As the curtain gets ready to drop on 2025, Utah and Nebraska will take center stage in a primetime Las Vegas Bowl showdown on New Year’s Eve - a fitting finale for a Utes squad that clawed its way back into national relevance and a Huskers team that’s navigating transition with resilience.
It’s been over three decades since these two programs last met - 1992, to be exact - and this will be the first time the matchup unfolds outside of Lincoln, Nebraska. But don't let the long layoff fool you. There’s plenty of intrigue packed into this one, especially when you look at the rosters and the very different paths these teams took to get here.
Utah’s Stability vs. Nebraska’s Attrition
Utah enters this game with a steady hand, despite some shifts in the coaching staff. The Utes have managed to keep most of their key players on board, with only a handful opting out. On the other side, Nebraska has had to juggle injuries and opt-outs, but the coaching staff remains intact - a crucial factor as they try to close the year on a high note.
Despite the absences, Nebraska still has some serious talent suiting up in Vegas. Let’s take a closer look at four players - two on each side of the ball - who could be game-changers for the Cornhuskers under the bright lights.
Offense
TE Luke Lindenmeyer
Lindenmeyer might not be a household name nationally, but inside Nebraska circles, he’s become a key cog in the offense. The 6’3”, 250-pound tight end stepped into the TE1 role this season and didn’t flinch, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors despite being part of an offense that was hit hard by injuries - including the loss of its starting quarterback.
He finished the regular season with 28 catches for 306 yards and two touchdowns, but those numbers only tell part of the story. Lindenmeyer’s blocking has been a major asset, often helping to stabilize a unit that’s had to adapt on the fly. He’s the kind of player who may not light up the stat sheet every game, but his presence is felt on nearly every snap.
And let’s not forget - this is a hometown kid, just 50 minutes north of Lincoln. That kind of connection often fuels something extra in bowl season.
WR Nyziah Hunter
Hunter has been the spark Nebraska’s passing game needed this year. After transferring from Cal, he wasted no time establishing himself as the Huskers’ top wideout. In his first season in Lincoln, Hunter led the team with 43 receptions, 617 yards, and five touchdowns, including a 64-yard highlight-reel play that showcased his big-play ability.
With Nebraska turning to a backup quarterback in this bowl game, Hunter’s role becomes even more critical. He’s the go-to option in a talented receiver room, and his ability to stretch the field could be the X-factor if the Huskers want to keep pace with Utah’s physical defense.
Defense
LB Javin Wright
Wright is one of those players who’s quietly built a legacy in Lincoln. A fifth-year senior from Chandler, Arizona, he’s stayed the course through ups and downs, and this season, it all came together.
He led the team with 83 total tackles and added 1.5 sacks, three passes defended, and an interception. That well-rounded production earned him an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and speaks to the kind of versatility he brings to the linebacker corps. Whether he’s stuffing the run, dropping into coverage, or blitzing off the edge, Wright has become the heartbeat of Nebraska’s defense.
His leadership and experience will be vital against a Utah team that loves to establish the run and control the tempo.
DB Deshon Singleton
In a defensive backfield that’s been both deep and productive, Singleton has managed to stand out for the second straight season. The senior earned his second consecutive All-Big Ten Defensive Honorable Mention, and his numbers back it up: 70 total tackles, four passes defended, two interceptions, and a sack.
Singleton’s ability to read the game and make plays in both coverage and run support makes him one of the more complete safeties in the Big Ten. With Utah likely to test the secondary with play-action and intermediate routes, Singleton’s role as a field general on the back end will be crucial.
Final Thoughts
While Utah’s continuity gives them a slight edge heading into the Las Vegas Bowl, Nebraska isn’t short on talent - especially among the players who are still suiting up. Lindenmeyer, Hunter, Wright, and Singleton have all played pivotal roles this season, and they’ll be the ones to watch if the Huskers want to finish 2025 with a statement win.
It’s a classic bowl setup: two proud programs, each with something to prove, meeting under the Vegas lights to close out the year. Expect fireworks.