Jimari Butler is Nebraska football’s most underrated player

One of the reasons Nebraska football fans are so excited about the 2024 season is all the returning talent coming back on defense. Yet, when it comes to the Blackshirts, there is always one name that seems to be left out — Jimari Butler.

You always hear about Nash Hutmacher — a dude that some believe could be an early draft pick in 2025 — Ty Robinson, Isaac Gifford, Tommi Hill, and others.

But another dude needs to be recognized and that’s Butler, who is the third starter along the Nebraska football defensive line. He also led the team in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss last season (8.5).

Buter is listed at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds but he told Husker Online recently that he gained 20 pounds. Last season, he was stellar and started six games along the defensive line. He notched 34 tackles and helped Nebraska football have one of the best overall defenses in the Big Ten.

The “Heart and Soul” of Nebraska football D-line

Yet, when Nebraska defensive standouts are mentioned, Butler isn’t one of the first names out of people’s mouths. But it should be. Terrance Knighton, the defensive line coach, told Steve Sipple of Husker Online that Butler was the “heart and soul” of the defensive line.

In addition to being the guy who holds Nash and Ty Robinson accountable, Butler is a major factor in what Nebraska does upfront. Cameron Lenhardt will play a huge role this season, especially as a pass rusher. But it will be hard to unseat Butler.

Nebraska football ranked in the top 20 in points allowed, yards allowed, and rushing yards per game allowed. With all three defensive line starters returning, including Butler, who is easily the most underrated Nebraska football player, the Huskers should be top-20 in all those categories again.

And maybe Butler, who is a redshirt junior, will start to get the appreciation he deserves.

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