It’s a weird thing, right? We spend so much time talking about five-star quarterbacks and the latest transfer portal drama at wide receiver that we kinda forget about the guys who actually win the field position battle. If you’ve spent any time at Memorial Stadium over the last few years, you know the sound. That booming "Buuuuu" chant that echoed every time number 18 (and later 13) stepped onto the field. Brian Buschini wasn't just another specialist; he was basically the heartbeat of Nebraska's special teams during some of the most transitional years in recent Husker history.
But now, the era has officially ended.
Why the Brian Buschini Nebraska football punter retirement matters
Let’s get the terminology right first. In the world of college sports, "retirement" usually just means a guy has run out of eligibility or is hanging up the cleats to go pro. For Buschini, it’s the latter. After a 2024 season where he was arguably the team’s most consistent weapon, he officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
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He’s not just walking away to sit on a couch in Helena, Montana. He’s chasing the league.
Honestly, the "retirement" from the college game was inevitable. He spent three years at Montana and then three more in Lincoln. You can't stay a college student forever, even if the fans want you to. He finished his Nebraska career with a punting average of 43.1 yards, which, if you’re keeping track at home, is the fifth-highest in the history of the program. That’s not just "good for now" stats. That’s legendary status.
The Montana to Lincoln Pipeline
It’s easy to forget how he got here. Buschini was the FCS Punter of the Year back in 2021. He could have stayed a big fish in a smaller pond, but he wanted the pressure. He wanted the 90,000 fans screaming.
Moving from Montana to Nebraska isn't just a change in zip code; it’s a change in lifestyle. He came in during the Frost era and stuck through the coaching change to Matt Rhule. That kind of stability is rare these days. Most guys jump ship the second a new staff arrives. Buschini didn't. He leaned in.
He even switched his jersey number to 18 for a while to honor the late Brook Berringer. That told us everything we needed to know about his character. He wasn't just there to kick a ball; he cared about the culture.
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What most people get wrong about the 2024 season
If you look at the box scores, you might see a 44.7-yard average in 2024 and think, "Okay, cool." But you had to see the Rutgers game to truly get it.
He was out there punting on a bum leg. He was hurting. And yet, he uncorked a 69-yard bomb that basically pinned Rutgers against their own goal line and secured a 14-7 win. Oh, and he also threw a 30-yard pass on a fake punt in that same game.
Basically, he was the MVP of a game where he barely touched the ball with his hands.
The NFL outlook: What's next?
So, what does life look like after the Brian Buschini Nebraska football punter retirement?
He’s been deep in the draft process. He had a solid Pro Day in March 2025, showing off that leg strength that Big Ten coaches grew to hate. But being a punter in the NFL is brutal. There are only 32 jobs in the world.
- Consistency: NFL scouts don't care about one 70-yard punt if the next one is a 30-yard shank. Buschini’s 2024 season proved he’s found that middle ground.
- Mental Toughness: He worked with sports psychologists during his time at Nebraska. That’s the kind of "pro mindset" that teams like the Ravens or the Packers look for.
- Versatility: He can handle kickoffs. He can hold for field goals. He can even throw the ball if you’re feeling spicy on fourth down.
Actionable insights for Husker fans
If you’re wondering how Nebraska fills the void, it’s not going to be easy. You don't just "replace" a guy who ranks top-five in school history.
- Keep an eye on the portal: Nebraska has already been active looking for specialists to compete with the young guns.
- Watch the Draft: If Buschini gets a camp invite or a late-round call, he’s the type of player who sticks on a roster because of his work ethic.
- Appreciate the stats: Take a second to realize that in 2024, he placed 16 punts inside the 20-yard line. That is elite level situational football.
The transition away from Lincoln is a big deal. Buschini was a leader in the locker room and a Semi-finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy (the "Academic Heisman"). He leaves a hole that's bigger than just a spot on the depth chart.
He’s moving on to the next chapter, whether that’s a jersey in the NFL or his long-term goal of construction management and mission work in Guatemala. Either way, the "Buuuuu" chants are going to be missed on Saturdays in the fall.