Honestly, if you look at the Sunday night rosters, it feels like the pipeline from Lincoln to the league is finally getting its groove back. For a while there, it was a bit grim. You'd scan the active lists and see the same aging veterans—the guys who played for Bo Pelini—and wonder where the young blood went.
But things changed.
The Huskers in the NFL are currently undergoing a massive identity shift. We aren't just talking about special teams' aces or depth-chart filler anymore. We’re seeing guys like Cam Jurgens taking over for legends like Jason Kelce in Philadelphia. That's a heavy mantle. It’s not just about "making the league" anymore; it’s about actually anchoring franchises.
The Veterans Keeping the Flame Alive
You can’t talk about Nebraska's pro presence without bowing down to Lavonte David. The guy is basically a bionic man. He’s been in the league since 2012, and he’s still racking up tackles for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers like he’s 24. It’s wild. Most linebackers hit 30 and their knees decide to retire before the rest of their body does, but David just keeps going.
Then there’s Maliek Collins. He’s carved out a very respectable, very lucrative career as a disruptive interior lineman. He’s currently with the Cleveland Browns, and if you watch the tape, he’s still a nightmare for guards who aren't fast with their hands.
It’s easy to forget that Ameer Abdullah is still out there, too. He’s been around forever, bouncing from Detroit to Minnesota to Vegas and now with the Colts. He’s the ultimate "pro's pro." He found his niche as a third-down back and a return specialist, and he’s stayed employed because he’s reliable. In the NFL, "reliable" is a six-figure word.
The New Guard: Jurgens, Taylor-Britt, and the 2025 Class
If you want to see where the program is actually going, look at the guys drafted in the last few years.
Cam Jurgens is the poster child for the "new" Husker pro. When the Eagles took him in the second round in 2022, everyone knew the plan: sit behind Kelce, learn the system, and take the reigns. He’s done exactly that. He’s got that mean streak you need in the trenches, but he’s also athletic enough to pull and lead blocks in space. It’s very "Pipeline-esque," for those who remember the 90s.
And how about Cam Taylor-Britt in Cincinnati?
The guy plays with a swagger that was missing from Lincoln for a long time. He’s a physical, "in-your-face" corner who isn't afraid to get beat if it means he gets a chance to pick one off later. He’s become a legitimate starter on a defense that has to face Joe Burrow’s rivals every week.
The 2025 Draft Results
The 2025 NFL Draft actually added some much-needed depth to the Husker alumni list.
- Ty Robinson (DT): Taken in the 4th round by the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s joining Jurgens, which is a cool reunion. Robinson is a massive human being who really found his "pro frame" in his final year at Nebraska.
- Thomas Fidone II (TE): The New York Giants grabbed him in the 7th round. Fidone's story is one of resilience. He was the top TE recruit in the country, had those horrific knee injuries, and finally put together a healthy season. The Giants are betting on his 6’6” frame and his ability to stretch the seam.
Why the "Development" Narrative Is Changing
There was a long stretch where Nebraska players were seen as "maxed out" by the time they left college. Scouts thought they wouldn't get much better. Matt Rhule has sort of flipped that script.
The focus now is on high-ceiling athletes. Look at Trey Palmer. He was a 6th-round pick for Tampa Bay in 2023, but he played way above his draft slot. He’s fast. Like, "scare a defensive coordinator" fast.
We’re also seeing a lot of guys make it as Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs). John Bullock and Nash Hutmacher are perfect examples. Bullock, who worked his way up from a walk-on, is now seeing snaps for the Bucs. That’s the kind of grit that used to define the program, and it’s finally translating to NFL paychecks again.
🔗 Read more: AL Home Run Leaders: What Most People Get Wrong About the Record Books
Active Huskers in the NFL (2025-2026 Season)
It’s a moving target, but here is who is actually on rosters or practice squads right now:
- Cam Jurgens (C, Eagles) - Starter
- Cam Taylor-Britt (CB, Bengals) - Starter
- Lavonte David (LB, Buccaneers) - Legend/Starter
- Maliek Collins (DT, Browns) - Starter
- Trey Palmer (WR, Saints) - Rotation
- Ty Robinson (DT, Eagles) - Rookie
- Thomas Fidone II (TE, Giants) - Rookie
- Jack Stoll (TE, Saints) - Depth
- Luke Gifford (LB, 49ers) - Special Teams ace
- Travis Vokolek (TE, Cardinals) - Depth
The "Suh" Legacy and the Future
Everyone still compares every Husker defensive tackle to Ndamukong Suh. It's unfair. Suh was a generational anomaly. However, seeing guys like Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher get looks shows that the NFL still respects Nebraska’s ability to produce big, violent interior defenders.
What's actually interesting is the shift toward the offensive side. For years, Nebraska was a "black hole" for NFL-caliber receivers and quarterbacks. With the way the college roster is trending now under the current staff, expect to see more "skill position" Huskers in the league by 2027.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re following these guys for fantasy or just because you bleed scarlet and cream, here’s the deal.
Keep a very close eye on Cam Jurgens’ PFF grades. He is quietly becoming one of the best young centers in the NFC. If the Eagles' run game is clicking, it’s usually because he’s winning his reach blocks.
For those looking at "sleeper" impact, Thomas Fidone II in New York is worth watching. The Giants have historically loved using big tight ends in the red zone, and if Fidone stays healthy, he could easily outplay his 7th-round status.
Lastly, don't sleep on John Bullock. He’s one of those guys who will play ten years in the league primarily on special teams and as a backup LB because he simply doesn't make mistakes.
The "Husker in the NFL" is no longer a rare species. It’s a growing population again. If you want to track them in real-time, the best move is to follow the "Huskers in the NFL" weekly update on the official Nebraska Athletics site, as they track every snap and stat for alumni during the season. You can also set alerts for specific players on apps like Sleeper or ESPN to see how our guys are doing before the Monday morning headlines hit.