# 2016 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team

The 2016 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by second-year head coach Mike Riley and played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. They were members of the West Division of the Big Ten Conference.

## Offseason

On July 23, 2016, senior punter and returning starter Sam Foltz was killed in a single-car crash in Waukesha County, Wisconsin following serving as staff for a training camp for high school kickers and punters. Former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler was also killed; LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye was also in the accident but sustained only non-life-threatening injuries.

### Transfers
#### Outgoing

| Name | Number | Pos. | Destination |
| Derrion Grim | #7 | WR | San Joaquin Delta |
| Blake Holtmeier | #25 | WR | Nebraska-Kearney |
| Lane Hovey | #13 | WR | Montana |
| Garrett McKay | #33 | LB | Santa Ana College |
| Trai Mosley | #2 | CB | Central Arkansas |
| Garrett Poppen | #54 | LB | Nebraska–Kearney |
| Jordan Stevenson | #2 | RB | Navarro JC |
| Adrienne Talan | #13 | LB | Navarro JC |
| Kevin Williams | #92 | DT | Michigan State (Grad. transfer) |
| Paul Thurston | #55 | C | Colorado State (Grad. transfer) |
| AJ Bush, Jr. | #6 | QB | Iowa Western CC |

#### Incoming

| Name | Number | Pos. | Previous School | Year |
| Tanner Lee* | #13 | QB | Tulane | Junior |
| Donovan McDonald† | #39 | WR | Fork Union Military | RS Freshman |
| Keyan Williams** | #9 | WR | Fresno State | Sophomore |
| Matt Watts† | #51 | OL | Nevada Butte CC | Junior |
| Tanner Zlab† | #33 | DB | Doane | Senior |
*Player is not eligible to play in 2016 season due to transfer regulations **Son of Nebraska WR coach Keith Williams
†Walk-on transfer

### Coaching departures

| Name | Pos. | Destination | Replacement |
| Hank Hughes | DL Coach | unknown | John Parrella |

### 2016 recruiting class
#### Position key

| Back | B | Center | C | Cornerback | CB | Defensive back | DB |
| Defensive end | DE | Defensive lineman | DL | Defensive tackle | DT | End | E |
| Fullback | FB | Guard | G | Halfback | HB | Kicker | K |
| Kickoff returner | KR | Offensive tackle | OT | Offensive lineman | OL | Linebacker | LB |
| Long snapper | LS | Punter | P | Punt returner | PR | Quarterback | QB |
| Running back | RB | Safety | S | Tight end | TE | Wide receiver | WR |
Nebraska Football 2016 Recruiting Class
College recruiting information :
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | 40$^‡$ | Commit date |
| Quayshon Alexander LB | Wayne, NJ | De Paul Catholic | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 230 lb (100 kg) | – | Jun 19, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 80 |||||||
| Dicaprio Bootle CB | Miami, FL | Miami Killian HS | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | – | Jun 16, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 75 |||||||
| Bryan Brokop OT | New Lenox, IL | Lincoln Way West | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 273 lb (124 kg) | – | Sep 27, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 |||||||
| Tre Bryant RB | Saint Louis, MO | Christian Brothers College HS | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | 198 lb (90 kg) | 4.53 | Nov 8, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 75 |||||||
| Tony Butler CB | Lakewood, OH | St. Edward | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | – | Jan 20, 2016 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 |||||||
| Marquel Dismuke S | Calabasas, CA | Calabasas | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | – | Jun 15, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 83 |||||||
| JoJo Domann DB | Colorado Springs, CO | Pine Creek | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | – | Jun 26, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 |||||||
| David Engelhaupt TE | Norfolk, NE | Norfolk Catholic | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 235 lb (107 kg) | – | Feb 2, 2016 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: N/A ESPN grade: N/A |||||||
| Matt Farniok OT | Sioux Falls, SD | Washington | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 297 lb (135 kg) | – | Jan 27, 2016 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 81 |||||||
| Lamar Jackson DB | Elk Grove, CA | Franklin | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 205.5 lb (93.2 kg) | – | Feb 2, 2016 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 84 |||||||
| Pernell Jefferson LB | New Orleans, LA | Warren Easton | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 235 lb (107 kg) | – | Jan 23, 2016 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 74 |||||||
| Caleb Lightbourn P/PK | Camas, WA | Camas | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 214 lb (97 kg) | – | Nov 28, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 74 |||||||
| Collin Miller LB | Fishers, IN | Hamilton Southeastern | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | – | Jan 24, 2016 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 72 |||||||
| Patrick O'Brien QB | San Juan Capistrano, CA | San Juan Hills | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | – | May 1, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 |||||||
| John Raridon OG | West Des Moines, IA | Valley | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 258 lb (117 kg) | – | Sep 28, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 83 |||||||
| Greg Simmons LB | Fort Pierce, FL | Fort Pierce | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | – | Jun 25, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 |||||||
| JD Spielman WR | Eden Prairie, MN | Eden Prairie | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | – | Aug 15, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 78 |||||||
| Ben Stille DL | Ashland, NE | Ashland-Greenwood | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 235 lb (107 kg) | – | Jun 13, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 76 |||||||
| Jack Stoll TE | Aurora, CO | Regis Jesuit | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | – | Jun 24, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 79 |||||||
| Boe Wilson OG | Lee's Summit, MO | Lee's Summit | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 290 lb (130 kg) | – | Jul 6, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 78 |||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 28 Rivals: 25 247Sports: 24 ESPN: 26 |||||||
| Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2016 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 3, 2016. |||||||

