Can an underdog team like Nebraska really shock a powerhouse like Utah and shatter a 29-game losing streak against ranked opponents? That's the thrilling question hanging over the Las Vegas Bowl, and sophomore wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. has some bold ideas on how it could happen.
Picture this: Nebraska's talented sophomore wide receiver, Jacory Barney Jr. (check out his full profile at https://huskers.com/sports/football/roster/player/jacory-barney-jr), isn't just treating the bowl game as a fun New Year's Eve matchup. For him, it's a golden opportunity to pull off a major upset against the 15th-ranked Utah Utes and lay the groundwork for an even stronger 2026 season. But here's where it gets controversial... Barney believes he knows exactly how to topple the formidable Utes, even though Utah boasts a 10-2 record and looks poised for success.
And this is the part most people miss: the secret weapon might not be on offense or defense, but in the often overlooked realm of special teams. For those new to college football, special teams include things like kickoffs, punts, and field goals—those plays that can swing momentum without the ball being thrown or run by the main players. Barney points out that when you're the underdog, these elements can be the game-changer. Utah's got a dominant running game—second in the nation—and an outstanding quarterback in Devon Dampier, making it tough for Nebraska to compete head-on. But special teams could help level the playing field.
Nebraska, sitting at 7-5, has had standout special teams all season long. They ranked 16th nationally in punt returns, averaging an impressive 13.64 yards per return. Meanwhile, Utah's punt return defense is only 26th in the country. On kickoffs, the Huskers shined even brighter, coming in sixth nationally with an average of 26.30 yards per return. And let's not forget that electrifying moment when Kenneth Williams turned a kickoff into a 95-yard touchdown against Northwestern—talk about a momentum booster! Utah's kickoff return defense, however, ranks a lowly 64th, which could give Nebraska an edge.
Speaking at the Las Vegas Bowl press conference, Barney, a 6-foot, 170-pound speedster from Florida City, Florida, emphasized the importance of special teams. "I feel like special teams can be a big factor in this game," he said. He explained that in the final game of the season, players might not be fully focused, and those small, key moments—like a well-executed return—can completely flip the script. "When it comes to the beginning of games, you see the first and last games, those be about minimizing mistakes, capitalizing where you can," he added, highlighting how discipline and seizing opportunities early can set the tone.
Barney himself has been a star on special teams, especially as a punt returner. He earned accolades in the Big Ten for his reliability and explosiveness in fielding punts. Over the regular season, he ranked 15th nationally in punt returns with 12.2 yards per attempt, racking up 270 yards—the most by a Husker since 2014 and more than the entire team's total in the previous four seasons combined. For beginners, this means he's quick and skilled at catching punts and turning them into big gains, which can surprise opponents and energize the team.
But here's where it gets really interesting: Barney is fired up and ready to go, channeling that motivation into proving Nebraska's toughness. "Really showing, really going out there," he said about the New Year's Eve showdown. "We’re a Big Ten team and just let them know how we play in the Big Ten—physical, hard-nosed. That’s how we expect to play on the 31st." He noted that the season didn't go as hoped, but this bowl game is a last chance for him and his teammates to shine and build momentum for next year. Beating a ranked team, he believes, would be a huge confidence boost.
Of course, no path to success is without setbacks. Barney is eager to make up for a fumbled punt in the second half of the 40-16 loss to Iowa, which led to a safety. But he's grateful for the support from special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler and the coaching staff. "Just having Coach Eck and those guys believe in me," he shared. "I made the mistake in the Iowa game and they put me right back out there. Just having a brotherhood like that, coaches that believe in you, I’m proud to be out there and take advantage of every opportunity I get." This shows how resilience and team trust can turn a mistake into a learning experience, a valuable lesson for any aspiring athlete.
Beyond special teams, Barney has made his mark as a receiver too. He hauled in 43 catches for 463 yards and four touchdowns this season, tying for second on the team with Nyziah Hunter, just behind Emmett Johnson's 46 receptions. Last year as a freshman, he set a Nebraska record with 55 catches. It's clear he's a versatile talent who contributes in multiple ways.
Barney has also been impressed by true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef during bowl preparations. As coach Matt Rhule mentioned on Saturday, Lateef is practicing fully and expected to perform well (read more at https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/football/nebraska-coach-matt-rhule-says-tj-lateef-is-going-to-play-great-in-bowl-game). "Just his confidence, the confidence he has now," Barney said. "He played in a couple of games and he can benefit from that going into next year. We’re proud of him and I expect big things from him next year." This highlights the growth potential in young players, who can gain invaluable experience and elevate the team moving forward.
Looking ahead to 2026, Barney has a clear plan to level up. "Just get back in the lab and working my hardest just that next year there can be no excuse into why my stats wasn’t what they should be," he said. "I can’t blame, point the finger, at nobody. I just get in the lab and just make it go my way next year by the work I put in this offseason." He's taking ownership, committing to offseason training to ensure better results—another example of personal accountability in sports.
As for Utah, Barney respects them but sees opportunity. "I think they’re a good group," he said. "I feel like it will be a good game for us. How I see it as another chance to beat a ranked opponent. If we do that, the fans will feel good about it going into next year. We can build off it, that will give us some confidence going into next year. Having TJ, get that win like that, I feel that will be good for us." It's a classic underdog mentality: view the challenge as a stepping stone.
Finally, Barney's enjoying his time in Las Vegas, though with some restrictions. "Just the city, being in Las Vegas," he said. "It’s always been a dream place to come to. Just to be here with my guys, getting invited to this bowl game. It means a lot. Year Two, make it to another bowl game. To build off this going into next year. I’m underage so I can’t really do much." It's a reminder that even in the excitement of a big event, responsibilities like age limits keep things grounded.
But is Barney's faith in special teams the bold strategy Nebraska needs, or is it a risky gamble against Utah's strengths? And what about the broader debate: can a team ever truly overcome such a massive talent gap, or is this just wishful thinking? Do you agree with Barney that special teams could be the equalizer, or do you think Nebraska should focus elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss!
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