Luke Lindenmeyer joined the Nebraska football team as a walk-on in 2022. Now, Husker fans chant the senior tight end’s name when he makes a catch.
Lindenmeyer redshirted his first season then played in all 25 matches with five starts across the 2023 and 2024 season. He became a full-time starter in 2025, setting career highs in receptions (29), receiving yards (312) and touchdowns (two) en route to honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition. He earned the respect of his teammates, receiving a single-digit jersey ahead of the season-opener — No. 8. Lindenmeyer said he’s noticed the fans’ support as well.
“My first catch last game was for like 1 yard, and I heard it and I was like, ‘Don’t chant my name for a 1-yard gain,’” Lindenmeyer said with a chuckle.
But the fans did, and they’ve also noticed Lindenmeyer’s improvement on knockdown blocks. Through two games, the Papillion-La Vista graduate has totaled 28 knockdowns. He said he takes a lot of pride in his blocking abilities.
“It’s just something that sometimes just goes unnoticed,” Lindenmeyer said. “There was a time in the first game and last game where we scored on one of my knockdowns, and I kind of just run to the sideline and celebrate with the tight ends. It’s kind of a cool thing that we can all watch together.”
Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen has paid attention as well.
“The routine with which he dominates his blocks every play just makes plays work,” Holgorsen said.
Another part of the Huskers’ offense that’s worked well is down field blocking in the screen game. Lindenmeyer said the team’s willingness to help one another has made a difference.
“It’s just whatever we can do to help Nebraska score, whether that’s blocking down field, making a catch, making someone miss, just whatever we can do and just having that joy for each other when we do score,” Lindenmeyer said. “We celebrate with each other.”
The short passing game has also improved, and Lindenmeyer credits the team’s playmakers and fast offensive linemen for stepping up.
“We just have guys who are good on the perimeter blocking,” Lindenmeyer said. “We’ve got to get our hands inside and get rid of all the holding calls.”
The Huskers will look to clean up those mistakes when they play North Dakota on Saturday. Lindenmeyer said senior quarterback Anthony Colandrea’s calm nature has helped the team remain optimistic during struggles.
“He’s just so confident, and we all trust him,” Lindenmeyer said. “He always finds a way to make a play.”
The next opportunity to make plays is Saturday when North Dakota visits Memorial Stadium.
“Whatever it is, on the ground or in the air, we’re going to find a way,” Lindenmeyer said.
