Top 40 Huskers for 2025: 11-15

With Nebraska’s 2025 season around the corner, the HuskerOnline team voted on the Top 40 Husker players going into Matt Rhule’s third season in Lincoln.

The voting criteria were to rank the players based on their importance to the team, overall talent, and future potential for the upcoming season. Our voters focused specifically on the 2025 season, not future seasons, a player’s long-term importance, or future talent.

The voting panel consisted of HuskerOnline publisher Sean Callahan, columnist Steven Sipple, senior writer Robin Washut, and staff writer Abby Barmore. Each voter submitted their own Top 40 list from which the votes were tallied.

We continue our annual Top 40 Huskers series with players 11-15, featuring key contributors on the offensive and defensive lines.

Series: 36-40 | 31-35 | 26-30 | 21-25 | 16-20

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15. Cam Lenhardt, DL, Jr.

After two seasons as a key rotational piece, Cam Lenhardt returns as one of the anchors of Nebraska’s defensive line.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder played in all 13 games in 2024 but made just two starts, including in the Pinstripe Bowl where he played a season-high 44 snaps. Lenhardt finished the year with one sack, seven pressures and five QB hurries while primarily lining up as an edge rusher. 136 of his 233 total snaps came in pass-rushing scenarios.

Lenhardt flashed promise throughout the early stages of his Husker career, but with so many departures up front, the unit desperately needs a strong 2025 campaign from him.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
15	17	18	13

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14. Keona Davis, DL, So.

Keona Davis was thrust from a true freshman to an indispensable starter in one offseason. After originally entering the transfer portal, Nebraska received incredible news when Davis announced he would be staying in Lincoln for his sophomore season.

Despite playing just 108 snaps in 2024, his potential was evident. Davis was explosive at the line of scrimmage and made multiple impact plays against the run. He finished the year with 10 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, along with three pressures.

The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder added significant size this offseason and is ready to play a crucial role for  Terry Bradden‘s unit in 2025.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
8	18	15	14

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13. Justin Evans, OL, Jr.

Justin Evans will provide cohesion for Nebraska’s offensive line in 2025 as it retools with multiple new additions.

The junior was the epitome of consistency last year, starting all 13 games at left guard. He was the only non-senior to start the entire season, playing 877 total snaps. Evans allowed 10 pressures on the season and two sacks.

The 6-foot-1, 315-pounder found a new role this offseason, switching to center to replace veteran Ben Scott. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen had high praise for Evans’ development, saying he could become “as good a center that exists in college football.” The three-time Tom Osborne Citizenship Team award winner also grew as a vocal leader throughout the spring.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
18	12	13	11

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12. Nyziah Hunter, WR, So.

Nebraska significantly upgraded its wide receiver core this offseason, adding multiple proven weapons for Dylan Raiola. Nyziah Hunter is expected to be a key part of the room in 2025.

The Cal transfer spent two seasons with the Golden Bears, redshirting as a freshman before breaking out last year. Hunter racked up 40 catches and 578 yards while leading the team with five receiving touchdowns.

With an upgraded offense around him, the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder should blossom at Nebraska. Hunter primarily lined up out wide at Cal and excelled in the intermediate range, recording an average depth of target of 11.6 yards. Holgorsen highlighted his physicality at a press conference this spring, praising his ability to fight through contested catches and break tackles.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
12	9	11	18

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11. Rocco Spindler, OL, Sr.

As one of Nebraska’s most impactful transfers, Spindler started 13 games at right guard for Notre Dame in 2024, including the national championship game.

The former Joe Moore Award Semifinalist will anchor the Husker offensive line as a vocal leader who has experience in big-time spots. Spindler joins Alabama transfer Elijah Pritchett as the unit replaced its departing pieces with two promising veterans from the portal.

At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, Spindler has made 23 starts in his career with 1,325 total snaps. He didn’t allow a single sack in 2024 and only gave up 10 pressures and six QB hurries in 375 pressure opportunities.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
9	16	14	7

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