Days. “… You can weed through all the other things that don’t matter and get right to the heart of what matters with this team.
“They don’t have any time for silliness. They go right in, get their work done and get better.â€
*Â Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald loved the Big Ten before he ever coached or played in it. Fitzgerald, entering his 16th season as coach at his alma mater, remembers when the league had 10 teams and every member played one another.
“It was a really unique thing,†Fitzgerald said, tongue-in-cheek.
That’s changed and will change again, especially now that USC and UCLA are slated to join the conference in 2024. Fitzgerald is excited about the additions. He sees an opportunity for the Wildcats, who recruit “worldwide,†to be more aggressive on the West Coast. And while paraphrasing Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren, Fitzgerald said, “Change is kind of the word in college football right now. We’ll lean forward and embrace that.â€
That may mean losing an annual rivalry game. But Fitzgerald isn’t as concerned with rivalries as he is with ensuring his players (and fans) can see every stadium. From Piscataway to the Rose Bowl, Fitzgerald believes playing in college football’s “cathedrals†has always separated the sport from its counterparts.
He’s willing to sacrifice regional trophies for that opportunity.
“I’m sure Illinois will be (a rival) for us,†Fitzgerald said. “Beyond that, we’ll figure it out. I think most if not all of our rivalries in the Big Ten have been built on respect, and I’m sure that tradition will continue.â€
* Fleck’s opening statement lasted nearly six minutes. Nebraska coach Scott Frost eschewed an opening statement and jumped straight into questions. Dichotomy.
*Â Fitzgerald says the Wildcats, among the youngest teams in the Big Ten last year, showed their inexperience.
As Northwestern prepares to open camp Thursday, Fitzgerald is emphasizing fundamentals. He said the Wildcats have to improve on “the basics†of their offense, defense and kicking game.
Sound familiar?
*Â Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has three new coordinators for two positions, and he feels comfortable with all of them.
Harbaugh was impressed with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter when the job came open last offseason. Co-offensive coordinators Sherron Moore and Matt Weiss were on the staff last year. Harbaugh called both coaches “incredibly smart,†and believes Michigan has a “perfect blend†of offensive minds.
“It’s a tremendous group,†Harbaugh said. “We have some really great analysts as well. So I feel great about the offensive staff, and I feel great about the defensive staff.â€
The 2022 Nebraska football schedule
Northwestern Wildcats
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Georgia Southern Eagles
Oklahoma Sooners
Indiana Hoosiers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Michigan Wolverines
Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Corn This Way: Episode 2- Quoth the Huskers, Nevermore!
On today's episode of "Corn This Way," we recap a busy day at Big Ten football media days by looking at some key quotes from Scott Frost and the Huskers.
Check out all of our team coverage from Indianapolis.
2022 Husker Camp Countdown
No. 50 Eteva Mauga-Clements
No. 49 Noa Pola-Gates
No. 48 Brant Banks
No. 47 Mosai Newsom
No. 46 Gabe Ervin
No. 45 Nate Boerkircher
No. 44 Logan Smothers
No. 43 Marcus Washington
No. 42 Jimari Butler
No. 41 Janiran Bonner
No. 40 DeShon Singleton
No. 39 Blaise Gunnerson
No. 38 Ethan Piper
No. 37 Thomas Fidone
No. 36 Timmy Bleekrode
No. 35 Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda
No. 34 Alante Brown
No. 33 Chris Kolarevic
No. 32 Nash Hutmacher
No. 31 Jaquez Yant
No. 30 Stephon Wynn
No. 29 Kevin Williams
No. 28 Brian Buschini
No. 27 Braxton Clark
No. 26 Broc Bando
No. 25 Rahmir Johnson
Isaac Gifford
No. 23 Chubba Purdy
No. 22 Marques Buford
No. 19 Oliver Martin
No. 20 Bryce Benhart
No. 21Trent Hixson
No. 18 Nouredin Nouili
No. 16 Myles Farmer
No. 15 Devin Drew
No. 17 Tommi Hill
No. 5 Garrett Nelson
No. 12 Ty Robinson
No. 11 Omar Manning
No. 4 Luke Reimer
No. 9 Nick Henrich
No. 8 Turner Corcoran
No. 14 Travis Vokolek
No. 6 Teddy Prochazka
No. 10 Anthony Grant
No. 2 Casey Thompson
No. 13 Caleb Tannor
No. 1 Ochaun Mathis
No. 7 Quinton Newsome
No. 3 Trey Palmer
The 2022 Nebraska football schedule
Northwestern Wildcats
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Georgia Southern Eagles
Oklahoma Sooners
Indiana Hoosiers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Michigan Wolverines
Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Tom's Take: Scott Frost was all business at Big Ten media days
The days of bold words and promises are long gone. Because of practice schedule demands back in Lincoln, Scott Frost was in and out of Big Ten media days before most other coaches had arrived and some media had settled into their seats.
