Nebraska's Justin Evans named to Rimington Trophy watch list

Justin Evans, Nebraska’s center, was named to the Rimington Trophy Preseason Watch List on Monday, joining 40 other top college centers in contention for the award given annually to the nation’s best center.

The Rimington Trophy is named after Dave Rimington, a two-time Outland Trophy winner at Nebraska in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It has become one of the most respected individual honors for interior linemen, recognizing not just blocking ability but also leadership, intelligence, and consistency. Evans, a 6-foot-2, 305-pound graduate transfer from Mississippi State, started 24 games for the Bulldogs before arriving in Lincoln this spring. His selection reflects Nebraska’s emphasis on building through the trenches—a core principle under coach Matt Rhule, who has made offensive line development a priority since taking over in 2023.

The watch list announcement comes as college football prepares for the 2025 season, with preseason practices beginning this month. Evans is one of four Big Ten centers on the watch list, including Penn State’s Juice Scruggs and Michigan’s Olu Oluwatimi—both Rimington winners in recent years. He will need to anchor an offensive line that returns three starters and add depth if Nebraska hopes to improve on its 5–7 record last season. Evans has already drawn praise from teammates for his football IQ and communication skills, traits that Rimington winners often share.

Evans now joins a group of finalists who will be narrowed down in November, with the winner announced during the College Football Awards show in December. For Nebraska, his presence on the list is a statement: the Huskers are serious about returning to national relevance through a revitalized ground game. If Evans performs at a Rimington-caliber level, it could help Nebraska secure a bowl berth and set the stage for a stronger 2026 campaign. The watch list nod isn’t a guarantee—but for a program rebuilding under Rhule, it’s a meaningful early vote of confidence.