The Nebraska Cornhuskers football program has announced plans to erect a bronze statue of their legendary quarterback, The university confirmed that work on the monument is scheduled to commence in…
The Nebraska Cornhuskers football program has announced a landmark initiative to honor one of its most iconic figures with a permanent tribute: the construction of a bronze statue dedicated to a legendary quarterback who left an indelible mark on the university and college football history. According to university officials, this commemorative monument is a long-anticipated project that celebrates the enduring legacy, athletic achievements, and leadership qualities of the quarterback, whose name is synonymous with Cornhuskers excellence. The university confirmed that work on the monument is scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025, with completion expected in time for the start of the 2026 football season.
This tribute is part of a broader effort by the university to preserve and promote the rich traditions of Nebraska football, a program that has produced numerous All-Americans, Heisman Trophy winners, and national champions over the course of its storied history. The decision to honor this particular quarterback, whose name is set to be unveiled during a formal announcement ceremony later this summer, follows years of lobbying by fans, alumni, and former teammates. According to Athletic Director Trev Alberts, the statue will be erected near Memorial Stadium’s East Plaza, joining a growing collection of monuments that pay homage to the legends of Husker athletics.
“This quarterback exemplified everything it means to wear the ‘N’ on your helmet,” Alberts stated during a press briefing. “He led with integrity, competed with unmatched passion, and brought pride to the state of Nebraska both on and off the field. This statue is not only a tribute to his greatness but a symbol of what all student-athletes should aspire to be.”
The statue will be designed and cast by a nationally renowned sculptor with a strong portfolio of sports-related work. Early design concepts indicate that the statue will depict the quarterback in a dynamic pose—either mid-throw or signaling to teammates—capturing his poise under pressure and leadership on the field. The base of the statue will feature an engraved plaque summarizing his career statistics, major achievements, and memorable moments, including key victories that helped define an era of Cornhuskers dominance.
Support for the project is widespread and deeply rooted in community pride. The funding for the statue will be sourced primarily through private donations, with a significant portion already pledged by generous alumni and long-time supporters of the football program. A special fundraising campaign will launch this summer, inviting fans from across the country to contribute to this historic initiative. Contributors will be recognized on a commemorative donor wall adjacent to the statue site.
Former players and coaches have also expressed their support and excitement for the tribute. One former coach remarked, “He was the kind of player that elevated everyone around him. It’s only fitting that his legacy be etched in bronze, so future generations can understand the impact he had not just on the field, but in the locker room and throughout the university.”
The quarterback in question led Nebraska during a pivotal era, orchestrating thrilling comebacks, setting school records, and earning national accolades for both athletic performance and academic excellence. While his name is already firmly cemented in the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame, the university believes the physical statue will provide a deeper, more tangible form of recognition.
In addition to honoring this individual, the university views the statue as a teaching moment for future student-athletes and visitors. Plans are underway to integrate the statue into guided tours of Memorial Stadium, as well as into university-led discussions on leadership, sportsmanship, and resilience. Educational materials and a digital archive featuring interviews, game footage, and biographical information will accompany the monument.
The unveiling ceremony is tentatively scheduled for late summer 2026 and is expected to be a major event, attracting fans, alumni, and media from across the country. The university plans to host a full weekend of festivities, including a celebratory banquet, alumni flag football game, and fan meet-and-greets with former teammates and coaches.
Ultimately, the bronze statue will stand not just as a tribute to one remarkable player, but as a testament to the spirit of Nebraska football—a spirit forged through hard work, unity, and the unbreakable bond between a team and its community.