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Elevated to Nebraska’s offensive coordinator less than six weeks ago, Holgorsen is still learning the Husker roster as he prepares to lead the NU offense into a Dec. 28 bowl game — and he’s helping flip the roster, too.

“It’s been really fun to figure out who the players are that I didn’t really know who they were because they were on scout team; somebody leaves and it’s an opportunity for other guys to step in,� Holgorsen said Thursday. “I think that’s how you’ve got to look at it — you don’t worry about the ones that aren’t playing, you worry about the ones that are playing.�

Transfer departures have not been as severe for the Nebraska offense compared to its defense, but the Huskers have still lost several key members of their 2024 team.

At tight end, Nate Boerkircher’s decision to move on has led to increased practice reps for Thomas Fidone and Luke Lindenmeyer, players who Holgorsen said are treating the opportunity like a camp competition.

At running back, Dante Dowdell is set to move on — but Holgorsen sees that as an opportunity for redshirt freshman Kwinten Ives, a player who’s had “nine spectacular practices� this month.

Crucially for Nebraska, it also managed to keep Emmett Johnson in the fold moving forward. The sophomore running back averaged 128 scrimmage yards per game during NU’s three-game stretch with Holgorsen, displaying an elusiveness and toughness in the open field which impressed the Husker coordinator.

“Really happy he’s here,� Holgorsen said of Johnson. “We had some long talks after the season and I got to know him better as a person — I did that with a bunch of them — but him in particular was about the first who came in and was excited about what we did, but there were some ‘buts.’ We had some long talks and I think he’s a great kid who’s going to be a special player here.�

Nebraska has had nine “developmental� practices this month, Holgorsen said, noting that it’s the most bowl game practices he’s been a part of since the 2011 season.

Present at many of those practices have been the transfer portal visitors Nebraska is hoping to add to its 2025 roster.

The contrast between winning next weekend’s bowl game and building for the future isn’t lost on Holgorsen, who complimented Nebraska's six-man offensive line which featured down the stretch this fall while also saying “we need to bring some guys in� at the spot.

Nebraska hosted three offensive line visitors at its Thursday practice, Holgorsen said, and may bring additional visitors to campus in the weeks that follow. The Huskers are also seeking upgrades at wide receiver, a task Holgorsen has entrusted to the newly hired Daikiel Shorts Jr.

“He’s now gonna have the task to get some wideouts in here that can really make a difference, and I think (he) will do that here in the next week,� Holgorsen said of Shorts, NU’s wide receivers coach.

Stuck in the middle between the past and future of the Nebraska football program are the players who’ll both be part of the Pinstripe Bowl and the Huskers’ 2025 plans. Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola has pulled double duty in that regard, having both needed to put his head down and prepare for Boston College while also forming connections with NU’s transfer portal visitors.

Raiola plays a major role as a peer recruiter when transfers come to Lincoln, Holgorsen said, a responsibility the freshman said has been a “priority� this month.

Time in the film room hasn’t fallen by the wayside, though, as Holgorsen tries to progress the Nebraska offense. Having sat in on quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas’ film breakdowns with Raiola, Holgorsen said the freshman’s intelligence “never ceases to amaze me� in the way he can correctly identify opposing coverages and the correct protection for NU to be in.

“I’ve never been around a freshman quarterback that has those answers,� Holgorsen said.

Raiola will need to have the answers for a talented Boston College defense in just over a week’s time.

While the month of December has brought myriad distractions from Nebraska’s on-field progress, the Husker offense and its quarterback remain a focused unit.

“We’re pumped as a team,� Raiola said. “Being in New York City, just kind of (having) the whole bowl week to experience it and walk around New York City, but also understanding that we’re going up there to win a football game. I think it’s a tremendous opportunity and the guys are excited for it.