This Is Nebraska - Football

Football - walk-ons

Joel Makovicka - Fullback | Two-Time Academic All-American | All-Time Fullback Rushing Leader
Jared Tomich - Defensive End | Two-Time All-American, 1995-96
Alex Henery - Kicker/Punter | NU's All-Time Leading Scorer with 397 points

“The walk-ons were the heart and soul of Nebraska football when I played. Walk-ons bring the passion and the drive to practice every day, and they help set the tone for Saturdays.”

- Derrie Nelson, former Husker walk-on, 1980 All-American.

“Loyalty. Motivation. Willingness to Sacrifice.”

Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne, Hall of Fame Coach from 1973 to 1997, has used those words to describe Nebraska’s walk-on program. The tradition of the Cornhusker walk-on program is one-of-a-kind in college football. Hundreds of young men from towns in all corners of the state have come to Nebraska with big dreams. Many players have excelled beyond their biggest dreams. Osborne and Head Coach Bo Pelini have made a priority of building on the past success of the Husker walk-on program.

Walk-on Success

The success of Nebraska walk-ons has not ended with their time as a Cornhusker. Twenty-nine Nebraska walk-ons have gone on to play in the National Football League, including 10 players who spent at least five seasons in the NFL.

Scott Shanle of the New Orleans Saints is among the former Cornhusker walk-ons to go on to a successful NFL career. He has played in the National Football League for eight seasons and is a member of the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.

12 walk-on football players captured Academic All-America honors during their Cornhusker careers.