In the world of college football, where every player has a story, three names are emerging as potential game-changers for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2026. These overlooked players, each with their own unique journey, could be the X-factors that propel the team to greatness. Let's dive into the stories of Demitrius Bell, Kwinten Ives, and Eric Ingwerson, and explore why they might just be the next big thing for Nebraska.
The Wideout with a Mystery to Unravel
Demitrius Bell, a redshirt junior wide receiver, has been a bit of a mystery to Nebraska fans. After missing the last two seasons due to injuries, Bell's return to full health is a cause for excitement. What makes Bell intriguing is his impressive recruiting background. He was courted by some of the biggest names in college football, including Alabama, Ole Miss, Georgia, and Kentucky. This speaks volumes about his talent and potential.
However, Bell's path to becoming a starter is not without challenges. The wide receiver room is deep, with established players like Kwazi Gilmer, Nyziah Hunter, Jacory Barney Jr., Quinn Clark, and Cortez Mills Jr. Bell will need to prove himself in fall camp to earn significant playing time. But if he does, he could be a game-changer. His ability to excel at multiple positions in high school, categorized as an athlete, makes him a versatile weapon for offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen.
Personally, I think Bell's journey is a fascinating one. His talent is undeniable, and if he can shake off the injury curse, he could become a valuable asset for the Huskers. What makes this particularly intriguing is the potential for him to step up and fill a crucial role, especially if he can find his rhythm in a deep receiver room.
The Running Back with an Open Path
With All-American Emmett Johnson now in the NFL, the spotlight shifts to the running back position. Among the six contenders, Kwinten Ives stands out as a potential surprise package. Ives, a former three-star recruit, had a slow start in Lincoln, gaining just 7 yards on 6 carries as a freshman in 2024. But in 2025, he looked much better, racking up 133 yards and two touchdowns on 20 rushes, with a notable 6.65 yards per carry.
Ives' journey is one of resilience. He was injured during much of 2025 and appeared in only three games. However, he is now fully healthy and has an open path to climb up the depth chart. As a junior, he is the only upperclassman in the room, and his speed and size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) make him a starting-caliber player in the Big Ten, according to head coach Matt Rhule.
From my perspective, Ives' story is one of potential. His speed and size make him a formidable runner, and his coach's admiration is a strong indicator of his capabilities. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, he could be the surprise package that Nebraska needs at the running back position.
The Blocking Tight End with a Passing Game Twist
Nebraska's tight end position is likely to remain unchanged with veteran starter Luke Lindenmeyer. However, Eric Ingwerson is a player who could make significant noise. Ingwerson appeared in eight games as a redshirt freshman in 2025, primarily as a blocker, but never caught a pass. However, his frame (6-foot-7, 265 pounds) and added 20 pounds of muscle make him an intriguing prospect.
The question that arises is whether Nebraska will try to use Ingwerson for more than just blocking. Two of the nation's best wide receivers, Duce Robinson of Florida State and KJ Duff of Rutgers, are 6-foot-6 and use their height to their advantage. While Ingwerson isn't a wideout, his size could create favorable matchups on occasion in the passing game.
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for Ingwerson to become a versatile player. If he can develop his receiving skills, he could become a tempting target for the Huskers' offense. His size and strength make him a unique prospect, and if he can add to his blocking skills, he could be a valuable asset in jumbo packages.
The Takeaway
As the Nebraska Cornhuskers prepare for the grind of preseason camp, these three names—Bell, Ives, and Ingwerson—could be setting the stage for becoming X-factors for the team. Their stories are ones of potential, resilience, and versatility, and if they can step up and deliver, they could be the difference between being good and being great. Stay tuned as these three players look to make their mark on the 2026 college football season.
