With the start of the college football season less than a week away, head coach Matt Rhule has announced the six team captains for 2025. For the first time since joining the Huskers, Rhule named three captains on offense and three on defense, a shift from his previous practice of naming weekly captains.
The change marks a new approach to leadership for the team, which will open the season on Thursday, August 28, against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Offensive Captains
The leaders on offense, all key players, are:
- Dylan Raiola: The quarterback earns the title after a record-setting freshman year. In 13 games, he completed over 67% of his passes for 2,819 yards, helping the team get back on track.
- Dane Key: In his first year with Nebraska after transferring from Kentucky, the wide receiver was named a captain after an impressive 2024 season in which he led his previous team in receptions (47) and yards (715).
- Henry Lutovsky: The veteran offensive lineman earns the captain title with 36 career games under his belt. In 2024, he started 11 of 12 games, leading the charge for the pipeline.
The Defensive Captains
On defense, three defensive backs will lead the team:
- Marques Buford Jr.: The defensive back played the entire 2024 season, showing his versatility with seven starts at cornerback and five at safety. He recorded 35 tackles and had the second-most pass breakups on the team.
- DeShon Singleton: After a strong 2024 campaign, Singleton chose to return to the team instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. He started all 13 games last season and recorded a career-high 71 tackles.
- Ceyair Wright: In his second season with the Huskers, the USC transfer earns the title of captain. In 2024, he played in all 13 games, setting career highs in tackles, sacks, and interceptions, including a pick-six against his former team.