Nebraska added a proven piece to its offensive line, landing Iowa State transfer Brendan Black after three seasons in the Cyclones’ program. The 6‑foot‑4 lineman arrives in Lincoln with meaningful Big 12 experience, a reputation for physical play, and a motor that shows up consistently on film. His decision to join the Huskers gives Geep Wade another key piece to Nebraska’s evolving o-line, and his tape suggests he could push for an immediate role in 2026.
Film Breakdown: Nebraska Offensive Lineman Brendan Black
Black’s tape reveals a lineman who wins with leverage, balance, and a consistent understanding of how to stay connected through contact. He plays with natural hand quickness, a strong feel for leverage, and the ability to reset his base when defenders try to counter. Nebraska’s staff values linemen who can anchor, redirect, and stay square in tight spaces, and Black checks those boxes on film.
Black fits naturally into what offensive line coach Geep Wade wants up front: physical, technically sound linemen who can win leverage battles and stay connected through contact.
Wade’s system emphasizes consistent footwork, inside‑hand dominance, and the ability to create movement without sacrificing balance, all areas where Black already shows comfort on film. His background on the defensive line gives him a strong feel for hand usage and counters, which aligns with Wade’s emphasis on teaching linemen to anticipate and neutralize rush moves rather than simply reacting. Add in his mobility and ability to climb cleanly to the second level, and Black profiles as the kind of versatile interior piece (guard or center) Wade can plug into multiple run concepts while trusting him to hold up in pass protection.
In the run game, Black adds value with his pad level. He fires off low, keeps his hips underneath him, and generates movement through technique rather than raw mass. On down blocks, he shows the ability to torque defenders and seal lanes cleanly. When climbing to the second level, he takes efficient angles and rarely overruns targets, a sign of comfort working in space. His hands stay inside, and he maintains control through the rep, which helps him sustain blocks longer than many interior linemen his size…