We are counting down the top 50 Nebraska football players you need to know heading into the season.
No. 46 Mario Buford
5-11, 170 • Freshman • Defensive back
When Nebraska evaluates its starting options at cornerback this fall, could the Huskers turn to a true freshman?
If they do, it’ll likely be Buford, who went through spring camp as an early enrollee, learning all of NU’s secondary roles along the way.
A natural fit for one-on-one coverage due to his physicality and long arms, Buford is a high-level player who played high school football for one of Texas’ best programs.
With the help of experience learned from his older brother and fellow Husker, Marques, Buford will be ready to hit the ground running in his first collegiate season.
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Photos: Nebraska football’s Red-White Spring Game, April 27
Nebraska’s Luke Longval looks to the sideline as he calls a play in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Barret Liebentritt (left) and Derek Branch (right) celebrate Dante Dowdel’s 49-yard touchdown in third quarter quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (left) celebrates his 49-yard touchdown with Barret Liebentritt in third quarter quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell runs the ball in for a 49-yard touchdown in third quarter quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Students are reflected in band players tubas during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola drops back to pass during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws a pass in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska fans reach out to high-five players as they leave the field after the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule signals to the officials during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Daniel Kaelin catches a snap during the Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola talks with fellow quarterbacks during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Korver Demma (left) blocks Grant Seagren during the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium.
Former Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne stands on the sidelines during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Nate Boerkircher makes a run ahead of teammate Jacob Bower during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Sam Sledge (right) faces teammate David Borchers during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola gets ready to put on his helmet during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg makes a throw during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
A crowd of 60,452 attends the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
From left, Greg Nordhues of Omaha, watches the warm up with his sons Will, 4, Jack, 3, and his father Bob Nordhues of Kearney, before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s James Williams (left) and Ashton Murphy warm up before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
The scoreboard displays “We’ll all stick together in all kinds of weather” shirts that will be sold to support the victims of the Nebraska tornadoes during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (lefts) runs with the ball while defended by Vincent Shavers Jr. (51) during second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II (left) celebrates his touchdown with Nate Boerkircher (right) during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Kenneth Williams (25) reaches out as Demitrius Bell (11) is carted off the field after appearing to suffer an injury during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Demitrius Bell (11) is carted off the field after appearing to suffer an injury during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s head strength and conditioning coach Corey Campbell (center) checks on Demitrius Bell (11) after Bell appeared to suffer an injury during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule (right) speaks to his quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule watches during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’a Heinrich Haarberg (10) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner (16) celebrates his touchdown during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Jeremiah Charles (25) celebrates during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule watches during first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska runs out onto the field during the tunnel walk before the Red-White Spring Game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola is interviewed after the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Raiola has said he’ll be in the upcoming College Football 25 video game.
Nebraska’s Keelan Smith is brought down as his jersey is grabbed by Cameron Lenbhardt in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (first left) runs through a gap in the defensive line in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Koby Bretz (left) tackles Ian Flynt during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola is seen before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska Director of Player Support & Outreach Ron Brown walks on the field beofre the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska offensive Line coach Donovan Raiola coaches his players through a drill before the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Blye Hill (center) is consoled by Roger Gradney (right) as he is carted off the field following an injury during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ed Foley (right) speaks with a referee before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ethan Nation (center) celebrates his interception during the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium. As of Friday, Nation is no longer listed on the Husker roster.
Nebraska’s Ethan Nation runs with the ball after making an interception during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (left) carries the ball as he is defended by teammate Willis McGahee during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dae’vonn Hall (right) is tackled by teammates Jeremiah Charles (center) and Blake Closman (right) during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dae’vonn Hall (left) is tackled by teammate Jeremiah Charles during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (right) picks up a pass and is defended by teammate Jeremiah Charles during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ty Robinson exits the field after the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterbacks Dylan Raiola, Daniel Kaelin, and Heinrich Haarberg are interviewed by a Big Ten sideline reporter following the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks into his headset in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks into his headset in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks into his headset in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule calls for both teams to run in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Tristan Alvano (right) kicks a field goal iduring the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska Wide Receivers coach Garret McGuire calls a player into the game in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Daniel Kaelin throws a pass in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s James Williams (left) chases after Dante Dowdell as he runs the ball in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska fans reach out to Dylan Raiola after the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s head coach Matt Rhule watches the line of scrimmage during fourth quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s head coach Matt Rhule watches the line of scrimmage during fourth quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) throws the ball during the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
A Nebraska player (left) blocks a pass to Roman Mangini (26) during the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
A Nebraska player (left) blocks a pass to Roman Mangini (26) during the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska football’s 2024 signing class is recognized during the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium.
