Honors & Awards
» Academic All-Big Ten (2022)
» Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award (2022, 2023)
» Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll (Fall 2021, 2022; Spring 2021, 2022)
» Tom Osborne Citizenship Team (2023)
2022 (Redshirt Freshman)
Ru'Quan Buckley did not play in a game in 2022.
2021 (Redshirt)
Buckley appeared in one game as a true freshman in 2021, playing on the defensive line in Nebraska's win over Fordham.
Before Nebraska (Godwin Heights HS)
Buckley was only the fourth Michigan native to sign with Nebraska since 1974. He was a standout offensive and defensive lineman for Godwin Heights High School. Buckley enrolled at was the youngest member of the Husker recruiting class, as he did not turn 18 until two months into his freshman season.
A 2020 Sports Illustrated All-America candidate, Buckley started all four seasons for Godwin Heights, including as a 13-year old freshman. The first player in school history to sign with a Big Ten school, Buckley made 74 tackles as a senior with 22 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in only seven games. On offense, Buckley was one of eight offensive linemen statewide named to the Michigan Coaches Association's 2020 Dream Team.
Buckley was ranked as the No. 16 high school senior in Michigan by the Detroit News. He was ranked among the nation’s top 40 strongside defensive ends in the 247Sports Composite rankings. He had an impressive list of offers, choosing Nebraska over Cincinnati, Florida State, Michigan State and Minnesota.
Personal
Ru’Quan was born on Oct. 14, 2003. He is the son of Rubin Buckley and Taquanta Smith. He is majoring in criminology and criminal justice.