#### Walk-on recruits

College recruiting information :
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight |
| Chafin, Ty WR | Burwell, NE | Burwell | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Hamik, Creighton LB | Kearney, NE | Kearney Catholic | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Hass, Tanner ATH | West Point, NE | Guardian Angels | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Hohenstein, Branden LB | Jackson, NE | Bishop Heelan | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Honas, Todd WR | Aurora, NE | Aurora | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Hunt, Tavlin LB | Lincoln, NE | North Star | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Jordan, Grant LB | Omaha, NE | Westside | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Jordan, Spencer FB | Omaha, NE | Westside | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Kitten, Jake OL | Santee, CA | Santana | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 290 lb (130 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Lambert, Sean RB | Fremont, NE | Fremont | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Smith, Ne'Land WR | Blue Springs, MO | Blue Springs | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Sullivan, Eli DB | Longmont, CO | Longmont | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Watts, Matt OL | Stockton, CA | St. Mary's HS Butte CC Nevada | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 270 lb (120 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: ||||||
| Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2016 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. ||||||
National signing day was on Wednesday, February 3, 2016.

#### Tryout walk-ons

College recruiting information :
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight |
| Kasun, Kyle DB | Papillion, NE | Papillion-La Vista South | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: ||||||
| Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2016 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. ||||||

### Returning starters
#### Offense

| Player | Class | Position |
| Tommy Armstrong Jr. | Senior | Quarterback |
| Terrell Newby | Senior | Running back |
| Jordan Westerkamp | Senior | Wide receiver |
| Brandon Reilly | Senior | Wide receiver |
| Cethan Carter | Senior | Tight end |
| Dylan Utter | Senior | Guard |
| Nick Gates | Sophomore | Offensive tackle |
| Ryker Fyfe | Senior | Quarterback |
| Devine Ozigbo | Sophomore | Running back |
| De'Mornay Pierson-El | Junior | Wide receiver |
| Stanley Morgan Jr. | Sophomore | Wide receiver |
| Sam Cotton | Senior | Tight end |
| Reference: |||

#### Defense

| Player | Class | Position |
| Mick Stoltenberg | Sophomore | Defensive tackle |
| Kevin Maurice | Senior | Defensive tackle |
| Freedom Akinmoladun | Sophomore | Defensive end |
| Dedrick Young | Sophomore | Linebacker |
| Josh Banderas | Senior | Linebacker |
| Marcus Newby | Junior | Linebacker |
| Joshua Kalu | Junior | Cornerback |
| Chris Jones | Junior | Cornerback |
| Aaron Williams | Sophomore | Strong safety |
| Nathan Gerry | Senior | Free safety |
| Ross Dzuris | Senior | Defensive end |
| Michael Rose-Ivey | Senior | Linebacker |
| Chris Weber | Junior | Linebacker |
| Tyrin Ferguson | Sophomore | Linebacker |
| Luke Gifford | Sophomore | Linebacker |
| Boaz Joseph | Junior | Cornerback |
| Kieron Williams | Junior | Free safety |
| Antonio Reed | Sophomore | Free safety |
| Reference: |||

