Nebraska defensive lineman Jimari Butler plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

Nebraska defensive lineman Jimari Butler plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he told On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Butler spent five seasons with the Cornhuskers and has one year of eligibility remaining. He will be looking to spend it elsewhere though, beginning his search for a new home soon.

This season saw Butler play in 11 games with 10 starts under head coach Matt Rhule. Nebraska will be losing one of its most productive players from the year as Butler recorded 22 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks while also recovering a fumble.

When looking at the stats throughout his entire career, the TFL number goes up to 17, and Butler’s sacks are at 7.5. Somebody will be getting somebody with proven Big Ten production via the portal this offseason.

Butler played high school football at Mobile (AL) Murphy, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 673 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

The extra year of eligibility comes from the COVID-19 season. Combined with a redshirt year in 2021, Butler still has an opportunity to place another season of college ball.

Florida State reportedly hires Nebraska DC Tony White

Florida State is poised to hire current Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White as their next defensive coordinator, sources have told Gene Williams and Jeff Cameron of Warchant.

The Seminoles have been in the market for a new defensive coach after Adam Fuller was dismissed last month, before he was able to finish his fifth season as the Florida State defensive coordinator. With the expected hiring of White, Mike Norvell is landing a premier, lauded coach for the position.

“Florida State is poised to add another big name to its 2025 coaching staff, as the Seminoles are expected to announce Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive coordinator Tony White as its next coordinator,” Williams reported. “Under White’s direction, Nebraska’s defense currently ranks in the top 20 nationally for scoring defense (19.8 points per game) and total defense (315.4 yards per game).

“The veteran assistant coach, who has been nominated for the Broyles Award each of the past two seasons, has held the titles of defensive coordinator and associate head coach during two seasons with the Cornhuskers. Before that, he was defensive coordinator at Syracuse for two years, and he has coached cornerbacks and linebackers in the past, along with being a recruiting coordinator.”

On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this report