Key defenders looking to return in 2025

Two veteran Nebraska football defenders want to return in 2025

At his press conference on Monday, Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule said that defenders Jimari Butler and Marques Buford Jr. want to return next season. Both would be seniors, with Butler returning for a sixth year and Buford returning for a fifth.

Butler has recorded 19 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery in 10 games this season. Buford has started in every game this season, making seven at the quarterback position and three at the safety position. He has 27 tackles, five fumble recoveries, and an interception on the season.

Buford had four tackles on Saturday against the USC Trojans, while Butler had three.

The Huskers’ defensive line will undergo changes next season. Seniors Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher will no longer be with the program, Safety DeShon Singleton will no longer be with the program, and rover Isaac Gifford will depart as well. Help will be needed on the back end.

This is undoubtedly notable news for a defense that will undergo an overhaul. It will be interesting to see if they can get that final year.

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Nebraska Football Countdown to Kickoff: No. 1 Jimari Butler

The countdown until kickoff is down to just one day.

Only 24 hours remain until Nebraska’s 2024 season kicks off when the Cornhuskers take on the University of Texas El Paso Miners at Memorial Stadium. 

With just one day to go, Huskers defensive lineman Jimari Butler is in the player spotlight.

Butler played in 11 of 12 games for the Huskers a season ago, including six starts. He recorded 34 tackles in those 11 games, including 17 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. He also had one forced fumble and two pass deflections.

Butler will be one of two defensive ends for the Huskers this season, starting opposite Ty Robinson. Together, the two defensive ends should give the Gophers a stout duo of edge rushers, which will have some high expectations surrounding them heading into Saturday’s season opener. 

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Jimari Butler decommits from Tennessee

Jimari Butler decommits from Tennessee.

Jimari Butler has decommitted from Tennessee.

The 2020 defensive end prospect committed to the Vols on Nov. 8. Butler thanked UT assistant coach Tee Martin for the opportunity to play for the Vols.

Butler is a 6-foot-5, 210-pound strong-side defensive end from Murphy High School in Mobile, Ala.

The 2020 defensive end prospect was initially offered by the Vols on Sept. 24 and visited Tennessee on Oct. 5.

2020 recruiting class signing dates

The 2019 Early Signing Period will take place Dec. 18-20 and National Signing Day will be held on Feb. 5.

The Vols’ 2020 commitment tracker can be followed below.

University of Tennessee’s 2020 football recruiting class tracker