At Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas, Hurrdat’s Avarie Howard spoke with Nebraska offensive lineman Henry Lutovsky about leadership, line play, and the Huskers’ mindset heading into camp. In year three under Matt Rhule, Lutovsky discussed what it means to represent the program and the state, how the offensive line is building cohesion, and why the group embraces pressure in the biggest moments.
Here is an edited transcript of their conversation.
Q: Coach Rhule talked about why he chose the players who came to Media Days. What does it mean to be one of the guys representing Nebraska here?
A: It’s a huge honor—not just speaking for the program, but also for my university and my state. It’s amazing to represent that many people here.
Q: You’re stepping into a veteran leadership role. What’s your mindset going into camp?
A: I want to bring the best out of people—find a way to pull that out of guys every single day.
Q: With some new faces on the line and changes on staff, what does building that chemistry look like?
A: For the offensive line, it’s about building cohesiveness as one unit—seeing the field through one set of eyes. That’s tough when you add new people, but training camp’s an amazing opportunity to get reps before the first game.
Henry Lutovsky (59) reaches for the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Photo by John S. Peterson.
Q: There’s a lot of excitement about the offense, and it all starts up front. What’s the mentality of your group?
A: Put it on us. If it’s third-and-10 and we have to pass protect, you can trust we’ll do our jobs. If it’s fourth-and-one and we need 12 inches—put it on us. We’ve got it.
Q: How’s the connection beyond the O-line—quarterback, backs, receivers?
A: We’ve built great relationships with guys like Dylan and Emmett—and with Luke Lindenmeyer and Heinrich Harburg. And the new guys, like Dane Key and Isaiah Hunter, have done a great job getting around the group and becoming one of us.
Q: Where have you grown the most over your time at Nebraska?
A: My confidence. Last season it went way up. It’s not “maybe I can block this guy” anymore—it’s “I’m going to block this guy.”
Q: Expectations feel high. Where’s your head at with what’s possible this year?
A: The sky’s the limit with this group, but you can’t focus on that. It’s about the daily process—getting better every day and preparing as much as possible this next month to be ready for game one.
Henry Lutovsky (59) runs for a block against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Photo by John S. Peterson.
