Conference Big Eight Conference AP No. 1 | Coaches No. 1 1994 record 13–0 (7–0 Big 8) | |
Head coach Tom Osborne (22nd year) Offensive coordinator Tom Osborne (25th year) | ||
The 1994 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the 1994 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Tom Osborne and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Cornhuskers offense scored 459 points while the defense allowed 162 points.
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Before the season
There was much anticipation for the 1994 season. The 1993 Nebraska team compiled an 11–0 record in the regular season before losing to Florida State in the 1994 Orange Bowl. The 1994 offseason was dubbed "Unfinished Business" by the Huskers, in their quest to secure a national championship for the coming season.
Junior Tommie Frazier returned as the quarterback in Tom Osborne's vaunted triple option offense. Also returning were several key starters on defense that would prove to be a highly-rated unit during the 1994 season.
After the season
The successful season saw Nebraska lead the nation in rushing, with talented but troubled sophomore Lawrence Phillips rushing for 1,722 yards and finishing 8th in Heisman voting. The offensive line, which was arguably the best in the country as well, was affectionately known as "The Pipeline" and included Outland Trophy winner and All-American Zach Wiegert at tackle, fellow All-American Brendan Stai at guard, along with Rob Zatechka, Joel Wilks, and Aaron Graham. The vaunted 4–3 defense, led by All-American linebacker Ed Stewart, limited conference opponents to a mere 55 points.
The Huskers were treated to a warm welcome, despite the freezing temperatures, when they returned to Lincoln as National Champions. An estimated 15,000 fans were on hand at the Lincoln Airport to welcome home their Big Red heroes.
NFL and pro players
The following Nebraska players who participated in the 1994 season later moved on to the next level and joined a professional or semi-pro team as draftees or free agents.
Additionally, sophomore punter Darin Erstad would not continue with the team but would have a distinguished career in Major League Baseball (particularly with the Anaheim Angels) and has been the head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball team since 2012.