Nebraska isn’t just passionate about football – the entire state’s identity is stitched into those red and white jerseys. The roar inside Memorial Stadium, the pride in every block and every tackle, the tradition of winning – that’s the heartbeat of the Cornhuskers.
Across decades of dominance, the program has produced fierce competitors, national champions, and Heisman-caliber superstars. And today, BestSoccerTips proudly presents our Top 10 best Nebraska football players of all time – the elite athletes who defined toughness and built the Huskers’ powerhouse legacy. These nebraska football best players shaped history, set impossible standards, and fueled generations of Big Red pride. Let’s dive right into the legends who made Nebraska football a national religion.
Top 10. Rex Burkhead
Rex Burkhead wasn’t the tallest or the fastest. But he played with a warrior’s heart that Husker fans admired instantly. His vision and relentless drive carved out clutch yardage in the toughest moments, making him one of the most beloved running backs in the modern era.
Burkhead’s leadership and consistency brought spark and stability to the offense. He fought through injuries, took on every role asked of him, and became the definition of Big Red resilience.
Top 9. Spencer Long
On the offensive line, intelligence and effort matter just as much as power – and Spencer Long delivered all three. He controlled the interior like a field general, providing rock-solid protection and opening lanes for the ground game.
Long’s discipline and fundamental excellence made him essential to Nebraska’s offensive identity, proving the Huskers develop elite linemen at a ridiculous rate.
Top 8. Barrett Ruud
Barrett Ruud was born to make tackles – and he made a lot of them. He became Nebraska’s all-time leading tackler, reading plays before they unfolded and shutting down opponents with textbook technique.
Ruud’s ability to command the defense turned him into a natural leader. He made sure every blade of grass belonged to Nebraska on Saturdays.
Top 7. Will Shields
Will Shields stood as a silent destroyer on the offensive line. He helped the Huskers punish defenses long before he became an NFL Hall of Famer. His dominance wasn’t loud – it was undeniable every snap he played.
Shields elevated everyone around him, proving Nebraska wins championships by first winning the line of scrimmage.
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Top 6. Grant Wistrom
Grant Wistrom wasn’t just a defender – he was chaos unleashed. His speed around the edge and ability to hunt the quarterback helped Nebraska maintain its championship standard during the 90s dynasty.
He inspired teammates by example, sacrificing his body and imposing fear on every offensive coordinator in the conference.
Top 5. Irving Fryar
Every dominant team needs a star who can stretch the field – Irving Fryar delivered that explosiveness. He brought wide-receiver swagger to a program known for running the ball, forcing defenses to stay honest.
Fryar later became the No.1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, proving Nebraska’s talent pipeline isn’t limited to linemen and backs.
Top 4. Rich Glover
Rich Glover made guards and centers regret signing up for football. His dominance inside changed games and earned him both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award in 1972 – a rare defensive sweep.
Glover helped lead Nebraska to consecutive national championships with sheer force and an unmatched competitive mindset.
Top 3. Mike Rozier
With the ball in his hands, Mike Rozier turned defenders into traffic cones. His 1983 Heisman season featured explosive runs that felt unfair – Rozier made elite defenses look unprepared.
He stacked up record numbers and remains a symbol of Nebraska’s golden era of power, speed, and relentless scoring.
Top 2. Tommie Frazier
Tommie Frazier was a pressure-proof quarterback. The bigger the game, the better he performed. Back-to-back national championships don’t happen without a leader who refuses to break.
His legendary run vs. Florida in the Fiesta Bowl is a highlight for eternity. Frazier turned the option offense into a championship weapon.
Top 1. Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is the modern standard for defensive dominance in college football. Offensive lines double-teamed him, and he still tore through protection with brutal strength and technique.
His 2009 season nearly earned him the Heisman – unheard of for a defensive lineman. Suh wasn’t just great – he was terrifying.
Final thoughts
These nebraska best football players transformed the Cornhuskers into a national titan. Their toughness, legacy, and larger-than-life performances continue to fuel Nebraska pride today. Big Red history isn’t finished – the next superstar is just waiting for his moment.
