'It's Just Like a Burning Passion Inside of Me': Javin Wright Talks Year Seven with Nebraska

Now fully healthy for the first time in years, Wright is savoring every moment on the field. After seasons defined by rehab and recovery, he calls this stretch of fall camp “extremely fun,” relishing the chance to practice and compete with his teammates instead of watching from the sideline.

Asked what he hopes to get out of his seventh year, Wright didn’t hesitate: “It’s just like a burning passion inside of me.” The game has been taken away from him more than once, and each setback has only deepened his appreciation for it.

With that passion comes urgency. Wright says 2025 isn’t just about proving himself, it’s about proving Nebraska's defensive doubters wrong.

As one of the most experienced players on the roster, Wright’s role extends well beyond his own play. He’s embraced working alongside transfer linebacker Marques Watson-Trent, who appears to be a fellow starter and also shares a tenured career in college football.

“We’re like the two old heads in the group,” Wright joked, noting that the pair often bounce ideas off each other thanks to their shared experience. He says having Watson-Trent in the room has already been a big boost even before the pair take the field in 2025.

Wright also spoke highly of rising talent Vincent Shavers; a player fans believe has the potential to shine in 2025. “He’s just a great player and I love playing next to him,” Wright said, adding that Shavers’ has matured both physically and mentally ahead of his second year in college football.

While outside voices may question the state of Nebraska’s defense heading into 2025, Wright isn’t buying into any doubt. “We’re picking up where we left off last year,” he said, insisting the unit hasn’t taken a step back; they've actually taken one forward.

That belief is fueled by his own motivation. In his final year of college football, Wright says the game means more to him than ever before. Now, fully healthy, he’s determined to prove himself, and he expects his unit to do the same in 2025.

For Wright, 2025 is more than a farewell tour; it’s a chance to leave a mark that will last long after he’s gone. He’s battled through injuries, surgeries, and setbacks that would’ve ended most careers, but his response has always been to keep showing up and keep fighting.

And if his seventh year in Lincoln ends the way he envisions, Wright won’t just walk away with personal vindication; he’ll walk away knowing he helped a defense and a team that could be capable of competing with anyone in the country.

Because for Javin Wright, passion isn’t just a feeling. It’s the fuel that could help push Nebraska to something special in 2025.