A pair of Husker freshmen were tabbed for watch lists this week, as Dylan Raiola and Jacory Barney Jr. were recognized.  Raiola was on the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award Watchlist, while Barney was featured on the Jet Award Preseason Watchlist. 

Raiola, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound quarterback, was one of the nation’s top high school quarterbacks in the class of 2022, as he was a consensus top 10 national recruit. He passed for nearly 8,500 yards and 88 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions in his high school career. As a senior, he threw for 2,666 yards and 34 touchdowns in helping Buford (Ga.) High School to an 11-2 record.  The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry that epitomizes great ability and integrity.

Barney, a 6-foot, 170-pound wide receiver, was ranked by Rivals as one of the top 60 wide receivers in the class of 2024. Barney was a two-way performer at Miami Palmetto High School, seeing time at quarterback, running back and receiver.  The Jet Award was started by former Husker Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers and recognizes the top kickoff and punt returner in the nation.

Huskers Fall to Cowgirls, 2-0

Despite holding the 22-13 advantage in shots, the Nebraska soccer team dropped the season opener against Oklahoma State 2-0 at Hibner Stadium on Thursday evening.

In a matchup between two former Big 12 foes, the teams saw a scoreless first 45 minutes, but Nebraska led in shots (9-6) and corners (8-1). The Huskers had action from 18 athletes led by Sarah Weber with two shots and a full 45 minutes of play.

The Huskers continued to hold the momentum in the first half taking seven shots to Oklahoma State’s two, but it was the Cowgirls who found the back of the net twice in the final 45 minutes. Lexi Lee scored in the 67th minute, with assists from Laudan Wilson and Xcaret Pineda, before Adelhia Ghonda recorded the finish in the 75th minute, with the dish from Reganne Morris.  

Sami Hauk recorded three saves and played the entire 90 minutes, along with Reese Borer and Lauryn Anglim. Weber and Sadie Waite combined for 10 shots, and midfielder Florence Belzile tallied the team’s only pair of shots on goal. 

Up next, NU continues its homestand as the Huskers host Colorado State on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 7:05 p.m. (CT). Action will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.