Vanducky

But what if he doesn't make any hires?

I've seen speculation elsewhere that Lanning might be punting on additional HS defensive linemen this cycle and keeping his powder dry for next year when the staff will have a full year to work their magic. Riley has one year of eligibility left so he's a big body without a multi-year scholarship commitment. Might make sense to focus on high-end recruits next year rather than picking over the scrap heap now for players that will likely never be difference makers. But I think I'd still prefer to hold on to the scholarship and see if anyone interesting shakes loose in the transfer portal after spring practices.

I don't like what this implies about the staff's confidence with other recruiting targets. Riley played less than 100 total snaps in the past two years for a Nebraska team that finished a combined 6-14. Scholarships are limited and valuable commodities.

Not to downplay Malchow's contributions, but the $30M probably played a larger role.