The Nebraska football team didn't really know what to expect when true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef got his first career start on Saturday night against the UCLA Bruins. As it turned out, he had one of the best first starts of any freshman in the history of the Huskers, and there was plenty of celebrating after the game.
Lateef's performance was good right out of the gate, as he led NU to a touchdown on their first drive. That touchdown was a 2-yard pass from Lateef to wide receiver Jacory Barney. When the quarterback returned to the sideline after the score, his offensive coordinator was there to greet him.
Nebraska's TJ Lateef and Dana Holgorsen shared a big moment on Saturday
Dana Holgorsen had talked earlier in the week about how he didn't have any intention of simplifying the playbook for Lateef. The implication was that he believed the freshman could handle the same volume of plays as injured starter Dylan Raiola. It was clear the NU OC was plenty happy about Lateef's handling of the offense in that first drive and didn't hold back.
Very cool moment between TJ Lateef and Dana Holgorsen after that TD toss.
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) November 9, 2025
The OC is FIRED UP for his true freshman QB making his first career start. https://t.co/mL9Za2yoCw pic.twitter.com/SxsVYGSPhF
When the Nebraska quarterback got to Holgorsen, the offensive coordinator gave him a hard, happy slap on the helmet and then a big hug. The funniest part of the whole exchange was that Lateef first thought it would be a high five, and then realized a hyped up Holgorsen wanted more.
As it turned out, his domination of UCLA in Nebraska's first drive was just the beginning. Lateef had a near-perfect outing, completing 13 of 15 passes for 203 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Bruins.