Thomas Fidone II Nebraska TE: Rising Star Poised for Breakout 2025 Season
In the 2024 season, Thomas Fidone II emerged as one of Nebraska’s most reliable offensive weapons. The talented tight end has played in all 13 games with nine starts, showing remarkable durability after overcoming earlier career setbacks. His 36 receptions for 373 yards in 2024 not only set personal career highs but also positioned him fourth on the team in receiving production, solidifying his role as a key target in the Cornhuskers’ passing attack.
Fidone represents the modern tight end archetype that NFL scouts covet – athletic, versatile, and capable of creating mismatches across the formation. His development at Nebraska has showcased his ability to line up in various spots and contribute meaningfully to different offensive schemes. Though not yet at his ceiling, Fidone’s trajectory suggests significant upside as he continues to add functional strength to complement his natural receiving abilities.
The Council Bluffs, Iowa native arrived in Lincoln as a highly-touted four-star prospect with expectations of becoming a difference-maker in the Cornhuskers’ offense. After working through early challenges, Fidone has begun fulfilling that promise, demonstrating the combination of size, hands and route-running acumen that makes tight ends increasingly valuable in today’s game. With his continued development and production, NFL teams will certainly be monitoring his progress as a potential draft target.
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Early Life and High School Career
Thomas Fidone II grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he developed into one of the nation’s premier tight end prospects. He attended Lewis Central High School, where his impressive frame and athletic abilities quickly set him apart from his peers.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Fidone established himself as a dominant force on the football field. He essentially played as a big wide receiver in high school, often lining up outside or in the slot.
Recruiting services took notice of his exceptional talent. Fidone earned a prestigious four-star rating and was ranked as the 2nd overall tight end in his recruiting class. He was also listed as the 92nd best overall prospect nationally.
His success at Lewis Central helped establish the program as a Class 3A power in Iowa high school football. The combination of his size, hands, and route-running ability made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
High School Rankings:
| Service | Star Rating | Position Rank | Overall Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | #2 TE | Not Listed |
| 247 Sports | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | #2 TE | #92 Overall |
After weighing his options, Fidone opted to take his talents to Nebraska, where he would begin his collegiate career with high expectations as one of the most anticipated tight end recruits in the country.
College Career at Nebraska
Thomas Fidone II arrived at Nebraska as a highly-touted tight end prospect. His journey with the Cornhuskers has been marked by steady development, overcoming injuries, and eventually emerging as a key offensive weapon.
Freshman Year Highlights
Fidone’s freshman campaign was unfortunately hampered by a knee injury that limited his playing time. The Council Bluffs, Iowa native was forced to redshirt after suffering the injury during spring practice in 2021.
Despite the setback, Fidone showed flashes of his potential in limited action. He managed to return late in the season, appearing in just two games while preserving his eligibility. The coaching staff raved about his athleticism and pass-catching ability during practice sessions.
The 6’5″ tight end used this time to build strength and learn the offensive system, laying groundwork for future success. His determination during recovery demonstrated the mental toughness that would serve him well throughout his Nebraska career.
Sophomore Year Development
Fidone’s sophomore year showed promising development as he worked his way into the Cornhuskers’ offensive rotation. He began earning more consistent playing time, though still primarily in a supporting role.
The athletic tight end recorded modest numbers but showed improvement in all facets of his game:
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 13 |
| Receptions | 11 |
| Receiving Yards | 132 |
| Yards Per Catch | 12.0 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
His blocking techniques advanced significantly, making him more than just a receiving threat. Coaches praised his improved understanding of offensive schemes and route-running precision.
Fidone’s potential remained evident despite not yet putting up eye-popping statistics. NFL scouts began taking notice of his frame and natural ball skills that suggested a higher ceiling.
Junior Year Breakthrough
Fidone’s junior year marked his true breakthrough with the Cornhuskers, as he emerged as one of the team’s primary offensive weapons. He started 9 games and appeared in all 13 contests during the 2023 season.
The talented tight end recorded 36 receptions for 373 yards, ranking fourth on the team in both categories. His receiving skills shined as he consistently created mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
Fidone’s route-running precision improved dramatically, allowing him to find soft spots in zone coverage. His red zone presence made him a favored target near the goal line.
