The top 25 football players in Nebraskan history.
Perhaps more than any other university, Nebraska is renowned for turning out some of the best linemen in college football history, both on and off the ball. However, the Cornhuskers have also produced a number of renowned skill players.
The top 25 players to graduate from the Nebraska program are listed below. Presented chronologically, with statistical rankings valid for the 2021 campaign.
Francis was one of the first real collegiate athletes from Nebraska, finishing second in the 1936 Heisman Trophy competition. Francis was named an All-American and helped the Cornhuskers win two Big Six titles while he was in Lincoln thanks to his ability to run the football. Francis was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1977. He was also a standout shot putter for the Cornhuskers track and field team.
In the Nebraska program’s history, Novak is the only player to be selected to the all-conference team four times. He is also the first of three Cornhuskers to have his uniform number (No. 60) retired by the university. Known by his nickname, “Train Wreck,” Novak excelled for the Cornhuskers on both sides of the ball, occasionally filling the roles of fullback and center on offense. His 11 career interceptions set a record for Cornhuskers linebackers and are tied for fifth most in school history. Five of those selections were made by Novak in the 1948 campaign.