#### Special teams

| Player | Class | Position |
| Drew Brown | Junior | Kicker |
| Jordan Ober | Sophomore | Long Snapper |
| Reference: |||

### Spring practice

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| • White | 8 | 8 | 5 | 25 | 46 |
| Red | 11 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 41 |
72,992 fans attended the Nebraska spring game, continuing the streak of 60,000+ in attendance for Nebraska spring games since 2008. Unlike previous spring games, the teams did not trade the ball but Team Red was the offense and Team White was the defense for the entire game. Additionally, the scrimmage used a unique scoring system that allowed the defense (White) to score and rewarded plays that would otherwise be non-scoring in a normal football game. At the end of the game, Kyle Kasun intercepted the ball as the time expired, allowing the white team to win. The final score was White 46–41. Tommy Armstrong Jr., Ryker Fyfe and Patrick O'Brien all played at quarterback for team Red.

## Schedule

Nebraska announced its 2016 football schedule on July 11, 2013. The 2016 schedule consists of 7 home and 5 away games in the regular season. The Cornhuskers will host Big Ten opponents Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, and Purdue, and will travel to Indiana, Iowa, Northwestern, Ohio State, and Wisconsin.
The team hosted all three of the non–conference games which are against the Fresno State Bulldogs and the Wyoming Cowboys both from the Mountain West Conference, and the Oregon Ducks from the Pac-12 Conference (Pac-12). This was Nebraska's 7th game against Oregon, and head coach Mike Riley's 13th overall game against Oregon, as he previously coached for Oregon rival Oregon State.
| Date | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
| September 3 | 7:00 p.m. | Fresno State* | | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | BTN | W 43–10 | 90,013 |
| September 10 | 11:00 a.m. | Wyoming* | | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | ESPN2 | W 52–17 | 89,895 |
| September 17 | 2:30 p.m. | No. 22 Oregon* | | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | ABC | W 35–32 | 90,414 |
| September 24 | 6:30 p.m. | at Northwestern | No. 20 | Ryan FieldEvanston, IL | BTN | W 24–13 | 40,284 |
| October 1 | 2:30 p.m. | Illinois | No. 15 | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | ESPN2 | W 31–16 | 90,374 |
| October 15 | 2:30 p.m. | at Indiana | No. 10 | Memorial StadiumBloomington, IN | ABC/ESPN2 | W 27–22 | 48,254 |
| October 22 | 2:30 p.m. | Purdue | No. 8 | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | ABC/ESPN2 | W 27–14 | 90,546 |
| October 29 | 6:00 p.m. | at No. 11 Wisconsin | No. 7 | Camp Randall StadiumMadison, WI (Freedom Trophy) | ESPN | L 17–23 $^{OT}$ | 80,833 |
| November 5 | 7:00 p.m. | at No. 6 Ohio State | No. 10 | Ohio StadiumColumbus, OH | ABC | L 3–62 | 108,750 |
| November 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Minnesota | No. 19 | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE ($5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy) | BTN | W 24–17 | 90,456 |
| November 19 | 11:00 a.m. | Maryland | No. 18 | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | ESPNews | W 28–7 | 89,704 |
| November 25 | 2:30 p.m. | at Iowa | No. 16 | Kinnick StadiumIowa City, IA (Heroes Game) | ABC | L 10–40 | 69,814 |
| December 30 | 2:30 p.m. | vs. No. 21 Tennessee* | | Nissan StadiumNashville, TN (Music City Bowl) | ESPN | L 24–38 | 68,496 |
| *Non-conference gameHomecomingRankings from AP Poll and CFP rankings after November 1 released prior to gameAll times are in Central timeSource: |||||||||

