Sep 23, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers tight end Thomas Fidone II (24) runs for a touchdown against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska Football's Thomas Fidone: 'The Only People Who Can Beat Us is Us'

Originally posted on Nebraska Cornhuskers on SI
By Austin Jacobsen | Last updated Aug 29, 2024 4:56 PM ET

Thomas Fidone and the Nebraska football offense are feeling more confident than ever as the season approaches on Saturday.

The junior tight end is set to begin another season in Lincoln after completing his first full year with the Big Red in 2023, playing in all 12 games while starting eight contests. The Council Bluffs, Iowa native shared with Husker Radio Network co-host Jessica Coody that he is eager to start the season.

"It's exciting. All the work we've put in over the past few months is about to come into fruition. I know the team is excited to finally play someone else," Fidone said.

Coody followed up by asking the tight end's thoughts of how the offense has grown under the second-year tutelage of offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield's scheme.

"(More) confidence honestly," Fidone said. "Being under the same system for two years now, I don't think I've had that since I've been here. You get comfortable with the calls, you get comfortable with the plays, you get comfortable with the coaches. But the most important part is you get the most comfortable with each other."

Fidone had missed significant time in his first two years as a Cornhusker, having suffered back-to-back years with knee injuries that sidelined him for most of his 2021 season and all of 2022. The junior shared he was amped to get another full season under his belt.

"I can't wait. There's not too many words to express how excited I am. To go out there and do my job to the highest level I can and keep getting better and better each game, each practice... as long as I keep doing that and stacking each day it is going to be a good game," Fidone said.

Fidone's enthusiasm continued, as Coody asked about the confidence heading into the 2024 season with Dylan Raiola leading the offense.

"You see it every day, he's a gamer. Everything he does, he does it to the highest level. He practices hard - after practice, he does what a pro does. He'll watch film, he'll do the extra stuff... He does the little things right."Thomas Fidone on Dylan Raiola

Fidone also gave Nebraska fans a preview as to what the internal expectation is for the Husker offense on Saturday against UTEP will be.

"We're trying to be the best version of ourselves. Not having any self-inflicted mistakes. We believe that the only people who can beat us, is us," Fidone said.

To watch the full episode, including more from co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas, click the link below: