Matt Rhule tried to keep it under wraps on Monday, but Nebraska’s Blackshirts and single-digit jerseys were always headed for the spotlight this week.
When asked about both honors at his press conference, Rhule said, “Those guys know who it is, but we’ll probably keep it internal this week.”
He also made it clear the reveal was expected Saturday morning, just ahead of Nebraska’s home and season opener against Ohio. Rhule put it simply: “Probably a fun thing on Saturday. You guys will have a lot to tweet on Saturday.”
The Blackshirt tradition dates back to 1964, when Bob Devaney and running backs coach Mike Corgan first handed them out so they could more easily identify defensive players during two-platoon practices. Over time, the gear became a symbol reserved for starters, and later something players kept for the season after earning it ahead of the opener. The details have shifted since then, including how many are awarded, but the tradition has remained in place.
The 2026 Blackshirts are listed as follows:
(CURRENTLY BEST GUESS - NO OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT YET)
Nebraska’s single-digit jersey tradition is newer, beginning in 2023 during Rhule’s first season in Lincoln. Rhule had already used the system at Temple and Baylor. The numbers go to the 10 toughest, hardest-working, and most competitive players, as voted on by teammates, and once a player gets one, he keeps it for the rest of his Nebraska career.
Offensive linemen aren’t eligible for single digits, though teammates have still tried to vote them in against coach’s orders from time to time. Justin Evans set a record this season for the most votes an offensive lineman has received since the tradition started in 2023.
This week, six new jerseys were handed out:
#0 - Owen Chambliss
#1 - Nyziah Hunter
#1 - Jashear Whittington
#2 - Jacory Barney Jr.
#2 - Cam Lenhardt
#3 - Kwazi Gilmer
#4 - Janiran Bonner
#4 - Jamir Conn
#5 - Anthony Jones Jr
#6 - Roman Mangini
#7 - Andrew Marshall
#8 - Donovan Jones
#8 - Luke Lindenmeyer
In Other News...
Nebraska Opens With A Defensive Concern Fans Werent Expecting
A hamstring injury has put Owen Chambliss on the sideline for Nebraskas season opener against Ohio, a development that changes the look of a defense that was counting on him to be part of the mix. There had been some hope he might recover in time, but after missing several practices and not showing up in the projected starting lineup, the Cornhuskers are heading into the first week without one of their linebackers.
Nebraska will have to turn to other players at linebacker and elsewhere on defense to fill the gap, and that makes Chambliss absence more than a simple early-season setback. Openers often reveal how much depth a team really has, and this one gives Nebraska an immediate test in the middle of a defense that was expecting a fuller complement of options. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Just Lost A 2027 Pledge That Once Felt Safe
Antayvious Tay Ellis and Nebraska have mutually agreed to part ways, ending his place in the Huskers 2027 recruiting class. The wide receiver had been part of a pledge that once looked like a stable early win for the program, but the two sides have now moved on from one another before his high school career reaches its next stage.
Ellis said he plans to stay at Millard South High School for the current season, and the circumstances behind the decommitment have not been disclosed. For Nebraska, it is another reminder that even the earliest recruiting commitments can change quickly, especially with a long runway still ahead before the 2027 class arrives on campus. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Fans Just Sent A Clear Message About The 2026 Offense
A fresh fan survey offered a small but revealing snapshot of how Nebraska supporters are thinking about the 2026 offense, and it starts with a wide receiver rather than the quarterback room. Among 100 Huskers fans polled on who they expect to score the most touchdowns next season, junior receiver Jacory Barney Jr. came out on top, with transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea and receiver Nyziah Hunter also drawing strong support.
The results say as much about the uncertainty around the current roster as they do about any one player. With 11 names on the list, fans were asked to project where the scoring will come from, and the answers suggest plenty of belief in Nebraskas skill talent but not a lot of clarity yet about how it all will fit together. [Read more 🡒]