Nebraska offensive lineman Gunnar Gottula looks forward to matchup against undefeated Indiana

Nebraska will host Indiana on Saturday in a clash of two unbeaten teams, with the Huskers hoping to demonstrate their resurgence under head coach Matt Rhule. Senior offensive lineman Gunnar Gottula, a Lincoln Southeast graduate, said the contest is especially meaningful because it allows him to represent his hometown on a national stage.

“It’s really meaningful for me,” Gottula told reporters. “This is why I came to Nebraska to play in big games like this and represent where I’m from.”

Indiana enters the game as a 7½-point favorite, having risen to seventh in the national rankings under coach Curt Cignetti. Gottula praised the Hoosiers’ “great front seven in defense” and noted their strong technique, adding that Nebraska’s success will depend on preparation, attention to detail and effort.

“The biggest thing you see is … they have great technique. So, it’s just going to be about us focusing on how hard we can play, trying to out-strain them.”

Nebraska’s 5-0 record includes wins over two MAC teams, an FCS opponent and two early-season Big Ten victories over Michigan State and Maryland. Gottula highlighted the team’s “next-play mentality” emphasized by the coaching staff as a key factor in responding to turnovers.

“What’s next? So I think as a team we’ve done a really good job kind of attacking that and taking on that mentality.”

Ahead of the game, Gottula will shift from right tackle to left guard, creating a starting role for transfer tackle Tree Babalade. He praised Babalade’s work ethic and attention to detail, while noting that his own experience on both sides of the line makes the transition manageable.

“I prefer wherever the coaches need me or want me.”

The matchup is slated for 11 a.m. on FOX at Memorial Stadium, offering Nebraska a chance to test its progress against a top-ranked opponent.