The Best Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Players of All Time
A list of the best Nebraska Cornhuskers football players of all time. The Nebraska Cornhuskers are one of college football's traditional powers. The team has won over 800 games are currently the fourth winningest team of all time. But the school couldn't have been consistent winners without help from great players. Some of the best players in college football history have played for Nebraska. There have been Heisman Trophy winners like Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier and Eric Crouch, who are considered the top players in Nebraska history. Tommie Frazier didn't have an NFL career, but is considered by many the greatest Cornhusker ever. The quarterback led Nebraska to two national championships during his time in Lincoln, Frazier is one of the most popular players to wear Nebraska's red and white uniform.
Nebraska has claimed 43 conference championships and part or all of five national championships: 1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, and 1997. So how was Nebraska able to sustain this success? With a strong roster of great players, which come as no surprise to anyone familiar with Nebraska's long history of having star players on its roster. Some of the best college football players ever have played for Nebraska. Who could forget Ndamukong Suh dominating offensive tackles during the 2009 season? The same goes for Nebraska's powerful offensive linemen who steamrolled defense during the school's dominant years.
This is a list of the best Nebraska Cornhuskers football players of all time. If you notice someone is missing from this list, feel free to add him. Vote or rerank this list of the greatest Nebraska Cornhuskers football players in school history.- 1Running back, Return specialist, Wide receiver
- Birthplace: USA, Nebraska, Omaha
- Age: 72
- Teams: Montreal Alouettes, Nebraska Cornhuskers football, San Diego Chargers
Arguably one of the most electrifying players to ever don a Cornhuskers uniform, Johnny Rodgers' impact on the field was nothing short of extraordinary. Best known for his thrilling, game-changing punt returns and incredible versatility as a receiver and running back, Rodgers etched his name in Nebraska's football history by helping the team secure back-to-back national championships in 1970 and 1971. In addition to his undeniable talent, Rodgers' natural charisma and larger-than-life personality endeared him to fans and teammates alike, making him not just a great player but a true Cornhusker icon.
Tommie Frazier's brilliant command of the option offense and unmatched leadership skills solidified his place as one of the most successful quarterbacks in college football history. Frazier's grit, determination, and uncanny ability to come through in clutch moments earned him folk hero status among Cornhusker faithful, as well as high regard from experts who recognize his role in guiding Nebraska to back-to-back national championships in 1994 and 1995. Moreover, Frazier's infectious energy and unyielding resilience, even in the face of adversity, inspired those around him and left an indelible mark on Nebraska football.
- 3Running back
- Birthplace: Camden, New Jersey
- Age: 62
Mike Rozier's extraordinary accomplishments as a running back for the Cornhuskers are the stuff of legend, with his unique blend of power, speed, and elusiveness allowing him to virtually rewrite the Nebraska record books. A workhorse on the field who routinely shouldered an enormous workload, Rozier's consistency and unwavering commitment to the team helped lead Nebraska to the 1983 national championship game. Beyond his incredible knack for finding the end zone, Rozier's dedication, humility, and selflessness made him a consummate teammate and one of the most beloved players in Cornhusker history.
- 4Defensive tackle
- Birthplace: Portland, Oregon
- Age: 36
- Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A true force of nature on the defensive line, Ndamukong Suh instilled fear in opposing quarterbacks with his relentless pursuit and unparalleled strength. His aggressive, punishing style of play redefined the role of a defensive tackle and set a new standard for future generations of Cornhusker linemen to strive for. The awe-inspiring combination of size, speed, and athleticism that Suh displayed throughout his college career not only catapulted him into the national spotlight but also firmly cemented his legacy as one of the most dominant defenders in Nebraska history.
- 5Return specialist, Wide receiver
- Birthplace: USA, Mount Holly, New Jersey
- Age: 61
- Teams: Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles
Widely recognized as one of the most talented receivers to ever don the scarlet and cream, Irving Fryar's impact on the field went far beyond simple statistics or individual accolades. A true game-changer with extraordinary hands, blazing speed, and an uncanny ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Fryar regularly turned routine plays into highlight-reel moments and left opposing defensive coordinators scratching their heads. In doing so, Fryar helped lay the foundation for a golden era in Nebraska football, one marked by record-breaking performances, unforgettable highlights, and a renewed sense of pride in the Cornhusker program.
- 6Running back
- Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska
- Age: 46
- Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Montreal Alouettes, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, Omaha Nighthawks
A testament to the power of raw athleticism and determination, Ahman Green's meteoric rise from local high school phenom to Cornhusker star remains one of the most inspiring stories in Nebraska football history. Blessed with blazing speed, uncanny vision, and an unshakable work ethic, Green carved out a remarkable college career that saw him excel not only as a gifted running back but also as a fearsome kickoff returner who could change the momentum of a game in an instant. In the process, Green earned a special place in the hearts of Nebraska fans and affirmed his status as one of the most electrifying playmakers ever to grace Memorial Stadium's hallowed field.
