Which Nebraska Player Has the Highest Breakout Potential? One Sleeper Defender Could Generate Massive 2025 Impact

Every college football season brings a new wave of breakout stars, and as the 2025 campaign approaches, Nebraska might have one of the most intriguing sleeper defenders in the nation.

Typically, sleeper breakout players are those who haven’t received much publicity or expectations. In most cases, they remain outside the spotlight and public attention until they deliver a breakout performance that forces everyone to notice.

With that being said, one player could make waves in the process: Williams Nwaneri, EDGE. Yes, you could argue that he had a disappointing freshman season at Missouri, but he is primed to turn things around within Nebraska’s system.

Let’s do some reality checks. 

Why Williams Nwaneri Could Be Nebraska’s Biggest Defensive Star in 2025

The assessment might seem too much to many since he falls into the sleeper category, but let’s keep it simple. Overall, this is a reality check—digging too deep is unnecessary.

First, Nwaneri was a five-star recruit and one of the top edge rushers in the country before committing to Missouri. However, his freshman year at Missouri didn’t go as planned. He played only 38 snaps and recorded one sack. Nobody can say these numbers are impressive, but he has the potential because he was a five-star recruit.

Next, he chose to transfer to Nebraska for good reasons. One key factor was reuniting with his former high school coach, Jamar Mozee, now an offensive assistant at Nebraska. That familiar relationship could help him learn the Cornhuskers’ defensive system quickly.

A look at former 5-star & Missouri transfer, Williams Nwaneri. @KETV

The #Huskers edge rusher stands at 6’7, 255 pounds. Seems to be enjoying practice and learning from new DL coach Terry Bradden. pic.twitter.com/Gn2af6gOac

— Lauren Michelson (@LaurenMichelson) April 8, 2025

Timing is also on Nwaneri’s side. You could say he is lucky in this regard. Nebraska’s defensive line has seen significant changes, opening space for new talent to shine. If Nwaneri can bring even a glimpse of his high school form, where he racked up 149 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 23 sacks, he could become a game-changer on defense.

A CSN reporter said, “Luckily, it was only his FRESHMEN YEAR!! So while the expectations were high for him, he absolutely has room for growth.”

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Right now, there’s a quiet buzz around Nebraska’s defense. Defensive coordinator John Butler has avoided naming standouts, but insiders say Nwaneri has already made an impression during spring drills. He’s working alongside solid names like Keona Davis, Riley Van Poppel, Cameron Lenhardt, and Elijah Jeudy—adding more muscle to an already promising defensive front.

After redshirting last season, Nwaneri has joined Nebraska with a fresh start and four full years of eligibility ahead. Head coach Matt Rhule believes this is the year Nebraska takes a big step forward, and Nwaneri could be a major part of that progress. If everything falls into place, he’s a strong contender for a breakout season.