Nebraska quarterback TJ Lateef made a remarkable entrance at the Rose Bowl, showcasing his talents in his first college start. On Saturday night, Lateef completed 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns as the Cornhuskers triumphed over UCLA with a score of 28-21. He also contributed 31 rushing yards to his impressive performance.
“Super proud of him,” said running back Emmett Johnson. “I”m excited for his future.” Playing just 25 miles from his hometown of Compton, California, Lateef received enthusiastic support from family, friends, and a sea of red-clad Husker fans who filled the stadium, chanting his name. “I had to turn the city up,” Lateef remarked with a smile.
As the first true freshman to start for Nebraska since 1950, Lateef guided the team to scores on their first four possessions, establishing a 27-7 lead. He maintained his composure throughout the game, with his only two incompletions occurring in the fourth quarter. “Just had a what”s next mentality, just breathing, taking it one snap at a time and trying to execute to the best of my ability,” Lateef explained.
While Dylan Raiola is sidelined for the season due to a lower leg injury, he played a significant role in preparing Lateef for this moment. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule noted, “What Dylan has done for TJ, embracing him, bringing him in the fold, pushed TJ to this point where he was more than ready for this moment.”
Lateef, who previously attended Orange Lutheran High in Orange County, had visited UCLA a couple of times during the recruiting process. However, the allure of the coaching staff and fan base at Nebraska ultimately won him over. “For their quarterback to come out here, first start, and almost was perfect, you tip your hat to that kid,” remarked Bruins interim coach Tim Skipper.
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a Long Beach native, expressed his support for Lateef, saying, “TJ”s my guy. It was good seeing him shine. I kind of didn”t want to see him shine, but he did a great job going into his first start.”
The Cornhuskers did not alter their offensive strategy to fit Lateef”s debut. He made his own reads from the very first play and executed play-action passes at critical moments. “I don”t believe you give people confidence. They earn it and they deserve it,” Rhule stated, emphasizing Lateef”s abilities. “You”ve got an arm, you”ve got feet and a brain,” he told the 19-year-old quarterback, acknowledging his professional approach to the game.
Johnson also elevated his game to support Lateef, racking up 232 all-purpose yards and scoring three touchdowns. “He was already super, super focused, but I told him just take it one play at a time, just play football,” Johnson said. “The first play, I was really excited. The team thought I was going to get the ball the whole game so when he pulled it and ran, I was like, “OK, he”s locked in.””
With this victory, the Cornhuskers improved to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in the Big Ten, already clinching bowl eligibility. Lateef”s calm demeanor, combined with Johnson”s standout performance, enhances the team”s aspirations for a prime bowl placement as the regular season nears its conclusion. “They got confidence in me, I got confidence in them,” Lateef stated. “That”s how we”re going to continue to be great.”
