More than any time since the portal became a thing, the Nebraska football team relied on transfers to come in and make a difference on its roster this winter. So far, it's been mostly so good in the regard with young defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri standing out as a defender who improves every week.
Matt Rhule and the coaches rewarded the way Nwaneri has improved last week, especially, making him one of the newest Blackshirts. For a group that sees these kinds of honors as earned, rather than handed to someone, it's a big deal. The former 5-star high school prospect and Missouri DL rewarded the coaches' trust in him with his best game as a Husker against an FBS opponent, vs Michigan State.
Williams Nwaneri is the newest Blackshirt for Nebraska football
Nebraska didn't make the announcement that Williams Nwaneri was a Blackshirt before the game. However, Rhule made it known during his Monday press conference that the redshirt-freshman was rewarded last week.
Against the Spartans, Nwaneri caused havoc in the backfield. The rush end racked up 6 quarterback pressures and 1.5 sacks. He also had 4 hurries and was credited with 3 "stops."
On the season, the former Tiger already has 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a pass defended. This follows a 2024 where big things were expected of him at Missouri, but he topped out with just 2 tackles and a sack. After reading the writing on the wall, he decided he needed a fresh start and the Huskers were ready to give him that.
So far, very good for both the Nebraska football program and Williams Nwaneri as he's not only improving, but doing it quickly and just as the Huskers begin the march through the toughest part of their 2025 schedule.