Bob Oberlin Season 1954

Honors & Awards

• Two-Time CoSIDA Academic All-American (1952, 1953)
• Nebraska's First Academic All-American
• Nebraska's First Academic All-Conference Selection (1954)

Career
Bob Oberlin earned a place in Nebraska history as the first CoSIDA Academic All-American. Oberlin claimed a spot on Lester Jordan's inaugural academic All-America team in 1952, and also gained recognition in 1953. However, Oberlin's awards were unknown to CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) and the University of Nebraska until 2008, when Oberlin was officially recognized by CoSIDA.

More than 50 years after originally earning his academic honors, Oberlin took his place in history as not only NU's first academic All-American, but also as the first Husker to win two academic All-America honors. He was officially honored for his achievements by the University of Nebraska at its annual Student-Athlete Academic Recognition Banquet in 2009.

Although he was not officially recognized as a CoSIDA Academic All-American in 1954, he did become NU's first-ever academic all-conference selection, earning first-team academic All-Big Seven honors as a senior.

Oberlin was a regular contributor for the Huskers at the center position for three years, earning significant playing time in 1952, 1953 and 1954.

A native of West Allis, Wis., Oberlin was listed at 6-1, 205 pounds as a senior. He helped the Huskers to a 6-5 record under Coach Bill Glassford in 1954. Oberlin also helped lead Nebraska to its first-ever Orange Bowl appearance. The Huskers finished second in the Big Seven with a 4-2 record, but claimed an Orange Bowl bid to play Duke on Jan. 1, 1955, under the no-repeat rule.

Prior to a 3-6-1 season in 1953, Oberlin helped the Huskers to a 5-4-1 record and a third-place Big Seven finish as a sophomore in 1952.

Oberlin was an engineering major at Nebraska and graduated in 1955.