According to Matt Rhule on Monday, Nebraska is expected to welcome back two veteran defenders for the 2025 season.
As nearly 30 Nebraska players are set to participate in Senior Day this weekend ahead of the Wisconsin game, Rhule mentioned that defensive end Jimari Butler and defensive back Marques Buford Jr. have expressed their desire to return for their final year of eligibility next season.
“Before I came here today, Jimari Butler and Marques Buford asked if they can come back next year,” Rhule said. “I think the fact that they want to stay in the program, I think that’s great. I think they saw what happened to Ty (Robinson) — they see the acceleration of his career and want to do the same thing. I couldn’t be more grateful to those guys who came back and what they’ve shown to the younger players.”
The potential return of Butler and Buford adds valuable experience to a defense that will be losing several seniors after this season.
Buford has started every game for Nebraska this year, including seven at cornerback and three at safety. He has recorded 27 tackles, one interception, and five pass breakups, leading the team in the latter category. His presence will be crucial as the Cornhuskers prepare to lose at least three starters from their secondary.
Although Butler has faced injuries this season, he has still managed to make nine starts at defensive end. In those games, he has accumulated 19 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and one fumble recovery. His return will help mitigate the loss of veteran defensive linemen Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher after this season.
However, the return of both players complicates matters for the Huskers, who will need to reduce their roster to the anticipated limit of 105 players. Rhule noted that decisions regarding players like Buford and Butler will mark the beginning of a challenging and stressful period of roster management.
“The roster limits are going to be a real factor,” Rhule said. “I just can’t imagine what’s going to happen over the next six months.”
Leave a Reply