Nebraska goes off against Northern Iowa, scoring an early touchdown to kick off Week 3. That score came on a freshman connection, with Dylan Raiola finding tight end Carter Nelson.

The play came on 1st-and-10 with Nelson splitting the middle of the defense and Raiola finding him in the soft spot. After Nelson secured the catch, he built up a head of steam and held on for one snap as his momentum carried him toward the end zone.

Nelson’s touchdown came on his second catch of the day. It’s also the first career score for the true freshman and in-state product.

From freshman to freshman.@RaiolaDylan 🤝 @Carter83854638 photo.twitter.com/TjkxpY1yof

— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 14, 2024

Nelson joined Nebraska as an elite 4-star tight end in the 2024 recruiting class and the top in-state player for the cycle. The 247 Sports Composite also rated Nelson as the No. 3 TE and the 55th overall prospect in the entire country.

If it weren’t for five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, Nelson would have been Nebraska’s highest-rated recruit in the 2024 class. Now, that duo is making plays early in their Cornhusker careers.

Nelson has appeared in all 3 games this season and entered Saturday’s game with 3 catches for 21 yards. He already has 2 catches for 38 yards and the touchdown against Northern Iowa.