Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II was recognized Friday, as he was on the initial John Mackey Award Watch List. The Mackey Award is presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding collegiate tight end.

Fidone, a 6-foot-6, 255-pounder from Council Bluffs, Iowa, comes into the 2024 season as one of Nebraska’s top offensive threats and poised for a breakout junior season. After being limited by injuries in his first two seasons, Fidone tallied 25 catches for 260 yards and four touchdowns in 2023, as his 25 catches ranked second on the team.  Fidone led the Husker receiving corps with four TDs and had three-or-more catches five times – with four of those coming in Big Ten play. His four touchdown grabs were the most by a Husker tight end since 2010. 

Fidone entered Nebraska as the nation’s top tight end recruit playing at Lewis Central High School, as he totaled 43 receptions for 845 yards and 10 TDs in just 10 games as a senior en route to high school All-America honors. 

The 2024 John Mackey Award winner will be announced on ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12th.  

Scott Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List

For the second straight season, Nebraska senior Ben Scott was one of 40 centers nationally named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List, announced on Friday, Aug. 9. The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the nation’s top center. The award is named after former Husker Dave Rimington, a two-time unanimous All-American, two-time winner of the Outland Trophy and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Scott is in his second season at Nebraska in 2024 after anchoring the Husker offensive line during the 2023 season. Scott played in all 12 games with 11 starts at center in his first season at Nebraska, and his play helped Nebraska rank second in the Big Ten in rushing. Scott was recognized for his play as an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection by the league’s coaches and media.

A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, Scott is the fourth Husker to earn a spot on a national award watch list this summer after Bryce Benhart, Isaac Gifford and Brian Buschini earned spots on various watch lists. 

Nebraska Players on Preseason Watch Lists
Bryce Benhart (Outland Trophy Award) - July 30
Isaac Gifford (Allstate Wuerffel Trophy) - August 1
Brian Buschini (Ray Guy Award) - August 2
Ben Scott (Rimington Trophy) – August 9

Huskers Fall in Final Exhibition Match

In the final exhibition match of the year, the Nebraska soccer team fell 1-0 at Oklahoma Friday night. 

The teams saw a scoreless first half, but NU held the advantage in shots (11-8) and corners (5-4). In the second half, the Huskers continued to lead in shots, but Oklahoma found the back of the net in the 62nd minute and grabbed the 1-0 victory. 

The Huskers started with Sami Hauk in goal, Haley Peterson, Ella Guyott, Abbey Schwarz, Reese Borer, Florence Belzile, Sadie Waite, Lauryn Anglim, Gracie English, Jordan Zade and Sarah Weber. NU began the second half with the same starters aside from Cece Villa who replaced Hauk. 

NU opens the regular season next week at home when the Huskers host Oklahoma State on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.