Nebraska Center Justin Evans Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List
Nebraska's offensive line is getting national recognition, and it's centered around a player who was once overlooked. Senior center Justin Evans, a former two-star recruit, has been named to the 40-man preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy. The award goes to the top center in Division I college football and is named after Husker legend Dave Rimington.
How Justin Evans Earned the Recognition
Evans didn't land on the list by accident. Pro Football Focus rates him as the highest-graded returning center in college football with an overall mark of 78.6. After moving from guard to center before the 2025 season, the New Jersey native surrendered just one sack in 443 pass-blocking snaps. He also earned a 75.0 run-blocking grade, ranking 12th nationally.
His development from a two-star recruit to an NFL prospect shows the kind of player development that makes college football compelling. Evans anchors a Nebraska offensive line that is massive and experienced, and he will be crucial to the success of new quarterback Anthony Colandrea and an inexperienced running back room.
Nebraska's Offensive Line Depth and Additions
Evans isn't alone. Nebraska returns senior left tackle Elijah Pritchett, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama. After an inconsistent start, Pritchett finished the 2025 season playing some of his best football and enters 2026 as a potential NFL Draft pick.
The Huskers also went shopping in the transfer portal last winter. Brendan Black arrives after starring at Iowa State, where he established himself as one of the Big 12 Conference's top interior linemen. Tree Babalade brings substantial starting experience from South Carolina, and Paul Mubenga adds size and experience from LSU.
That gives Nebraska a projected starting five of Evans, Pritchett, Black, Babalade, and Mubenga. Providing depth are Grant Brix, Tyler Knaak, Preston Taumua, Gunner Gottula, and Clade Mpuoma. Making it all click is new offensive line coach Geep Wade, who comes from successful stops including Georgia Tech.
Can Nebraska's Offensive Line Deliver in 2026?
Nebraska struggled mightily to protect the quarterback last year, surrendering 33 sacks -- tied for 115th nationally. But this is a new season with a more mobile quarterback in Colandrea. He and the green group of running backs would surely benefit from an elite offensive line.
With potentially one of the top centers in college football and the talented linemen alongside him, Nebraska's offense in 2026 has the potential to truly deliver in the trenches. The Rimington Trophy watch list includes 40 centers from across the country, and Evans is the lone representative from Nebraska.
The Full Rimington Trophy Watch List
The complete 40-man watch list includes centers from Army, Auburn, BYU, Delaware, Duke, Eastern Michigan, FAU, Florida, Georgia, Houston, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Liberty, LSU, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Missouri, Navy, Nebraska, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Pittsburgh, SMU, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UAB, USC, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Washington, and West Virginia.
For Iowa fans, it's worth noting that Iowa's Kade Pieper also made the list. The Hawkeyes have a strong tradition of offensive line play, and Pieper's inclusion shows the Big Ten continues to produce top talent at the position.
What This Means for Nebraska's Season
Nebraska's offense appears to have the pieces to take a significant step forward in 2026, and it starts up front. With Evans anchoring the line and a new quarterback under center, the Huskers have a chance to improve on last year's struggles. The offensive line will be key to protecting Colandrea and opening holes for the running backs.
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