If it wasn’t Egeland making things happen for the Cubs, it was Austin Waldera Austin Waldera 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Nevada | 2026 State IA . The leading rusher and tackler for Nevada on Saturday, Waldera is the straw that stirs the drink on his football team.

The 6-foot, 200-pound prospect took carry after carry, delivering and taking a beating on the ground, but popping back up and doing it all over again a play later. Finishing with 36 rushing attempts for 233 yards and a touchdown on offense, Wadera added 11 tackles defensively, including three TFLs and a sack.

A patient runner that will let his blocks get set up before taking off, he’ll bring the pain to any would-be tackler who tries to bring him down, too. Waldera is a football player through-and-through, and he sets the tone for what the Cubs do on both sides of the ball.

One of just a few prospects in Class 3A with multiple defensive touchdowns, Austin Waldera Austin Waldera 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Nevada | 2026 State IA , like Herbst, has been critical in all three phases of the game for Nevada this season.

Starting on the offensive side of the ball, Waldera has taken 163 carries for 844 yards and six touchdowns for the Cubs this fall. Defensively, in addition to the interception and fumbles he returned for scores, Waldera has been a menace, leading Nevada in tackles (50.5) and TFLs (14.5).

Serving as his team’s punter, Waldera does a bit of everything for the Cubs. This season, he’s booted away 26 punts for 970 yards, averaging 37.3 yards per punt.