LINCOLN, NEB. - Since 2019, Nebraska has played season openers in three different states, and even on two different continents, but for the first time in five years, they’ll kick off the year in front of Husker nation.

As the Huskers host UTEP on Saturday at Memorial Stadium, the Huskers are ready to put on a show in front of their home faithful. Defensive Coordinator Tony White says it’s good for the fans and the players.

“I think it’s going to be electric,” White said. “90,000 people for the first game of the year, it’s going to be electric and the fans feel it.”

Since 2019, Nebraska’s opened on the road to Ohio State, Illinois, and Minnesota and even took on Northwestern in Dublin - four years of losses on opening day. Defensive lineman Nash Hutmacher and tight end Thomas Fidone say they’re excited to play at home in week one.

“To come out and open in front of the fans at home this season is super exciting, we’re going to go out there and put on a show."

“Obviously we’re excited to be home and open the season in front of the fans,” Fidone said. “Obviously this is our home turf so we need to defend it and do everything we can to play to our ability.”

Saturday will also be the first start for freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, who officially won the starting job last week. He discussed his emotions and preparations ahead of his much anticipated debut.

“Just got to trust my training, trust in the guys around me,” Raiola said. “I think coach Rhule does a great job showing no moment’s too big for us by putting us in different situations in practice… And have fun, let my guys run the show, and get the ball out to wherever they need to be and have fun just like a kid playing the game.”

One other big piece of news from Tuesday was that 12 Blackshirts have been given out. Tony White SAYS the 11 Husker defensive starters all received one, while sophomore defensive lineman Cameron Lenhardt was also a recipient.

Saturday’s contest, the first ever meeting between Nebraska and UTEP kick off at 2:30 central time.