Honor

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr. is stealing the national spotlight after a jaw-dropping performance against Cincinnati, earning a coveted spot on the Pro Football Focus (PFF) National Team of the Week. The sophomore sensation, already a rising star in the Huskers’ defense, proved he’s a force to be reckoned with, cementing his place as one of college football’s brightest young talents.

In a thrilling season opener at Arrowhead Stadium, Shavers delivered a game-changing moment by forcing a critical fumble just before halftime, setting up a Nebraska touchdown that shifted the momentum in the Huskers’ favor. His stat line—three tackles and relentless disruption of Cincinnati’s offense—showcased his explosive athleticism and instincts, earning him high praise from PFF analysts. “Shavers was all over the field,” PFF noted, highlighting his ability to make plays in clutch moments.

This honor is just the latest in a string of accolades for the Miami native, who was rated as PFF’s highest-graded true freshman linebacker in the country in 2024. Last season, Shavers appeared in all 13 games, racking up 25 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble, with a standout performance in the Pinstripe Bowl where he notched a career-high six tackles. His rare combination of speed, power, and football IQ has already earned him a Blackshirt and a single-digit jersey (No. 9), symbols of leadership and excellence within the Nebraska program.

Head Coach Matt Rhule couldn’t hide his excitement, saying, “Vincent represents everything it means to be a Husker—effort, toughness, and heart. He’s just scratching the surface of what he can do.” Teammates echoed the sentiment, with veteran safety Marques Buford adding, “Vinny’s a game-changer. You feel his energy out there, and it lifts everyone.”

Shavers’ breakout moment comes at a pivotal time for Nebraska, as the Blackshirts aim to maintain their defensive dominance under new coordinator John Butler. With his knack for creating turnovers and disrupting plays, Shavers is poised to be the cornerstone of a defense looking to make waves in the Big Ten. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about his potential, with some already whispering about his NFL prospects.

As Nebraska prepares for its next challenge, all eyes will be on Shavers to continue his meteoric rise. For a program hungry for success, this young linebacker’s emergence is nothing short of amazing news.