## Roster and coaching staff
### Depth chart

Defense :
* FS
* Kieron Williams
* Aaron Williams
| OUTSIDE | INSDIE | OUTSIDE |
| Dedrick Young | Josh Banderas | Marcus Newby Michael Rose-Ivey |
| Mohamed Barry | Chris Weber | Luke Gifford |
* SS
* Nate Gerry
* Antonio Reed
* CB
* Joshua Kalu
* Lamar Jackson
* Boaz Joseph
| DE | DT | DT | DE |
| Freedom Akinmoladun | Mick Stoltenberg | Kevin Maurice | Ross Dzuirs |
| A.J Natter | Carlos Davis | Khalil Davis | Alex Davis Sedrick King |
* CB
* Chris Jones
* Eric Lee
Offense :
* WR
* Stanley Morgan Jr.
* De'Mornay Pierson-El
* WR
* Brandon Reilly Alonzo Moore
* Bryan Reimers
| LT | LG | C | RG | RT |
| Nick Gates | Sam Hahn Jerald Foster | Dylan Utter | Tanner Farmer | David Kneval |
| Christian Gaylord | Jalin Barnett | Michael Decker | Corey Whitacker | Cole Conrad |
* TE
* Cethan Carter
* Sam Cotton
* Trey Foster
* WR
* Jordan Westerkamp
* Gabe Rahn
* QB
* Tommy Armstrong
* Ryker Fyfe
* Key reserves
* FB Luke Mcnitt
* FB Harrison Jordan
* Special teams
* PK Drew Brown
* P Caleb Lightbourn
* KR Tre Bryant
* PR De'mornay Pierson-el
* LS Jordan Ober
* RB
* Terrell Newby
* Devine Ozigbo
* Tre Bryant Mikale Wilbon

## Game summaries
### Fresno State

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Fresno State | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| • Nebraska | 7 | 7 | 7 | 22 | 43 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 2–0 | September 13, 2014 | Nebraska, 55–19 |
Nebraska opened the 2016 season with a non-conference matchup against Fresno State at Memorial Stadium. The game marked the start of the second season for head coach Mike Riley. The game marked the completion of a three-game series with Fresno State. The Huskers defeated Fresno State in Lincoln 42–29 in 2011 before winning on the road in Fresno 55–19 in 2014. These three games are the only meetings between the Huskers and Bulldogs in program history. Before the game, there was a tribute to the late Nebraska punter Sam Foltz, who was killed in a car crash in July. Before their first punt, the Huskers observed a moment of silence for Foltz by sending only 10 players onto the field with no punter waiting for the snap. A delay of game penalty was called on the Huskers, which the Bulldogs declined.
Fresno State Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | David Kneval |
| Left Guard | Sam Hahn |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Mick Stoltenberg |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Kieron Williams |
| Free Safety | Aaron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Wyoming

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Wyoming | 0 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 17 |
| • Nebraska | 7 | 10 | 7 | 28 | 52 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 7–0 | August 31, 2013 | Nebraska, 37–34 |
The 2016 edition of the Nebraska–Wyoming series marked the 8th meeting between the two neighboring state programs. Nebraska entered the game with a perfect 7–0 all-time record against the Wyoming Cowboys. Senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. threw three touchdown passes during this matchup, in which he set the record for most career touchdown passes in the Nebraska program history, surpassing Taylor Martinez's previous record of 56. The Cornhuskers defeated the Cowboys 52–17 in front of a crowd of 89,895, the stadium's 349th consecutive sellout.
Wyoming Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Devine Ozigbo |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | David Kneval |
| Left Guard | Sam Hahn |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Carlos Davis |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Kieron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Oregon

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #22 Oregon | 8 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 32 |
| • Nebraska | 7 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 35 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 5–1 | September 27, 1986 | Nebraska, 48–14 |
Nebraska and Oregon played for the 7th time between the two programs on September 17, 2016, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Ducks went for the two point conversion after every touchdown, only succeeding once, early in the game. Nebraska went on to win the game 35–32, giving Oregon their first loss of the season, and Nebraska their third win to improve their record to 3–0. Nebraska had 428 total offensive yards the whole game, and the Ducks had 482. The Cornhuskers will travel to Eugene, Oregon in the 2017 season to face the Ducks at Autzen Stadium, game 2 of the home-and-home series between the two programs.
Oregon Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | De'mornay Pierson-El |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | David Kneval |
| Left Guard | Sam Hahn |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Carlos Davis |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Kieron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Northwestern