NFL draft analysts began projecting him as a potential early-round selection due to his combination of size, athleticism, and improving ball skills. Fidone’s blocking also took significant strides forward, making him a complete tight end prospect rather than just a receiving threat.
Statistical Overview
Thomas Fidone II has established himself as a reliable target in Nebraska’s offense, though his production shows room for potential growth as he develops. His stats reveal a tight end who consistently moves the chains while showing flashes of big-play ability.
Receiving Stats
Fidone currently sits at 36 receptions for 373 yards in the 2024 season. This production translates to a respectable 10.4 yards per catch average, solid numbers for a tight end in a power conference.
The Nebraska standout has shown steady improvement in his route-running and hands, making him a reliable option in crucial situations. His reception total ranks among the top tight ends in the Big Ten this season.
| Season | Receptions | Yards | Avg | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 36 | 373 | 10.4 | N/A |
Fidone’s catch rate on targets demonstrates his reliability as a safety valve for Cornhusker quarterbacks. He’s particularly effective in the middle of the field, where his size creates matchup problems.
Scoring Contributions
Interestingly, Fidone has yet to find the end zone in the 2024 campaign, with zero touchdowns on his current stat line. This absence of scoring is somewhat surprising given his physical tools and target share in the offense.
This touchdown drought doesn’t necessarily reflect his red zone usage, as Fidone has been targeted near the goal line multiple times. It likely speaks more to Nebraska’s overall offensive struggles than his individual performance.
NFL evaluators will note that his scoring production doesn’t match his physical potential. At the next level, his size and athleticism project as weapons in confined spaces, making him a potential red zone threat despite the current statistical limitations.
Yards from Scrimmage
With 373 total yards this season, Fidone has established himself as a legitimate receiving threat from the tight end position. His contributions represent a significant portion of Nebraska’s passing attack.
Fidone’s production comes primarily as a receiver, with virtually all of his yards from scrimmage coming through the air. His yards-after-catch ability has improved, turning short completions into moderate gains.
NFL draft analysts project Fidone as a flex tight end at the next level, where his route-running and receiving skills will be his primary contributions. His frame and athleticism suggest he could develop into a more complete tight end who contributes in both the passing and running games.
His current yards production places him solidly among draft-eligible tight ends, though adding more explosive plays would certainly boost his draft stock heading into 2025.
Physical Attributes
Thomas Fidone II has the prototypical size and athleticism that NFL scouts desire in modern tight ends. His combination of height, speed, and jumping ability makes him a valuable offensive weapon at the next level.
40-Yard Dash Performance
Fidone showcased impressive straight-line speed at Nebraska’s pro day, clocking an official 40-yard dash time of 4.70 seconds with a quick 10-yard split of 1.57 seconds. This performance ranked him as the fourth-fastest tight end at the event, demonstrating exceptional burst for his size.
The 4.70 time is particularly noteworthy for a player standing 6’6″ and weighing 255 pounds. When compared to other draft-eligible tight ends, Fidone’s speed-to-size ratio places him in the upper echelon of the position.
NFL scouts value this kind of straight-line speed for tight ends who can stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
Broad Jump Results
Fidone’s explosiveness is further evidenced by his broad jump measurements. With his 10⅝” hands and 34″ arms, Fidone possesses the catch radius to be a reliable target in the passing game.
His wingspan measures an impressive 82½ inches, giving him significant advantages in contested catch situations. This length, combined with his leaping ability, makes him a red zone threat and a valuable safety valve in tight coverage.
| Physical Measurement | Result |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’6″ |
| Weight | 255 lbs |
| Hand Size | 10⅝” |
| Arm Length | 34″ |
| Wingspan | 82½” |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.70 seconds |
| 10-Yard Split | 1.57 seconds |
Notable Games and Performances
Thomas Fidone II has shown flashes of elite potential during his Nebraska career, despite battling injuries and team struggles. His big-play ability and knack for finding the end zone highlight his value as a potential NFL prospect.
Career Highs
Fidone’s statistical peaks showcase why NFL scouts remain intrigued by the 6’5″, 243-pound tight end. His 2023 season featured several standout moments before injuries curtailed his production.
