Welcome to the 2022 FCS Jersey Countdown. Leading up to the start of weekly college football odds and Week 0 games on Aug. 27, HERO Sports will name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Due to rosters being updated at different times for teams across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on last season’s rosters.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2021 rosters.
63: Levi Nesler, OL (Sr.) — Murray State
Nesler has accomplished a ton during his time at Murray State, both on the field and off the field.
Arriving as a walk-on, Nesler quickly turned into one of the best offensive lineman in the OVC. He started 10 games in 2018 and was named a HERO Sports Freshman All-American. Nesler hasn’t left the lineup since and has started 40 total games. The 6-foot-1, 318-pound center gained more accolades the last two seasons as a back-to-back All-OVC First Team selection.
The Murray State offensive line led the way for 2021 HERO Sports Freshman All-American Damonta Witherspoon, who rushed for 912 yards and eight TDs.
For as strong as he is on the field, Nesler is equally as impressive in the classroom. He was named to the 2021 FCS Athletic Directors Association Academic All-Star team. He already has two degrees (B.S. in agriculture systems technology and Master’s in science and agriculture). He’s now working on a Human Development and Leadership certificate with one more football season to play.
Nesler enters his final football campaign as a preseason Second Team All-American in Lindy’s Sports annual magazine.
