Wright Named Second-Team Midseason All-American; Barney Jr. and Raiola Named to Watch Lists
A trio of Husker football players were recognized for their efforts during the first half of the season. Ceyair Wright was tabbed a second-team Midseason All-American by The Athletic, while Jacory Barney Jr. (Jet Award) and Dylan Raiola (Manning Award) were added to midseason watch lists.
Wright has been instrumental in the Huskers leading the nation in passing yards allowed (123.0 ypg) and ranking third in pass efficiency defense (101.83) entering this week’s game with Northwestern. The senior co-captain has six tackles and a team-high four pass breakups while playing both corner and nickel for the Blackshirts.
Barney has emerged as one of the nation’s top punt returners, as he ranks 16th nationally with 12.8 yards per return. The sophomore wide receiver has five returns of at least 20 yards this season, including a career-long 57-yard return against Michigan State. His 217 punt return yards are the most by a Husker since the 2014 season and his total already exceeds Nebraska's team punt return totals for the last four seasons (2021-24) combined. Barney has also hauled in 27 passes for 3654 yards and three TDs. The Jet Award Is presented to the nation’s outstanding returner and is named after Husker legend Johnny Rodgers.
Raiola was added to Manning Award Watch list, as he has completed 155 of 213 passes for 1768 yards and 15 touchdowns. The sophomore co-captain ranks fifth nationally in completion percentage (72.8 percent) and in the top 30 nationally in passing TDs (14th), Passing efficiency (17th), completions per game (22.1, 19th) and total passing yards (26th). He has a pair of four-touchdown games this year, most recently in NU’s win at Maryland on Oct. 11. The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates’ bowl performances in its balloting.
The Huskers return to action this Saturday, as they host Northwestern. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. and the game will be televised on FS1 and carried on the Huskers Radio Network.