‘Toughest’ Huskers will earn single-digit jerseys, Matt Rhule says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Only the toughest of Huskers will be able to don a single-digit jersey next season.

Head coach Matt Rhule said Tuesday that he is implementing a new tradition at Nebraska: giving the 10 “toughest” players the coveted single-digit jersey (0-9).

Rhule, who began the tradition as an offensive coordinator at Temple, defined the kind of player who earns the jersey.

“The guys who best exemplify what it means to be a Cornhusker, to be accountable, to be dependable, to be tough, hardworking, competitive every single day,” he said.

Long answer but worth the listen. Matt Rhule explains his decision to take away single-digit jerseys at practice.

Who gets jerseys 0-9? ‼️”The guys who best exemplify what it means to be a Cornhusker…We hope it kind of becomes our tradition.” @Channel8ABC pic.twitter.com/kWMo1xkfKZ

— Lauren Michelson (@LaurenMichelson) March 28, 2023

Since he became coach, Rhule said the Huskers have “wholeheartedly embraced” all of the program’s traditions. He now hopes to add this one to the list.

“I think the cool thing now is that recruits say it to me, the guys say to me, ‘Can I wear number three?’ Absolutely, just got to earn it,” he said.

Players, not the coaches, will select the 10 toughest players, and Rhule said he’s seen everyone from freshmen to seniors earn the jerseys.

In the early years at Temple, Rhule didn’t use up all the single-digit jerseys. But he said that won’t be a problem at Nebraska.

“There’s plenty of guys who deserve those numbers,” he said.

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