Nebraska’s football team faces a significant setback in its defensive preparations for the 2025 season, as head coach Matt Rhule confirmed that cornerback Blye Hill will miss the entire year due to a season-ending knee injury. Hill, a transfer from St. Francis who was expected to compete for a starting role in the Cornhuskers’ secondary, re-injured his patella during a non-contact play in fall camp, a devastating blow for a player who had been impressing coaches with his performance. The loss, announced during a Saturday press conference, forces Nebraska to recalibrate its defensive backfield plans just weeks before their season opener against UTEP on August 28.[](https://huskercorner.com/nebraska-football-injuries-fall-camp-blye-hill-gage-stenger)
Hill, who played in just one game last season, logging 22 snaps in a win over Wisconsin, was poised for a breakout year after overcoming a similar patella injury from the 2024 spring game. Secondary coach Addison Williams had praised Hill’s mobility for a taller corner, noting his potential to be a key contributor in a competitive group of six cornerbacks vying for playing time. Rhule expressed heartbreak for Hill, emphasizing his strong camp performance and resilience, stating, “He was doing really well. Our heart breaks for him.” With Hill sidelined, Nebraska will rely on veterans like Tommi Hill, who is recovering from a plantar fascia injury, and emerging talents such as Marques Buford to anchor the secondary.[](https://247sports.com/college/nebraska/article/husker-head-coach-matt-rhule-discusses-injuries-blye-hill-and-gage-stenger-out-for-the-season-252472168/)
The injury to Hill wasn’t the only bad news for Nebraska, as Rhule also confirmed that linebacker Gage Stenger, a Millard South graduate and special teams standout, will miss the season with a knee injury. Stenger, described as “the heartbeat” of the team, was expected to play a significant role on special teams and provide depth at linebacker. The loss of both players compounds an already challenging injury situation for the Huskers, who have also seen tight end Mac Markway and left tackle Teddy Prochazka ruled out for the year with ACL injuries. Despite these setbacks, Rhule remains optimistic about the team’s depth, pointing to players like Deontai Williams, a 2024 All-Big Ten safety, to lead the secondary.[](https://huskercorner.com/nebraska-football-injuries-fall-camp-blye-hill-gage-stenger)[](https://cornhuskerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/cornhuskers/football/2025/08/01/nebraska-football-tight-end-mac-markway-season-ending-injury/85462401007/)
Nebraska’s coaching staff now faces the challenge of adjusting their defensive schemes with limited time before the season begins. The secondary, a strength last year with Williams earning a 91.3 PFF grade, must adapt without Hill’s size and versatility. Rhule emphasized the team’s support for both Hill and Stenger, noting their character and potential to return stronger. As the Huskers prepare for their first scrimmage of fall camp, the focus will be on younger players like Jeremiah Charles and Larry Tarver Jr. to step up, while the coaching staff evaluates how to maintain defensive stability in a season where Nebraska aims to build on their 7-6 record and Pinstripe Bowl victory.[](https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/football/great-first-scrimmage-matt-rhule-recaps-nebraska-camp-gives-injury-update-cornhuskers-football-big-ten)[](https://nebraska.rivals.com/news/after-injury-williams-back-on-track-as-leader-in-secondary)