The talented tight end recorded a career-high 6 receptions against Minnesota, demonstrating his ability to be a volume target. His longest reception went for 73 yards, displaying the big-play potential that has NFL teams viewing him as a potential mismatch weapon at the next level.
| Stat Category | Career High | Game |
|---|---|---|
| Receptions | 6 | vs. Minnesota (2023) |
| Receiving Yards | 91 | vs. Northwestern (2023) |
| Touchdowns | 2 | vs. Northern Illinois (2023) |
| Long Reception | 73 yards | vs. Northwestern (2023) |
Signature Games
Nebraska’s struggles in conference play didn’t stop Fidone from delivering notable performances that bolstered his draft stock. His game against Northwestern in 2023 stands out as his most complete performance. Here, he showcased his route-running ability and yards-after-catch potential.
In the 2023 matchup with Minnesota, Fidone emerged as a reliable safety valve. He consistently moved the chains with critical third-down conversions. His body control and catch radius were on full display.
The Northern Illinois game highlighted his red zone prowess with two touchdown grabs. His ability to box out defenders and high-point the football demonstrated why he’s considered a new age tight end who can play in multiple spots.
At the NFL Combine, Fidone impressed with a 4.70 second 40-yard dash. This ranked fourth among tight ends and bolstered his draft credentials.
Projection for Professional Career
Thomas Fidone II enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a promising tight end prospect with strong potential at the next level. His blend of size, athleticism, and route-running ability positions him to make an impact in the right NFL system.
NFL Combine Prospects
Fidone’s upcoming NFL Combine performance will be crucial in solidifying his draft position. His route-running ability and pass-game prowess should shine during on-field drills. Scouts will be particularly interested in his 40-yard dash time and agility metrics.
The Nebraska tight end projects primarily as a flex tight end early in his professional career. His ability to separate against multiple coverages will be valuable at the next level.
Current draft projections vary, with some analysts seeing him as a mid-round selection while others have him going undrafted. His combine performance could significantly impact this range.
| Metric | Projection | Impact on Draft Status |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Projection | Mid-rounds to UDFA | Varies by analyst |
| Position Rank | #13 TE | Mid-tier prospect |
| College Games | 25 | Moderate experience |
Fidone’s hip fluidity and wiggle give him advantages against man coverage, skills that will appeal to teams looking for receiving threats from the tight end position.
Community and Personal Life
Thomas Fidone II comes from an athletic family background. He is the son of Thomas Fidone and Jennifer Erntse, though his parents later separated. His father later married Elizabeth Simon.
Standing at 6-6 and weighing 250 pounds, Fidone brought impressive physical traits to Nebraska when he arrived as the No. 1 tight end recruit in the country in 2021. His high-profile status in the recruiting world made him an instant celebrity in Lincoln.
Fidone has shown resilience through his college career, working through injuries to become a key contributor for the Huskers. His determination reflects the blue-collar ethos of Nebraska football that resonates deeply with the community.
While specific community service activities aren’t extensively documented, Fidone represents Nebraska’s proud tight end tradition. The program has historically emphasized community involvement, with players regularly participating in hospital visits and youth football clinics.
Nebraska tight ends typically maintain high visibility in the Lincoln community, where football players are viewed as ambassadors for the university.
References
Thomas Fidone II has established himself as a key player for Nebraska’s football team. The tight end played in all 13 games in 2024 and started nine of them.
In 2024, he recorded 36 receptions for 373 receiving yards, ranking fourth on the team in productivity.
His performance in 2024 showed marked improvement. Fidone brings versatility to the field and is described as a “new age tight end” who can play in various systems and formations. Scouts note that his strength development will determine how early he might see playing time at the next level.
| Season | Games | Starts | Receptions | Yards | Avg. Yds/Rec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | 9 | 36 | 373 | 10.4 |
NFL draft analysts currently project Fidone as a mid-round prospect with upside. His combination of size and receiving ability makes him an intriguing developmental player for NFL teams seeking versatile tight ends.
It’s worth noting that Fidone’s Nebraska career has reportedly come to an end, though it remains unclear if he will enter the transfer portal with his remaining eligibility.
For more detailed statistics and game highlights, the ESPN player profile offers comprehensive coverage of his collegiate career.
