Top 40 Huskers for 2025: 21-25

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 21-25, featuring a group of defensive veterans who could make significant jumps this season.

Series: 36-40 | 31-35 | 26-30

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25. Gunnar Gottula, OL, So.

Gunnar Gottula heads into the 2025 season as a potential difference-maker on Nebraska’s offensive line. The Lincoln native has steadily developed over the past two years and will now compete to defend his starting spot at tackle.

Coaches have praised Gottula’s toughness and football IQ throughout the offseason, and his growth couldn’t come at a better time. As quarterback Dylan Raiola gears up for his second year as a starter, having athletic, disciplined linemen on the edge will be key. Whether he’s a starter or a depth piece, Gottula fits that mold.

Just as important, Gottula represents the in-state development that Rhule has prioritized since his arrival. He’s a local kid who stayed patient, put in the work, and is now ready to make a real impact once again in 2025.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
25	20	26	28

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24. Elijah Jeudy, DL, Sr.

As Nebraska looks to fill some massive shoes on the defensive line, Elijah Jeudy enters 2025 as one of the most important pieces up front. After settling into the system last season, NU is counting on the former Texas A&M transfer to take on a starting role and become a leader on the d-line.

Jeudy’s ability to play multiple spots and hold up against both the run and pass gives the Huskers valuable flexibility. Coaches have praised his improved consistency and effort, and Jeudy’s presence will be critical to maintaining toughness in the trenches.

More than anything, Jeudy represents the kind of development Nebraska needs to compete in the Big Ten. He’s not a flashy name, but his upside is real. If the defense takes a step forward this fall, expect Jeudy to be a big reason why.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
29	29	24	16

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23. Williams Nwaneri, DL, RFr.

Few defensive newcomers on Nebraska’s roster carry more buzz into the 2025 season than former five-star defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri. At 6-foot-7 and nearly 255 pounds, the redshirt freshman quickly turned heads in offseason workouts with his size and athleticism.

While he’s still settling into NU’s defensive system, Nwaneri’s raw talent could make him tough to keep off the field. He brings a rare blend of length and explosiveness that Nebraska hasn’t had on the edge in years. Whether it’s as a rotational pass-rusher or spot starter, his ability to create pressure and disrupt plays could make him a game-changer as the season wears on.

Beyond the physical traits, Nwaneri represents a major portal win and a sign of the program’s trajectory under Rhule. Landing and developing elite talent like him is key to competing in the Big Ten, and Nwaneri has the potential to be a foundational piece of Nebraska’s defense, not just in the future, but right now.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
14	31	28	15

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22. Malcolm Hartzog, DB, Sr.

Malcolm Hartzog enters the 2025 season as one of Nebraska’s most experienced and battle-tested defenders. The senior defensive back has played a ton of meaningful snaps over the past three seasons and brings a steady presence to NU’s secondary.

His versatility, football IQ, and competitive edge make him a leader both on and off the field. What Hartzog may lack in elite size, he more than makes up for with instincts and toughness. He’s shown he can play on the boundary, in the slot, or even at safety when needed, giving new DC John Butler valuable flexibility on the back end.

With the Big Ten slate loaded with talented offenses, having a veteran like Hartzog who’s seen it all carries immense value. Hartzog also sets the tone culturally. A former under-the-radar recruit turned multi-year starter, he embodies the kind of developmental success Rhule has emphasized.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
21	22	20	24

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21. Javin Wright, LB, Sr.

After finally staying healthy and showing what he can do in 2024, Javin Wright is set to play a major role in Nebraska’s defense this fall. The hybrid linebacker/safety brings rare length and range that fits perfectly into Butler’s scheme. His ability to cover in space, rush the passer, and hold up against the run makes him one of the most versatile defenders on the roster.

Wright’s experience and football IQ also give Nebraska a trusted playmaker in the middle of the field. He has grown into a more vocal leader and has earned the staff’s trust as someone who can handle complex assignments. In a defense that thrives on disguise and flexibility, Wright’s skill set is tailor-made to cause problems for opposing offenses.

Above all, Wright is an excellent example of perseverance paying off. After battling injuries and health issues throughout his career, he’s finally putting it all together at the right time. As long as he continues to stay on the field, Wright’s impact will be felt in every phase of the game.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
23	23	19	20

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