It’s likely a safe bet that no one predicted former Georgia Bulldog and NFL standout Todd Gurley would show up for the 2024 matchup between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Illinois Fighting Illini, both ranked in the top 25.
If you did foresee this happening, you might want to hit Vegas!
Regardless, the man who had a six-year NFL career, rushing for over 6,000 yards and scoring 67 touchdowns, is in Lincoln for the Big Ten game.
Former Georgia and NFL RB Todd Gurley in attendance for tonight’s Top 25 showdown between Nebraska and Illinois.
Gurley was dapping up Husker strength coach Corey Campbell, who played at Georgia as well. pic.twitter.com/5HmFvrOy4N
— Steve Marik (@Steve_Marik) September 20, 2024
One of the key connections bringing Gurley to the game is Cornhusker strength coach Corey Campbell, who played for Georgia during the same period as Gurley, with three overlapping years.
While Gurley’s appearance might be unexpected, the fact that both Nebraska and Illinois are ranked in the top 25 is perhaps even more surprising. This season, the Cornhuskers have secured victories against UTEP, Northern Iowa, and notably, Colorado. Meanwhile, Illinois has triumphed over Eastern Illinois, Central Michigan, and then-No. 19 Kansas.
Gurley was spotted on the sidelines about an hour before kickoff between the two Big Ten teams.
Historically, Nebraska holds a significant edge over Illinois, having won 14 of their 21 encounters—about 66.7 percent. The game is set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.