nevada Football Faces Offensive Struggles, Looks to Offseason Fixes
Nevada football is grappling with significant offensive challenges, as acknowledged by head coach Jeff Choate. The team has struggled to secure key recruits,notably at the receiver position,and believes a lack of surrounding talent is a primary issue for their quarterback. Choate noted difficulties in recruiting battles, specifically mentioning a top receiver from San Jose who chose another program.
“We weren’t able to win those battles,” choate stated, emphasizing the need to “dig a little deeper” in recruiting to bolster the offensive roster. While acknowledging the global challenges faced by offensive lines at the collegiate level - “nobody’s gonna go in there and say, ‘Hey, we’ve got a group of five-star guys playing across the board'” - the broader issue is building a supportive cast for the quarterback.
Financial constraints, specifically related to Name, image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, are believed to be a contributing factor. Nevada’s NIL offerings are not considered as competitive as other Mountain West Conference schools, potentially leading to the departures of players like Scudero and, prior to the season, quarterback Diego Pavia, who committed to Nevada before ultimately transferring to Vanderbilt where he has become a triumphant SEC player.
Further complicating matters, the Wolf Pack experienced an unexpected coaching change just weeks before the season opener with the dismissal of run game coordinator and offensive line coach Brian Armstrong. David Gilbertson, previously the quarterbacks coach, was promoted to offensive coordinator. However, Choate has defended Gilbertson’s play-calling, stating he has “made some really good calls that haven’t been executed” and that struggles often stem from execution breakdowns, particularly on longer-yardage situations.
“I examine that very,very closely,both in game and week by week,” Choate said.He added he anticipates ongoing changes within the coaching staff as part of program evaluation.
Following a 1-4 start, the team turned to true freshman quarterback AJ Jones. While showing flashes of potential, Jones has struggled with turnovers, throwing seven interceptions to just one touchdown in his four starts. Despite these difficulties, Nevada intends to continue developing Jones, with Choate expressing confidence in his future: “I feel like this kid is going to be an extraordinary player, and we’re working through some growing pains right now.”
This season marks the fourth consecutive year of offensive struggles for Nevada, the second under choate’s leadership. The coach recognizes the need for complete improvement.
“It’s not any one thing in particular,” Choate explained. “It’s kind of everything in general on that side of the ball. First-time play caller, lack of talent around the quarterback, new quarterback, new guys working with the offensive line.” He stressed accountability, stating, “It’s not good enough, right? but there are some real reasons why that’s happening, too.”
Choate believes the lack of “continuity and rhythm” has been the defining issue for the offense this year and is prioritizing a significant overhaul during the offseason. The team’s inability to reach bowl eligibility this season will allow for immediate attention to these issues.
