The call every senior prospect dreams of has officially arrived for safety DeShon Singleton, but his journey to the prestigious Senior Bowl is far more compelling than a typical collegiate success story.

A year ago, Singleton believed his time in college football was over, only to gain an unexpected final year of eligibility, a gift he has maximized with a vengeance. Now, after leading a surging defense and showcasing a versatile skill set that has NFL scouts buzzing, Singleton heads to Mobile, Alabama, where he will compete against the nation’s elite, turning a fortunate second chance into a legitimate opportunity to solidify himself as a top defensive back.

The opening for Singleton’s extra year was created by an unexpected legal battle that shook the foundation of NCAA eligibility rules. A lawsuit filed by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia successfully argued that the NCAA’s rule of counting junior-college seasons against a player’s four-year eligibility window violated antitrust laws.

While the situation had complex legal layers, the bottom line was that Pavia’s preliminary injunction win forced the NCAA to issue a blanket waiver, thereby giving all former JUCO players, like Singleton, whose eligibility had expired, the chance to return for one final season if they chose.

Singleton’s 2025 season was a true breakout campaign and the successful payoff of an unexpected “bonus year” in college football. After suffering a season-ending injury in 2023 that prevented him from building momentum for the NFL draft, Singleton capitalized on a unique ruling that granted him an additional year of eligibility.

He finished the season as one of Nebraska’s defensive anchors, showcasing the versatility and physicality that NFL scouts crave.

Singleton’s stellar 2025 season was marked by impressive defensive production and impact plays across the field. He established himself as a dominant force in the secondary, finishing second on the team with 70 tackles, showcasing elite run support from the safety spot.

Crucially, he significantly enhanced his ball skills, registering two interceptions and four pass breakups.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound defensive back’s versatility and playmaking ability were formally recognized following a phenomenal performance against Michigan State, where his physical play and two interceptions earned him the coveted Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award, providing a major boost to his national profile.

Leveraging his improved health and an expanded role, Singleton demonstrated his wide-ranging utility by effectively showing he could blitz, cover deep in the passing game, and aggressively stop the run, proving his value as a true multifaceted defensive weapon.

Competing against the nation’s best receivers and tight ends in drills will allow him to display his man-coverage fluidity and deep zone awareness directly in front of all 32 NFL scouting departments. For a player who was previously seen as a late-round or priority free agent type, performing well in Mobile could be the necessary catalyst to move him up to a coveted Day 2 or early Day 3 selection, completing his stunning journey from a forgotten JUCO player to a top NFL prospect.

In essence, his 2025 season served as the full-tape audition he was unable to complete the previous year, solidifying his status as an NFL prospect and directly leading to his invitation to the Senior Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.

John Butler was hired in July of 2024 as the Husker DB coach and was elevated to DC before the Huskers played in the ’24 Pinstripe Bowl.

 Butler was one of three new coordinators appointed by Rhule over the past year.

How does Butler’s defense rank nationally thus far?

Scoring: #52

Rushing: #97

Passing: #2

Total D: #22

How does Butler’s defense compare with last year’s defense when Tony White was the Husker DC?

Scoring: #53

Rushing: #8

Passing: #65

Total D: #22

Wait, so you’re telling me John Butler’s total defense is the same as his predecessor’s?  Yup.

White’s run defense was great while Butler’s strength was in pass defense.  

When will Butler’s replacement be hired?  I would guess it will be at least until the college football season is over.

For the second straight week, NU was embarrassed by a team that had superior O-lines and D-lines.  Until and unless Nebraska can develop nasty lines, losses to teams like Penn State (37-10) and Iowa (40-16) will be the rule, not the exception.

Friday’s loss means that Iowa has won at Nebraska 7 consecutive times. Not since November 25, 2011 have the Huskers prevailed in Lincoln,

1.) Will Emmett Johnson return next season?

2.) Will Dylan Raiola transfer after this year?

3.) Will there be a new Husker O-line coach?

4.) Will there be any more Husker coaching changes?

5.) How many Huskers will enter the transfer portal?

6.) Who will be the starting QB next year?

7.) If Emmett Johnson does enter the NFL draft, who will take his place?

8.) Will the NCAA “5 for 5” ruling take effect in the off season?

9.) How many games will NU win in ’26 with Washington, Ohio State, Indiana, Iowa and Oregon on the schedule?

10.) Can NU shore up its D and O-lines in the off season?

The 30-30 Question

Last Tuesday November 25th, Rienk Mast scored 31 points for the Husker men’s basketball team in an 80-73 win over Winthrop.  That same day, Britt Prince scored 30 points for the Husker women’s basketball team in a 91-80 win over Virginia.

The question is, has a member of the Husker men’s basketball and a member of the Husker women’s basketball team ever scored at least 30 points in a game on the same day?  My research says no.

BTW, both teams are 8-0 to start the season,   Congratulations to head coaches Amy Williams and Fred Hoiberg.

More From Nebraska On SI

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.