5-star offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett leaves Alabama to rising Big Ten program

His addition addresses a critical need for head coach Matt Rhule's team during this transfer portal period. After redshirting in 2022, Pritchett participated in 26 games over the past two seasons at Alabama. 

In 2023, he contributed on special teams and rotated into the offensive line, starting 10 games at right tackle and one at left tackle.

A five-star recruit from Carver High School in Georgia, Pritchett chose Alabama over Florida State, Georgia, and USC. 

His commitment marks him as the 15th player to join the Nebraska program since the portal opened last month, joining notable signings like defensive end Williams Nwaneri from Missouri, linebacker Dasan McCullough from Oklahoma, and wide receiver Dane Key from Kentucky.

The Huskers had missed out on offensive tackle targets Isaiah World, who transferred from Nevada to Oregon, and Fa’alili Fa’amoe, who moved from Washington State to Wake Forest in December, making Pritchett's recruitment even more critical. 

He entered the portal last weekend following a start in Alabama’s Reliquest Bowl loss to Michigan and had a visit to Nebraska earlier this week.

In 2024, Pritchett allowed the most quarterback pressures (31) and six sacks at Alabama, according to Pro Football Focus. However, he arrives at Nebraska with the most experience and accolades among the team's tackles. 

Gunnar Gottula, who started nine games at left tackle last season as a redshirt freshman after veteran Turner Corcoran's leg injury in September, is also part of the lineup.

Corcoran may return, and fourth-year tackle Teddy Prochazka is also recovering from a knee injury sustained during preseason camp. Nebraska still seeks to enhance its offensive line, with Gottula and experienced guards Justin Evans and Henry Lutovsky returning. 

The team aims to protect returning quarterback Dylan Raiola as they move forward.