Nebraska football single-digit numbers nearly all go to defense

The Nebraska football season is getting closer and closer and on Tuesday, there was another milestone of sorts as Matt Rhule released the single-digit jersey numbers for the 2024 season.

This is a new tradition started by Rhule in 2023. The single-digit numbers go to the toughest players on the team. You can also add leadership as a key component.

At any rate, Nebraska football released the numbers and from 0-9, they are as follows: Nash Hutmacher, Jimari Butler, Isaac Gifford, Marques Buford, Jahmal Banks, John Bulluck, Tommi Hill, Malcolm Hartzog, DeShon Singleton, and Ty Robinson.

The Ten.#GBR x #WhatsNExt! pic.twitter.com/6zILKMn6bc

— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) August 20, 2024

There are a few additions to the single-digit numbers this season as Butler, Buford, Banks, Tommi Hill, and Malcolm Hartzog earned the single-digit numbers for the first time in 2024. Banks, the Wake Forest transfer who plays wide receiver was the lone offensive player to make the list.

Bryce Benhart and Thomas Fidone are other offensive players who probably were in contention. But I like the selections. Tommi Hill earned honorable mention All-Big Ten last season after a breakout season. Butler had a breakout season too — leading the team in sacks — something people tend to forget.

There’s no shame in nine of the 10 being on defense. Nebraska football returns eight starters on defense and some other solid depth pieces.

Nebraska football also had one of the best defenses in college football last season, ranking in the top 20 in total yards and points allowed. Dylan Raiola is just a true freshman and I didn’t expect him to get a single digit.

Raiola will wear No. 15.

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