Where does each Nebraska quarterback rank on offense?

Nebraska has added another talented quarterback to its Northwestern College roster Jalyn Gramstad. Where does the reigning NAIA Player of the Year fit in NU’s quarterback room? Let’s see.

Dylan Raiola

Before he ever stepped foot in Memorial Stadium, the former five-star player looked like a veteran. On the opening drive of the program’s Spring game, Raiola was able to lead the Red Team on a 78-yard drive toward the end zone. This was capped off with a 16-yard completion to fullback Janiran Bonner. Although he had an interception that halted his next drive, he came back strong in the second quarter. This was evident when he connected with sophomore wide receiver Jaylen Lloyd for his second touchdown. Are these plays enough for an offensive coordinator? Glen Thomas to give him the starting job immediately? Or will the program consult with the other quarterbacks on the roster? The Huskers have a lot of depth at the position. And that depth comes with an understanding of what it takes to be a quarterback in Lincoln. The talented freshman has yet to show how he handles pressure. The Spring game and NFL Pro Day were good measures of his progress. However, older veterans on the roster are more likely to impress the head coach Matt Rhule with their mental capabilities within the crime.

Hendrik Haarberg

In just 10 starts last season for the Cornhuskers, Kearney’s dual-threat quarterback eased the concerns of the Husker faithful with his improved mechanics. This began early in the season against head coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. With seven seconds left in the fourth quarter, Haarberg completed a four-yard touchdown pass to tight end Thomas Fidone. In the next game against Northern Illinois, he was responsible for 158 yards through the air and two touchdowns. He would also arm his legs. Against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, he would run 19 times for 154 yards and a 72-yard touchdown. The next game in Illinois would be no different. Haarberg’s 82 rushing yards gave the Huskers a spark in Champaign. In April, the junior was also able to deliver the goods in the program’s spring game by connecting with the freshman wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr on a 41-yard touchdown pass.

Read more about Henrich Haarberg in Spring Game Standouts: Nebraska’s Offense

Jalyn Gramstad

During a post-graduation camp earlier this month, the Iowa native caught the attention of the Nebraska coaching staff. And on Thursday, the former Red Raiders starter rewarded the program with his efforts. But what does this mean for the selection? A couple of things. He is most likely the answer to the turnover issues happening in Lincoln. Last season, the Iowa native threw 35 touchdowns and just nine interceptions as a starter. His experience in the NAIA should give freshman quarterback Daniel Kaelin a mentor in Nebraska’s quarterback room. He is the only other option the Huskers have mentioned as a long-term option in the Cornhuskers quarterback room. As a result, the coaching staff will use Gramstad in an attempt to learn the offense. There’s really only one problem with them using this strategy. Gramstad wouldn’t know what to do in the first division. And he doesn’t know what it means to be a Husker. Does this help or hurt his case for the starting quarterback position?

@HuskerFootball pic.twitter.com/75epvdMA1S

— Jalyn Gramstad (@jalyngramstad) June 20, 2024

Daniel Kaelin

The former four-star player from Bellevue West had a distinguished high school career under head coach Mike Huffman. In his junior season in 2022, Kaelin passed for 36 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. This momentum continued into his senior season as he passed for 2,225 yards and another 17 touchdowns. However, the real honor would not reveal itself until the end of his high school career. In the Elite 11 Accuracy Challenge, Kaelin won the competition against Julian Sayin, registered in Alabama. Can he show the same skills he did in high school? Or will redshirting be more effective? He failed to move the ball on his first drive of the spring game. And on his second possession, he threw an interception to ex-Husker cornerback Ethan nation.