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| • #20 Nebraska | 0 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
| Northwestern | 0 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 13 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 6–3 | October 24, 2015 | Northwestern, 30–28 |
Nebraska opened conference play with their first road game of the season in Evanston, Illinois against Northwestern. The Cornhuskers won the contest by a score of 24–13. Early in the game, I-back Terrell Newby fumbled the ball at the sideline near the end zone, resulting in a touchback, giving Northwestern the ball. In the second quarter, Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson ran the ball 42 yards for a touchdown. Thorson also had a 24-yard touchdown pass to Austin Carr in the 3rd quarter. Nebraska will play the Wildcats at home in 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Northwestern Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgan |
| Wide Receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | David Kneval |
| Left Guard | Sam Hahn |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Carlos Davis |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Nickelback | Aaron Williams |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Kieron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Illinois

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Illinois | 0 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
| • #15 Nebraska | 7 | 3 | 0 | 21 | 31 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 9–3–1 | October 3, 2015 | Illinois, 14–13 |
Nebraska played its second conference game at home against the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 1, 2016. Nebraska beat the Illini by a score of 31–16, claiming their 5th win on the season to make the Cornhuskers 5–0.
Illinois Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | De'mornay Pierson-El |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | David Kneval |
| Left Guard | Sam Hahn |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Corey Whitaker |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Carlos Davis |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Kieron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Indiana

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| • #10 Nebraska | 17 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 27 |
| Indiana | 0 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 22 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 7–9–3 | September 30, 1978 | Nebraska, 69–17 |
Indiana Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | De'Mornay Pierson-El |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Tight End | Sam Cotton |
| Left Tackle | David Kneval |
| Left Guard | Sam Hahn |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Mick Stoltenberg |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Kieron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Purdue

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Purdue | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| • #8 Nebraska | 10 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 27 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 2–2 | October 31, 2015 | Purdue, 55–45 |
Purdue Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | De'mornay Pierson-El |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Tight End | Sam Cotton |
| Left Tackle | David Kneval |
| Left Guard | Sam Hahn |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Mick Stoltenberg |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Kieron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Wisconsin

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| #7 Nebraska | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 17 |
| • #11 Wisconsin | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 23 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 4–6 | October 10, 2015 | Wisconsin, 23–21 |
Nebraska played the Wisconsin Badgers on October 29, 2016, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. The Cornhuskers entered the game ranked at #7 in the AP Poll, while Wisconsin sat not far behind at #11. The game was the 11th game in the series, Wisconsin winning the previous matchup, 23–21 in Lincoln on October 10, 2015. Wisconsin won the game 23–17 in overtime. Wisconsin scored first in overtime, but missed the extra point attempt. Nebraska failed to score after, allowing Wisconsin to win the game. The all-time series record is now 7–4 in Wisconsin's favor.
Wisconsin Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Sam Cotton |
| Left Tackle | David Kneval |
| Left Guard | Sam Hahn |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Mick Stoltenberg |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Aaron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Ohio State

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #9 Nebraska | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| • #6 Ohio State | 14 | 17 | 24 | 7 | 62 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 1–3 | October 6, 2012 | Ohio State, 63–38 |
Ohio state Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | De'Mornay Pierson-El |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Cater |
| Left Tackle | Cole Conrad |
| Left Guard | Sam Hahn |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Corey Whitacker |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Mick Stoltenberg |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Nickeback | Aaron Williams |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Kieron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Minnesota

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Minnesota | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| • #21 Nebraska | 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 23–31–2 | October 17, 2015 | Nebraska, 48–25 |
Minnesota Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | De'mornay Pierson-El |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Cole Conrad |
| Left Guard | Jerald Foster |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Mick Stoltenberg |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Kieron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Maryland

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Maryland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| • #19 Nebraska | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| First meeting |||
Nebraska went undefeated at home for the first time in 4 years thanks to their win over Maryland.
Maryland Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Ryker Fyfe |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Cole Conrad |
| Left Guard | Jerald Foster |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Mick Stoltenberg |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Nickelback | Aaron Williams |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Kieron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Iowa

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #17 Nebraska | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
| • Iowa | 13 | 7 | 6 | 14 | 40 |
| Series record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 29–14–3 | November 27, 2015 | Iowa, 28–20 |
Iowa Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Cole Conrad |
| Left Guard | Jerlad Foster |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Mick Stoltenberg |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Aaron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Music City Bowl

