Henry Lutovsky viewing Huskers’ offensive line as a team strength

With plenty of experience, leadership and production returning for the big boys up front, there are several reasons why Nebraska’s senior guard feels the unit can accomplish anything this fall.

After suffering through injuries in 2024, the Huskers’ offensive line is looking healthy, has a couple of new faces, and trending up midway through fall camp in Henry Lutovsky’s eyes. And that’s very promising, considering Nebraska tied for 73rd nationally in sacks allowed, and ranked 96th in rushing offense last season.

There appears to be growth in terms of trust, terminology and communication among the players, and Lutovsky likes that there’s depth at center, guard and tackle with youngsters emerging from the shadows.

“Unfortunately we had a few guys injured and out for spring ball, but adversely it gave a lot of young guys the opportunity to get a lot of reps, and get a lot better from that,” Lutovsky said. “Yeah it sucks to be hurt, but the opportunity those guys had really, really helped them.”

Everything is set in place for the offensive line to make some noise this upcoming season too. After all, Dana Holgorsen is calling the plays full time, and Lutovsky believes the transition is going smooth for the players. Holgorsen has options this time around, with notable linemen bringing value to the offense.

Lutovsky has 15 career starts, including 11 games last year. Justin Evans is versatile, can play guard or center, has 18 starts under his belt and will anchor the group. Gunnar Gottula started nine games at left tackle as a redshirt freshman, and is a natural at protecting Dylan Raiola’s blind side.

Newcomers Elijah Pritchett and Rocco Spindler should make an immediate splash. Prtichett spent the past three seasons at Alabama, where he started 12 games at tackle. Spindler spent the past four seasons at Notre Dame, where he started 23 games at right guard.

Although there are no guarantees, this could potentially be the best offensive line Nebraska has had in years. Lutovsky stands behind that, and is enjoying the way the players continue to gel together.

“I think we can be as good as we want to be, and we have a ton of veterans in this room that played a bunch of football,” he said. “The way we work, and prepare will be what sets us apart.”

There are other guys like Sam Sledge, Tyler Knaak, Jason Maciejczak and Teddy Prochazka, who Lutovsky thinks are making strides. Competition is fierce, practice is intense and every lineman is hungry. That’s going to bring out the best in the unit.

The goal is to maul the opposition at the point of attack, open up holes for the running backs to dash through and provide Raiola enough time to throw in the pocket. Still, soaking up Holgorsen’s playbook and establishing mental toughness will go a long way on the gridiron.

“I think that he (Holgorsen) makes it easy on us, he understands what we like to run , what makes our jobs easier and harder,” the 22-year old said. “So I think that he’s good at game-planning based off of what we’re the best at, and really finding ways to bring the best out of his players.”

Lutovsky wants to improve his hand placement, low center of gravity and tenacity. There’s much more than just being an immovable object along the interior. Mental toughness is vital, the Huskers have a plethora of guys who aren’t strangers to playing in big games. Spindler last played in the National Championship Game, so he knows what it takes to succeed at high level. Not to mention Pritchett is bringing that SEC experience to the room. There’s no denying that Nebraska’s offense will go as far as the offensive line will take it.

The depth chart is starting to shape up with the kickoff at Arrowhead against Cincinnati less than three weeks away. Anticipation is through the roof, and the Huskers are eager to bash some helmets. The Bearcats out of the Big 12 will be a great measuring stick for Lutovsky to find out how far the offensive line has come, and he anticipates they’ll put on a show for all of the Nebraska fans in attendance.

“We have a huge alumni base in Kansas City, so I think they’ll all show up for it, and I have no doubt our fans will travel the three-plus hours to get there.”