As Frost walked on stage, there was an awkward silence as the Big Ten staffer who introduced him waited for him to make an opening statement. Finally, he said, "Let's go to questions."
It's fitting. As Frost enters year five at Nebraska, the time for talk is over. It's time for action.
Frost's demeanor here signified that approach. He was all business. Some described him as "chippy." His answers were short and to the point. Some coaches try to project optimism and attitude. Frost did not.
There weren't a lot of headlines. Frost addressed the importance of NIL in Nebraska, the challenge of fitting in 15 transfers. An offensive line with initial push. He gave the Big Ten a pat on the back for being bold in adding USC and UCLA. So on and so forth.
When he was asked about stepping away from the offense, he corrected the media member and said that that isn't accurate. He's still involved. It's a collaboration with coordinator Mark Whipple.
When he was asked about pressure, he said there is always pressure at jobs like Nebraska. Asked how he would define a successful season: "Winning." The scribe followed by saying, "12-0?" Frost shot the man a glance.
That probably deserved a stare, but when the head coach won't elaborate, won't give much, that happens.
It's media day. Take it for what it's worth. I'm interested in the progression of Frost the coach, and how he's changed. He bounced into this event in 2018 full of confidence and cocksure swagger. Get ready, it's coming. Four years later Frost was in and out like he was not even here. Four straight losing seasons will do that.
Why that matters is because of the man in the back of the room. Trev Alberts, NU Athletic Director, is paying attention. Taking mental notes. On the field and certainly off the field, too. Most Big Ten coaches command the moment like a CEO. Talking about giving up play-calling, Frost said he didn't want to be a CEO. Alberts, surrounded by a pack of Nebraska media in the back of the room, is that CEO. He has a clear vision and plan for Nebraska football. Does Frost fit that plan?
I'll have more on that in my column later today.
The 2022 Nebraska football schedule
Northwestern Wildcats
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Georgia Southern Eagles
Oklahoma Sooners
Indiana Hoosiers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Michigan Wolverines
Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Scott Frost pushes back on 'figurehead' role, emphasizes urgency for 2022
INDIANAPOLIS — Scott Frost sat at a podium on the 20-yard line of the Lucas Oil Stadium field. For the first time in more than three months, the Nebraska coach settled in for some public football talk.
The Huskers were early by Big Ten Media Days standards, which typically call for coaches to speak on a large central stage in the morning before joining players for afternoon breakout sessions. Frost and three player representatives Tuesday were all simultaneously fielding questions by 9:30 Eastern even as other media members were still arriving on site.
Everyone in NU’s party was finished fewer than two hours later, allowing them to hop a plane back to Lincoln to report to fall camp and Fan Day. The first practice Wednesday begins a whirlwind countdown to the Aug. 27 opener against Northwestern six time zones away.
Nebraska used its moment in the national spotlight to reinforce a message as important as it is self-evident: Now is the time to start winning games.
“Everyone can feel it, it’s very obvious — you know that the season means a lot and there’s a lot on the line,†edge rusher Garrett Nelson said. “Can’t get caught up in that.â€
The Huskers have absorbed bad results under Frost — his record is 15-29 in four seasons — and most of the questions from dozens of reporters reflected that fact. Integrating 15 transfers and five new offensive assistant coaches will be critical, Frost said. So, too, will be leaning on a player leadership group as strong as he’s seen during his tenure. Starting strong in Ireland is a must — “We didn’t earn this trip; this is a business trip,†Frost said.
There’s urgency, players and coach agreed. It just can’t devolve into panic or distraction.
A 37-minute session with the coach — his first general interview in more than three months — touched on topics big and small. Another 15 minutes on the main stage included queries on various national topics including name-image-likeness evolution, conference expansion and the College Football Playoff. Unlike his six head coaching peers who spoke Tuesday, Frost forsook an opening statement and went directly to questions.
Throughout the morning, the former championship-winning Big Red QB declined to acknowledge his perceived “hot seat†status and instead focus on the task at hand.
“I don’t pay any attention to (the hot-seat narrative),†Frost said. “Any year you’re coaching at a school like Nebraska or any of these schools in the Big Ten, there’s going to be pressure to win. We certainly were playing catch-up with a lot of teams for a long time. I think we’ve done a good job closing the gap. Had our chances to win a lot more games than we have. It’s our time to do it. And the pressure doesn’t change.â€
What’s a successful season? “Winning,†Frost said. A reporter asked if that meant going 12-0. Frost shot him a glance and stared straight ahead.
An offseason notion that Frost would fully shift into a CEO-style head coach also absorbed multiple body blows. The longtime offensive play-caller said that while his role would look different in the wake of hiring veteran offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, he wasn’t “divorcing himself†from the duties but rather is entering into a “fun collaboration†with the 65-year-old more known for a pass-leaning West Coast attack.
Frost said he wouldn’t know what to do on the sidelines if he was “hands off,†adding that giving up what he already has makes him “a little sad, because I like it.†He also pushed back on a reporter’s phrasing that he was “stepping away†from the role and instead emphasized it would be a joint effort.
Still, Whipple’s presence has allowed Frost to roam more as needed. If he elects to spend a few days with the defense or special teams, he said, he knows Whipple can run the offensive meetings and “keep on the tracks†what NU wants to do. The head man has been around players more. He is also establishing a larger presence with boosters and others in the community who support the program.
“I definitely don’t ever want to be just a figurehead — I love the game too much and I love the players too much,†Frost said. “I’m going to have my hands in everything we do. There’s probably just going to be more things that I’m able to touch.â€
Other hits from Frost:
* NU will announce a two-deep depth chart “as late as possible†to keep an advantage of uncertainty into the opener.
* Nelson might be the best leader the Huskers have had under Frost, the coach said. The position has upgraded significantly, he added, with the addition of TCU transfer Ochaun Mathis as well as the development of returners like Jimari Butler and Blaise Gunnerson.
* Tight end Travis Vokolek said the Huskers’ offense, under Whipple, “can fly†and worked at a quick pace.
* Texas Tech transfer and defensive lineman Devin Drew is finishing up school now and “should be on campus very soon after the start (of camp),†Frost said.
Nebraska announces two football mini ticket plans
Nebraska announced two new football ticket miniplans for the upcoming season on Tuesday.
The first plan, the “OU + 2 Mini Plan,†includes tickets to all three of Nebraska’s nonconference games — North Dakota, Georgia Southern and Oklahoma.
The $270 ticket plan includes one ticket to the matchup against Oklahoma, and two tickets to Nebraska's matchups against North Dakota and Georgia Southern.
Nebraska is also offering a “Big Ten Mini Plan†with tickets to each of the four conference games in Lincoln. The $200 package includes one ticket to each of the games.
The ticket plans as well as single-game tickets — except Oklahoma — are available now at .
The 2022 Nebraska football schedule
Northwestern Wildcats
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Georgia Southern Eagles
Oklahoma Sooners
Indiana Hoosiers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Michigan Wolverines
Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Deciphering Big Ten Commissioner Warren's state of the league address, including expansion
Kevin Warren left the door a little more than open.
Delivering his annual state of the league address at Big Ten Media Days, the Big Ten commissioner suggested more conference expansion is possible on the heels of UCLA and USC agreeing to hop aboard in 2024.
The Big Ten would have to expand beyond 16 projected teams for the right reasons, Warren said, but he didn’t shut down the notion.
“We will not expand just to expand,†Warren said. “It will be strategic, it will add additional value to our conference, and it will provide a platform to even have our student-athletes be put on a larger platform so they can build their careers.â€
UCLA and USC, Warren said, fit the bill. Style matters, and it's one reason, Warren said, that both will receive a full share of any payout from the league's new media rights deal.
The Bruins and Trojans join the league in 2024. The Big Ten's new TV deal — which begins next year — remains in the negotiating stage.
The last three schools to join the Big Ten — Nebraska, Maryland and Rutgers — did not receive a full share, or anything close to it, upon their entry into the league. Maryland and Rutgers took out loans from the league, in fact, as they adjusted to the bigger, stronger league.
"We think that's important for various reasons," Warren said as to why both schools will get a full payout. "They bring a lot of value to our relationship. They bring a lot of panache to our relationship."
A "readiness" committee will help UCLA and USC move into the Big Ten and manage logistics such as traveling to the East Coast and helping the transition to be as smooth as possible, Warren said.
Warren said the two schools bring a lot from both an athletic and academic standpoint. The graduation rates, Warren said, was over 92%. A large segment of Big Ten alumni, Warren said, live in Los Angeles.
Plus, the addition of the two schools will allow the Big Ten to provide content "from the morning into the night," Warren said. The league could use the two West Coast schools as a late-night anchor, especially in nonconference play, with 7 p.m. starts in Los Angeles that translate to 9 p.m. kickoffs in Chicago and 10 p.m. kickoffs in New York. The SEC and ACC operate in just two time zones.
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck touted the two additions.
“The first thing that came to my mind was, 'LA, are you kidding me?'†Fleck said. “That's perfect. The Big Ten now is represented from the West Coast to the East Coast. You look at the major media markets now, that's incredibly positive.â€
Warren’s second address to the league media had more confidence and certitude than his first, in 2021, which came after a contentious 2020 season due to COVID.
Warren used the word “bold†often and talked of openly embracing change. He recalled the old Sears and Roebuck catalogue from which he used to order items — and how no one orders from a merchandise book any longer.
“I'm one of those individuals that, when change occurs, I get excited about it,†Warren said. “It's really an opportunity for us to do a lot of things that people have thought about but maybe been a little bit reticent to do.
“So I'm embracing change. I'm going to be very aggressive. I've been that way my entire career.â€
Big Ten's TV deal
Warren said he hopes to announce a new TV deal "sooner rather than later."
He hinted that the Big Ten will provide content in a way that college sports have never done before, which could be a reference to streaming services such as Amazon or Disney.
'Federal guardrails'
Warren called on Congress to provide "federal guardrails" in name, image and likeness legislation.
“I am disappointed that we still have to operate with these various patchwork of laws from a state-level standpoint,†Warren said.
The 2022 Nebraska football schedule
Northwestern Wildcats
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Georgia Southern Eagles
Oklahoma Sooners
Indiana Hoosiers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Michigan Wolverines
Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Big Ten media day notes: Scott Frost, Huskers send clear message from Indy
INDIANAPOLIS — An interview session with Nebraska coach Scott Frost and three players kicked off Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday morning.
Their message was clear: Now is the time to start winning games.
A 37-minute session with Frost — giving his first public comments in more than three months — touched on topics big and small. Most centered around how the Huskers can change a pattern of losing, though Frost declined to acknowledge his perceived “hot seat†status.
“I don’t pay any attention to (the narrative),†Frost said. “Any year you’re coaching at a school like Nebraska or any of these schools in the Big Ten, there’s going to be pressure to win. We certainly were playing catch-up with a lot of teams for a long time. I think we’ve done a good job closing the gap. Had our chances to win a lot more games than we have. It’s our time to do it. And the pressure doesn’t change.â€
How will they do it? Integrating 15 transfers and five new offensive assistant coaches will be critical. Leaning on a leadership group the coach said is as strong as it has been since he’s been in Lincoln. Starting strong with the right mentality in Ireland — “We didn’t earn this trip; this is a business trip,†Frost said.
