5. NEBRASKA
The lack of a built-in recruiting base makes this inclusion a bit of a reach, admittedly. A staff would have to be dynamic nationally to bring in talent to again push Nebraska toward the top of the sport. Coaches are unsure whether Mike Riley and this staff can do that, though Riley has long understood the need for a national recruiting emphasis, going back to Oregon State.
On the plus side for Nebraska, the brand still remains strong, the internal and external support is as solid as ever and it’s in the right division in the Big Ten. Wisconsin and Iowa are not easy outs, but you’d prefer to see them in your path instead of Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State.