Matt Rhule and new offensive line coach Geep Wade are making a strong push to bring in top offensive linemen during the January transfer portal window. Their latest known visitor is one of the most impressive yet, signaling a significant step forward for Nebraska’s offensive line.

Fans looking for experience, production, size, and nastiness can find all of these qualities in the film of Malachi Breland, a soon-to-be junior left guard from Mississippi. He is one of three confirmed offensive line prospects scheduled to visit Lincoln in the coming weeks. His potential addition would be a major boost for the Huskers’ offensive line.

Although the transfer window is open until Jan. 16, Nebraska’s ability to secure a visit from Breland shows that both sides are moving quickly toward a decision before the spring semester. While the talks are still in their early stages, Breland is expected to visit campus as early as this weekend.

At 6-foot-5 and 340 pounds, Breland would be the most physically imposing player on the offensive line. His weight is not just for show; his film demonstrates how he uses his size and strength, particularly in his legs, to his advantage every time he steps onto the field.

Breland has been at Memphis for the past three seasons. As a true freshman in 2023, he played in two games and earned his first start in the Liberty Bowl against Iowa State. After keeping his redshirt, he saw more playing time in 2024, appearing in 10 games with seven starts. He helped lead Memphis to an 11-2 season.

In 2025, as a sophomore, Breland started in 12 games, all at left guard. He played a key role in helping the Tigers rush for 34 touchdowns on the ground, despite a slight drop in overall wins.

For Geep Wade, who aims to overhaul the offensive line after losing three starters following the Las Vegas Bowl, Breland seems like a perfect fit. His combination of size, speed, and experience makes him a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal. Nebraska will likely have to compete with several Power Four programs to secure his commitment.

The image of Elijah Pritchett (6-foot-6, 325-pounds) and Breland (6-foot-5, 340-pounds) holding down the left side of the line creates a picture of what a Big Ten offensive line should look like. Adding in the fact that the Huskers will return multi-year starter Justin Evans at center (6-foot-2, 315-pounds), Wade’s offensive line could quickly become a formidable force next fall.

While this scenario is still hypothetical, on paper, Nebraska appears to be in good hands. All three players would have over 20 games of starting experience, and they all fit the eye-test criteria as well.

Currently, Nebraska is set to host two other confirmed offensive line visitors in the coming weeks. Tree Babalade, who was coached by Lonnie Teasley at South Carolina this fall, has started 15 games in his career and primarily plays right tackle. After 2025, Nebraska will lose its long-time starter, Turner Corcoran, and Babalade would provide experience in technique from Teasley, even if he lacks on-field experience.

The other offensive lineman scheduled to visit is Brendan Black of Iowa State. So far in his career, Black has started 30 collegiate games for the Cyclones at right guard, another position the Huskers need to replace after losing Rocco Spindler this fall.

Babalade, listed at 6-foot-5, 330 pounds, fits the mold of a player that Husker fans would want on the offensive line. Black, who also has a long season of eligibility remaining, is listed at 6-foot-4, 320 pounds.

Although it is unlikely that Nebraska will secure commitments from all three players without a significant financial investment, on paper, each prospect offers extensive experience at positions of need in 2026. The Huskers would enter next season with four senior offensive linemen, including Breland (a junior), all of whom have 15+ games of starting experience. This would be a massive upgrade from what the team had this fall, and none of these players have a history of repeated injuries.

In 2025, Nebraska struggled heavily in protecting the quarterback throughout much of the season and into the bowl game. With two new position coaches aiming to spark a major turnaround next fall, the addition of experienced transfers is likely the only way to achieve this in one offseason.

Between Breland, Babalade, and Black, the “triple B’s” could be the exact resume for success up front. All three players are in the early stages of communication with the Huskers staff, but securing visits suggests offers will be extended soon.

A resurgence up front is essential for improvements in 2026, and the compensation packages Nebraska can offer may ultimately determine where these players end up. Rhule has indicated that the program has the financial resources to compete at the upper end of the market, and obtaining the talents of one, if not all, would confirm this.

All three players are likely to receive high-dollar offers over the offseason, and each also offers proven success at the Power Four level. In today’s college football landscape, teams must invest to succeed, and any of these three linemen would help create noticeable improvements up front for the Huskers in 2026.