The Nebraska TeamMates mentoring program is recognized on the field during halftime of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
The Nebraska TeamMates mentoring program is recognized on the field during halftime of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) runs out of bounds with the ball during second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) runs with the ball during second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) reaches out for the ball after he fumbled the ball during second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s assistant wide receivers coach Garret McGuire speaks on the headset during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Trevon Kinchen (bottom) attempts to tackle Ismael Smith Flores (81) during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Demitrius Bell (11) reacts while being carted off the field after appearing to suffer an injury during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Demitrius Bell (11) is carted off the field after appearing to suffer an injury during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Daniel Kaelin (12) throws a pass during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s special teams coordinator Ed Foley smiles while watching the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule watches the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dwight Bootle II (21), Javon Kinchen (center) and Gage Stenger (47) celebrate forcing a fourth down punt during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner catches a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner catches a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner catches a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) passes the ball during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) looks to pass during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Tristan Alvano (left) tackles Jacory Barney Jr. (89) on a kick return during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II (left) runs through a tackle by Malcolm Hartzog (right) during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska strength coach Corey Campbell (left) tends to an injured Demitrius Bell during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Malachi Coleman (left) hugs quarterback Dylan Raiola after the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Keelan Smith celebrates after making a catch in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Keelan Smith (left) catches a pass while defended by D’Andre Barnes in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola celebrates a touchdown pass with Kenneth Williams in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Jaylen Lloyd (right) runs in a touchdown pass past Roger Gradney (left) during the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg listens to head coach Matt Rhule during a break in the action of the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Daniel Kaelin calls a play in the first half during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Nate Boerkircher tries to keep his footing after taking a hit in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule calls a player on to the field in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule emerges from the tunnel following ahead of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone (center) dives over Rahmir Stewart (bottom) and past Blake Coleman (top) into the endzone for a second quarter touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Derek Branch (left) misses a tackle on Isaiah Neyor as he runs a caught pass in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s D’Andre Barnes (left) defends Jahmal Banks as he reaches out for the ball in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterbacks Daniel Kaelin, Heinrich Haarberg, and Dylan Raiola (from left) line up with other quarterbacks before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule emerges from the tunnel following ahead of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (left) celebrates a touchdown by Jaylen Lloyd (right) in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner celebrates a touchdown pass in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws a pass in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska Offensive Line coach Donovan Raiola (from left) and Micah Mazzccua console Demitrius Bell as he is taken off the filed following an injury in the first half during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Jaylen Lloyd (right) reels in a touchdown pass past Roger Gradney (left) in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone (right) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Jacob Bower during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola runs with the ball during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws a pass in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws a pass during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s assistant running backs coach E.J. Barthel throws a pass during drills before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s assistant running backs coach E.J. Barthel instructs Emmett Johnson (21) during drills before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s assistant running backs coach E.J. Barthel instructs Trevon Kinchen (29) before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Nebraska’s Kenneth Williams catches a pass during drills before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium is reflected in the visor of Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles as he walks the sideline before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Tristan Alvano practices kicking the ball before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Tuba players carry their instruments to their seats before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
St. Peter’s student Maddox Sharp wears a drawn on mustache while selling drinks before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Lucas Davey, 2, is carried by his father Kelly Davey from Sac City, IA before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Jack Gottula, 9, from Sheldon, IA catches a pass from his brother Alex (not pictured) before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Micah Rice of Palmer, 12, throws a ball to his brother during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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