Top 40 Huskers for 2024: 11-15

With Nebraska’s 2024 season around the corner, the HuskerOnline team voted on the Top 40 Husker players going into Matt Rhule‘s second season in Lincoln.

The voting criteria were to rank the players based on their importance to the team, overall talent, and future potential for the upcoming season. Our voters focused specifically on the 2024 season, not future seasons, a player’s long-term importance, or future talent.

The voting panel consisted of HuskerOnline publisher Sean Callahan, columnist Steven Sipple, senior writer Robin Washut, and staff writer Abby Barmore. Each voter submitted their own Top 40 list from which the votes were tallied.

Our annual Top 40 Huskers series continues with players 11-15, a group that includes five returning players who need to have huge seasons for Nebraska to be successful.

Series: 36-40 | 31-35 | 26-30 | 21-25 | 16-20 |

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15. Marques Buford Jr., DB, Jr.

Marques Buford Jr. has returned to full strength after missing eight games in 2023. He suffered an ACL season-ending injury in 2022. Buford returned for the final four games of 2023 and recorded 18 tackles and a career-high 3.0 tackles per loss and 1.0 sack. The DeSoto, Texas native redshirted in 2023 and has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

In 2022, Buford started 11 games and earned 59 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and two interceptions. The safety made huge jumps across the board from 2022 to 2023, according to his Pro Football Focus‘s grades.

Buford will be a major contributor in Nebraska’s secondary as a starting safety and an experienced defensive back.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
15th	12th	15th	26th

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14. Emmett Johnson, RB, So.

Emmett Johnson has a solid shot at being Nebraska’s starting running back this fall. However, he is amidst a strong battle. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound back played in 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2023. He started six of the final seven games of the season.

In 2023, Johnson ranked third in rushing yards with 411 yards. Quarterback Heinrich Haarberg led the team with 477 and Anthony Grant was second with 413 yards. Johnson averaged 4.6 yards per rush on his 90 rushing attempts.

Johnson is up against sophomore Gabe Ervin Jr., who started the first two games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Senior Rahmir Johnson will earn carries and Oregon transfer Dante Dowdell is in the mix as well.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
13th	16th	26th	10th

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13. MJ Sherman, LB, Sr.

MJ Sherman, who transferred from Georgia before the 2023 season, came in with high expectations. His 2023 season wasn’t as spectacular as anticipated. However, his stake continues to rise after a strong off-season.

During 2023, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound backer recorded 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He played in all 12 games with five starts. This season, Sherman and sophomore Princewill Umanmielen will earn the most playing time at the outside linebacker position.

Sherman earned extensive experience at Georgia, playing in 39 games over three seasons (2020-2022). The Baltimore, Md. native has become a leader of the Huskers’ second level. His success this season would greatly benefit the defense.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
12th	16th	17th	18th

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12. Cam Lenhardt, DL, So.

Cam Lenhardt is returning after a great freshman campaign. He played in 10 games while starting four and missing two due to an ankle injury. Lenhardt became the only true freshman defensive lineman to start multiple games for Nebraska in the modern era.

In 2023, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound lineman tallied 16 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. As a freshman, he had the third-highest PFF tackle grade (81.1) on the team and the highest of any returners. The College Football Network named him an Honorable-Mention Freshman All-American.

Lenhardt has an extremely bright future. With a strong off-season and experience under his belt, his sophomore season could be special.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
19th	11th	13th	17th

11. Teddy Prochazka, OL, Jr.

Junior offensive lineman Teddy Prochazka and Nebraska are desperately hoping the left tackle can stay healthy in 2024. Over his three seasons as a Husker, Prochazka has suffered two season-ending injuries and slowly returned in 2023 due to rehab.

Over his 375 reps last season, the 6-foot-10, 310-pound lineman allowed two sacks and 14 total quarterback pressures. He started seven of the Huskers’ last eight games with Turner Corcoran out.

The left tackle finished his first healthy spring/off-season since his freshman year. The ability to strengthen his body and skills without an injury looming was huge for the Elkhorn, Neb. native. Nebraska needs Prochazka to have a great season and protect their quarterback exceptionally.

Sean	Sipple	Robin	Abby
11th	21st	11th	9th

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