Jacory Barney Jr. has quickly emerged as one of the nation's most promising young talents. His exceptional skills and electrifying playmaking ability have made him a standout among his peers. As a true freshman for the Nebraska football in 2024, Barney has consistently showcased his potential to become a future star in college football.
It’s not just Cornhuskers fans who believe that either. It turns out that Barney, despite being in his first year in college, turned in one of the best seasons in the sport.
Barney in fact, was among the five highest-graded Power 4 true freshmen wide receivers in the country according to PFF. That’s just one of the reasons why Nebraska football faithful are quite high on what an offense with Barney, Cortez Mills and Dylan Raiola might be able to put together in 2025.
Nebraska football’s Jacory Barney stands out from the crowd
Last week, Pro Football Focus released what it said were the highest rated true freshmen and Barney was definitely among some elite company. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had the highest rating of the bunch with an 89.7 overall score.
However, Barney was the second highest of any young freshman from the Power 4 ranks. The Husker receiver garnered a 73.7 rating which had him scoring better than even Alabama true freshman phenom Ryan Williams who scored a 72.8 overall.
Auburn’s Malcolm Simmons (71.6) and Clemson’s Bryant Wesco Jr. (70.8) round out the top 5.
That he’s hanging with some of the best players in the country is a big deal for a Nebraska football program that is trying to turn things around. A bowl game last year was the start. Having Jacory Barney stand out like this is a heck of a good sign.
The freshman wide receiver finished the 2024 season with 55 catches for 447 yards, though he wasn’t able to find the endzone.