LINCOLN, Neb. — Just 16 days before Nebraska kicks off its 2026 season, fifth-year senior center Justin Evans has been named a Preseason Second-Team All-American by The Athletic. The man who touches the ball on every offensive snap enters his final collegiate campaign widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier interior linemen and a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.
The New Jersey native was one of 15 players from Big Ten programs included across the first- and second-team lists. Overall, the SEC led all conferences with 19 total selections, followed by the Big 12 and ACC with six each, while independent Notre Dame garnered three honors.
Flawless Pass Protection Drives National Recognition
Evans’ inclusion on the prestigious list comes on the heels of a dominant 2025 campaign in which he started all 13 games. He served as the anchor for an offensive unit that paved the way for Emmett Johnson to earn First-Team All-American honors and Big Ten Running Back of the Year.
Despite the Huskers allowing 33 sacks as a team last fall, Pro Football Focus credited Evans with not allowing a single sack all season. Bringing 31 career starts and over 1,900 snaps into 2026, he offers unmatched stability at the position. Originally scouted by 247Sports as a defensive tackle, Evans has completed a remarkable career transition into one of college football’s elite offensive leaders.
Rebuilding the Line Under Geep Wade
With first-year offensive line coach Geep Wade stepping in to guide the unit, Nebraska is aiming for a massive leap in pass protection. Wade’s Georgia Tech line allowed just nine sacks in all of 2025—a stark contrast to the nine sacks Nebraska surrendered in a single game against Minnesota last year.
Evans (6’2″, 315 lbs) will anchor a noticeably larger starting line that features:
- Left Tackle: Elijah Pritchett (6’6″, 330 lbs)
- Left Guard: Paul Mubenga (6’5″, 320 lbs)
- Right Guard: Brendan Black (Iowa State transfer)
- Right Tackle: Gunnar Gottula (6’6″, 320 lbs) or Tree Babalade (6’5″, 340 lbs)
If Evans maintains his stellar play, he could become the first Husker offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft since Cam Jurgens went in the second round to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.