What’s a successful season? “Winning,†Frost said. Does that mean 12-0, a reporter asked. Frost shot him a glance and stared straight ahead.
All three Husker players at Big Ten Media Days — Garrett Nelson, Quinton Newsome and Travis Vokolek — agreed that Frost is closer to this 2022 team since he hired offensive coordinator Mark Whipple to oversee the offense and call plays. Frost has hung out in the weight room and locker room more often, they said. Frost agreed that he’s been freed up to spend more time getting to know players.
“It’s good,†Frost said. “I’m a football coach — that’s what I love to do. The reason I love it is being around the guys, so that part’s been great. I definitely don’t want to ever be just a figurehead. I love the game too much and I love the players too much. I’m going to have my hands in everything we do. That’s probably just going to be more things I’m able to touch.â€
Camp critical for O-line: The conversation about how good Nebraska’s offense can be this season begins with its blockers. An offseason of change has left projecting the offensive line trickier than usual.
Frost said Tuesday he believes new O-line coach Donovan Raiola will be part of the solution after consistency — both in pass protection and the run game — eluded the unit last year.
“I just think we’re going to come off the ball better,†Frost said. “I’d rather run the ball and lose yardage once every three plays but get a big chunk the other two than not come off the ball and get a yard or two without moving people. I think it will be pretty noticeable how much different it is the way they approach, especially the first couple steps.â€
How everything comes together will remain nebulous until after fall camp begins. Turner Corcoran could play anywhere on the line, Frost said, after holding down left tackle last season. Right tackle Bryce Benhart has progressed under Raiola’s tutelage. Freshman Teddy Prochazka will have a chance to do the same now that he’s “full go†in his recovery from an ACL tear. Multiple transfers, veterans with previously smaller roles and developing underclassmen will be in the mix too.
Said Frost: “I think as that group goes, we’re probably going to go. Donnie is the right guy to lead that group.â€
Eyes on Ireland: Nebraska will spend nearly a week in Ireland next month. But this is no bowl trip.
Frost and players frequently called the season opener against Northwestern in Dublin a “business trip.†That means staying focused on the plane ride and in another country. The team may do some limited sightseeing but little else ahead of a must-have matchup.
“We’re going over there for one reason and for one reason only, and that’s to win a game,†Frost said. “It’s not a bowl trip that we’ve earned; it’s just a game that we gotta go focus on.â€
The Huskers will leave the Monday before the Aug. 27 game, which Frost said is a bit earlier than some suggested. The aim is for players to sleep during the flight before easing into workouts and practice in a place six hours ahead of Central Time. They will eat a mix of their own food and local cuisine. After the game they’ll leave immediately as they aim to readjust their body clocks before a Sept. 3 home game against North Dakota.
Frost said something he learned playing a Week 0 game last year — when NU lost at Illinois — was the challenge of preparing for a new coaching staff with new tendencies. The Huskers may be on the advantageous end of that now.
The 2022 Nebraska football schedule
Northwestern Wildcats
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Georgia Southern Eagles
Oklahoma Sooners
Indiana Hoosiers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Michigan Wolverines
Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Nebraska's Ochaun Mathis named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list
Nebraska edge rusher Ochaun Mathis was one of 85 players named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list on Tuesday.
The Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the nation's defensive player of the year.
Mathis will play his first season for the Huskers this fall after four seasons at TCU. In his 38 games with the Horned Frogs (started 34 contests), he recorded 135 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks with four pass breakups.
Mathis is the second Blackshirt to be named to a national award's watchlist this week. Linebacker Luke Reimer was named to the Butkus Award watch list on Monday.
The Big Ten may win big with Fox, CBS and NBC, writes Sam McKewon, but takes a risk spurning ESPN which, for all its flaws, loves and knows college football.Ìý