Nebraska football star sits at top of best players of 21st century

As we ramp up for the 2024 season, prognosticators and analysts are releasing all sorts of lists. And one Nebraska football star is right at the top of one of the most impressive.

ESPN just released its list of the 25 best players in the 21st century. And while it’s no surprise that Ndamukong Suh was on the list it was certainly nice to see that he was the number one player of them all.

Husker fans understand what an incredible defensive force Suh was when he was playing here under Bo Pelini. He was someone who should have won the Heisman, despite being on the defensive line. 

Suh was someone who changed how teams approach Nebraska football because of how dominant he was. And it’s nice to see Bill Connelly understand that fact. Granted, if anyone at ESPN would understand that sort of thing it would be Connelly.

Nebraska football star at top of the list of best players of the century

“A four-star prospect from Oregon, Suh enjoyed three good years before posting one of the most devastating individual seasons in college football history. Suh was unblockable in 2009. Despite triple-teams, countless holding penalties (called and uncalled) and entire game plans designed to avoid the middle of the field, he made 20.5 TFLs with 12 sacks. His performance in the Big 12 championship game against Texas -- seven TFLs, 4.5 sacks -- was among the best ever. I realize we don't give Heismans to defensive players, but it's still utterly inexcusable that he didn't win the Heisman that year. Best player of the 2000s and one of the best of all time.”

Nebraska football fans are certainly in agreement on Suh somehow not getting the recognition he deserved. It’s good to see him get some recognition on this list, even if it means little in the long run.