Good Start: 5 Freshman Who Will Make a Big Impact For Nebraska Football in 2025… Check Out the Promising Young Players…
As Nebraska Football looks to return to national relevance under head coach Matt Rhule, the 2025 season presents a fresh opportunity not just for the team, but for several standout freshmen ready to leave their mark. This year’s recruiting class is full of talent, and a handful of these young Huskers are already turning heads in camp.
Here are five true freshmen who are poised to make a big impact in 2025:
Malik Thomas – WR, 6’1”, 185 lbs (Texas) Speed, swagger, and smooth route running — Thomas has it all. The four-star recruit out of Dallas has been electric throughout fall camp, showcasing his ability to separate from defenders and make contested catches. With Nebraska’s receiving corps in need of playmakers, Thomas could see early playing time in the slot or even as a return man on special teams. Coaches have praised his work ethic and football IQ — both of which point to a breakout freshman campaign.
Jaxon Carter – LB, 6’3”, 230 lbs (Nebraska) A homegrown talent from Omaha, Carter brings physicality and versatility to the linebacker room. He’s impressed with his sideline-to-sideline speed and ability to diagnose plays quickly. Rhule’s defensive staff loves his tenacity and nose for the football Carter already looks like a future leader on defense. Don’t be surprised if he’s part of third-down packages or contributes on special teams early in the season.
Keenan Walker – OL, 6’6”, 310 lbs (Arizona) It’s rare for a true freshman offensive lineman to be ready for the Big Ten trenches, but Walker isn’t your typical freshman. The massive tackle has adjusted quickly to college strength and speed, holding his own in practice reps against veteran defenders. With Nebraska needing depth and long-term solutions up front, Walker could be rotated in by midseason and may even contend for a starting job if injuries hit.
Trey Sanders – DB, 6’0”, 190 lbs (Florida)Sanders is a ball hawk plain and simple. The freshman cornerback has already notched multiple interceptions in scrimmages, showing off his range and instincts. Nebraska’s secondary has talent but lacks proven depth, giving Sanders a real shot to climb the depth chart quickly. His ability to play both outside and nickel makes him a valuable chess piece in defensive coordinator Tony White’s scheme.
Rico Johnson – RB, 5’11”, 200 lbs (Georgia)Fast, physical, and fearless Johnson is the kind of back that can change a game with one touch. Though he enters a crowded backfield, his burst and vision have made him hard to ignore in practices. Coaches are finding creative ways to get him involved, whether that’s in the run game, as a receiver out of the backfield, or on kick returns. His versatility and big-play ability could earn him touches from Week 1.
Nebraska fans have reason to be excited. While the future of the program still hinges on development and consistency, these five freshmen are already showing they belong and they could be key pieces in helping the Huskers take a leap in 2025. Keep an eye on them as the season unfolds the next generation of Blackshirts and offensive stars might just be arriving a little early.