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #24 Nebraska | 0 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 24 |
| • Tennessee | 0 | 21 | 3 | 14 | 38 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 2–0 | January 2, 2000 | Nebraska, 31–21 |
Tennessee Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Ryker Fyfe |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | De'mornay Pierson-El |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Cole Conrad |
| Left Guard | Jerlad Foster |
| Center | Dylan Utter |
| Right Guard | Tanner Farmer |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive tackle | Mick Stoltenberg |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Nickelback | Lamar Jackson |
| Strong Safety | Antonio Reed |
| Free Safety | Kieron/Aaron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

## Big Ten awards
### Player of the Week Honors

Weekly Awards :
| Player | Award | Week Awarded |
| Nathan Gerry | Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week | Week 2 |
| Caleb Lightbourn | Big Ten Freshman of the Week | Week 3 |
| Tommy Armstrong Jr. | Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week | Week 4 |
| Tommy Armstrong Jr. | Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week | Week 11 |

### All-Conference awards

2016 Big Ten All-Conference Honors
| Media All-Big Ten |
| Position | Player | Team |
| DB | Nathan Gerry | Second Team |
| OT | Nick Gates | Third Team |
| QB | Tommy Armstrong Jr. | Honorable Mention |
| LB | Josh Banderas | Honorable Mention |
| K | Drew Brown | Honorable Mention |
| TE | Cethan Carter | Honorable Mention |
| DL | Ross Dzuris | Honorable Mention |
| DB | Chris Jones | Honorable Mention |
| DL | Kevin Maurice | Honorable Mention |
| RB | Terrell Newby | Honorable Mention |
| RS | De'Mornay Pierson-El | Honorable Mention |
| WR | Jordan Westerkamp | Honorable Mention |
Coaches All-Big Ten :
| Position | Player | Team |
| WR | Jordan Westerkamp | Third Team |
| DB | Nathan Gerry | Third Team |
| QB | Tommy Armstrong Jr. | Honorable Mention |
| LB | Josh Banderas | Honorable Mention |
| TE | Cethan Carter | Honorable Mention |
| DL | Ross Dzuris | Honorable Mention |
| OT | Nick Gates | Honorable Mention |
| DB | Chris Jones | Honorable Mention |
| DL | Kevin Maurice | Honorable Mention |
| RS | De'Mornay Pierson-El | Honorable Mention |

## National awards
### All-America Teams

| All-America Teams |
| Position | Player | Team | Selector |
| DB | Nathan Gerry | First Team | Pro Football Focus |
| DB | Nathan Gerry | Second Team | USA Today |
| DB | Nathan Gerry | Third Team | AP |
| DB | Nathan Gerry | Third Team | FOX |
| DB | Nathan Gerry | Fourth Team | Athlon |

## Team awards

2016 Nebraska Football Team Awards
| Annual Program Awards |
| Award | Player |
| Scout Team Defensive MVP | Pernell Jefferson, Collin Miller |
| Scout Team Offensive MVP | Tanner Lee, JD Spielman |
| Scout Team Special Teams MVP | Conor Young |
| Walk-On of the Year | Sam Hahn |
| Most Improved Player | Carlos Davis |
| Newcomer of the Year | Tre Bryant |
| Pat Clare Award | De'Mornay Pierson-El |
| Tom Novak Trophy | Tommy Armstrong Jr. |
| Guy Chamberlin Trophy | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Cletus Fischer Native Son Award | Josh Banderas, Sam Foltz |
| Lunch Bucket Award | Brad Simpson |
| Lifter of the Year | Luke McNitt |
| Husker Pride Award | Sam Cotton |

## NFL Draft

* Nathan Gerry (S, 5th Round, 184th pick, Philadelphia Eagles)

## Rankings

Ranking movements Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking — = Not ranked RV = Received votes :
| | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week |
| Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Final |
| AP | RV | RV | RV | 20 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 23 | 24 | RV |
| Coaches | RV | RV | RV | 20 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 20 | 17 | 15 | 22 | 21 | RV |
| CFP | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | 10 | 19 | 18 | 16 | — | — | Not released |