Returning from injury, Corcoran strengthens an experienced offensive line group. Last season, Nebraska offensive tackle Turner Corcoran’s streak of 30 consecutive starts ended when he suffered a foot injury against Northwestern. This setback triggered a lengthy rehabilitation process for Corcoran, who had previously undergone another extensive rehab in 2021. Despite the challenge, the senior never doubted his return.
“I had confidence in our medical staff and doctors, knowing they would help me recover and stay healthy,” Corcoran said.
Reflecting on his recovery, Corcoran mentioned that his past rehab experience in 2021 helped him stay mentally strong through the spring.
“I couldn’t let it affect my mindset,” Corcoran explained. “Injuries can take a mental toll, regardless of the sport. It’s tough, but you have to lean on your coaches and teammates for support.”
Corcoran sat out during the spring but was cleared to rejoin his teammates for summer conditioning. He was initially competing with Teddy Prochazka for the starting left tackle position in fall camp and was part of the top group during Nebraska’s Big Red Preview event. However, when Prochazka suffered a season-ending knee injury later in the fall, Corcoran stepped up as the No. 1 left tackle, despite still managing his foot injury.
“I’ve been dealing with it, but it’s been going well so far,” Corcoran said.
One of the key strengths of Nebraska’s offensive line is its experience. Bryce Benhart will make his 42nd career start in the opener against UTEP, center Ben Scott is a seasoned starter, and newcomer Micah Mazzccua has starting experience at both Baylor and Florida before transferring to Lincoln.
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Corcoran has also been a steady presence, starting 11 games in 2021, all 12 in 2022, and the first seven last year before his injury. He believes the veteran players provide a strong foundation for the team while also mentoring the younger offensive linemen who will succeed them in the future.
“We’ve got a lot of seasoned guys, which benefits us in the long run—we’ve seen a lot, played a lot,” Corcoran said. “We’re all just focused on improving together.”
On a different note, Nebraska quarterback commit TJ Lateef kicked off his senior season with a strong performance, leading Orange Lutheran to a 21-13 victory over Gardena Serra with two touchdown passes and a short rushing score. Lateef finished the game with 18 completions on 25 attempts for 185 yards.
Although he threw an interception and received a 15-yard penalty for an airborne scramble that ended in a frightening collision, Lateef was pleased with the win. He told the Los Angeles Times that he won’t be trying that leap again.
“I was experimenting,” Lateef said. “I didn’t realize it wasn’t allowed. I’ll put that away.”
Lateef, a four-star quarterback and one of Nebraska’s top-rated recruits in the 2025 class, committed to the Huskers in the spring and represented them at the Elite 11 event in June. He and Orange Lutheran are set to play Rancho Cucamonga on Friday.
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