Nebraska · Big TenNebraska’s offensive-line gap shows up in NFL Draft output
Nebraska signed nearly as many linemen as Iowa over the examined period but produced three draft picks to Iowa’s eight. Geep Wade inherits a development question.
AUG 28, 2026
Nebraska signed 34 offensive linemen in the period examined and produced three NFL Draft picks. Iowa signed 32 and produced eight; Wisconsin signed 26 and produced nine.
Recruiting ratings do not fully account for the gap. Nebraska’s linemen averaged an 86.9 rating, compared with 88.4 at Iowa. Wisconsin averaged 90.8. Michigan signed 39 linemen with a 91.2 average and produced nine draft picks. Minnesota’s average was 84.3, below Nebraska’s, though the comparison does not include its draft total.
That puts attention on Geep Wade, who came to Nebraska known for developing offensive lines and building productive run games. The question is whether his work shows up with players already in the program, not only in a 2027 class described as having size and physical potential.
Justin Evans is one player to watch. He entered college with a 79 rating and is drawing early NFL Draft attention, according to the source.
The comparison does not identify its exact 10-year window, Nebraska’s three drafted linemen or Wade’s current depth chart. It cannot establish what Nebraska’s line will be in 2026. It does frame the issue Wade must address: Nebraska’s output has trailed Iowa and Wisconsin despite signing a comparable number of linemen.