May 4, 2026
Performing in front of Husker Nation as Herbie Husker was never something Connor Hadaway imagined for his college experience. But after two years in the role, Connor — a human development and family science major from Papillion, Nebraska — is grateful for the experience, having created life-long memories and found pride in joining a legacy of ROTC members who've taken on the mascot role.
Talk about auditioning for the Spirit Squad. What drew you to becoming a mascot?
When I joined the team in 2024, the audition process looked very different from what it does now. At the time, you had to be personally recommended just to try out, and it wasn’t publicly advertised like it is today. Becoming the mascot was something I never imagined myself doing—I didn’t have any background in performance or entertainment. But when the opportunity came up, I knew I had to take a chance on it anyway. I also didn’t realize until later that there had been around five-plus ROTC members before me. Learning that made it even more meaningful, especially knowing that I was a part of a legacy.
Are there any connections you can draw to your time as a mascot and your work in ROTC?
Some of the biggest connections I’ve made between being Herbie and my time in ROTC come from the military appreciation games. I’ve worked on every one of those games as Herbie over the past two years because it genuinely means a lot to me to see service members recognized the way they deserve. Being in ROTC also pushed me to take more pride in the details—I made sure that the Herbie military uniform was squared away by adding a flag, my UNL ROTC patch, and even purchasing ranks to make it as accurate as possible.
Another way I’ve connected ROTC to mascoting is through adaptability. In the military, you have to be quick on your feet and ready to adjust to anything, and it’s the same as being a mascot. Whether it’s using props at the right moment, reacting to something unexpected during a game, or interacting with fans, both roles require you to think fast and adjust in the moment.
Can you talk about the work that goes into training to be Herbie, performing during games and balancing all of that with schoolwork, ROTC and a social life?
What goes into training to be Herbie involves a lot of time and repetition, especially practicing in suit to perfect his walk and movements. One of the biggest things we focus on is building endurance, because there are times when we’re in suit for an hour and a half to two hours, often in the sun, which can be physically demanding. It takes a lot of discipline to stay energized and consistent throughout an entire game or event.
Balancing school can also get pretty challenging during certain parts of the semester, so you have to learn strong time management and prioritize what needs to get done. Between classes, ROTC responsibilities and mascot events, it forces you to stay organized and disciplined. At the same time, it teaches you how to handle pressure and stay committed, even when your schedule gets overwhelming.
What has been your favorite memory performing as Herbie Husker?
My favorite memory as Herbie has to be either traveling to the Las Vegas Bowl game or when we beat Michigan State in basketball this year. When the fans stormed the court, they pulled me right along with them, and getting to celebrate in that moment with everyone was something I’ll never forget. Experiences like that really show how much energy and passion the fanbase brings.
Is there anything people may be surprised to know about being a mascot at Nebraska?
One thing people might not realize is how much dedication and effort goes into being Herbie. It’s not just showing up on game day—there are countless appearances, long hours, and a lot of preparation behind the scenes. From planning and building props to thinking through different ways to entertain the crowd, there’s a lot that goes into creating a great fan experience.
It also takes a lot of time, energy, and commitment to stay consistent at every event, whether it’s a big game or a smaller appearance in the community. People don’t always see the physical demands, the creativity, or the teamwork involved, but all of that plays a huge role in bringing Herbie to life and making each interaction memorable.
What will you miss most about your time as Herbie Husker?
What I’ll miss the most is interacting with the fans—whether it’s at football games, basketball games, or even appearances around the community. Those moments of making people laugh, taking pictures, and just being part of their experience are what made the role so special. It’s the connections and memories with people that will stick with me the most.