Bo Pelini names team captains at the end of the season, not the start. It makes a lot of sense, if you examine it. Sure, a team needs leaders along the way. The coaching staff named captains for each game, but this season-end designation is for the record books.

According to Omaha World Herald, defensive tackle Ty Steinkuhler, defensive end Zach Potter, quarterback Joe Ganz and receiver Nate Swift practiced Monday as new team captains. They’ve got three weeks to wear their titles on the field and a lifetime to bask in the company of NU greats.

“It’s a huge honor,” said the soft-spoken Steinkuhler, son of 1983 captain Dean Steinkuhler. “I can’t even explain it. I wasn’t expecting this at all.”

Bo Pelini said, “I’ve been around doing it that way for a long time. I think it’s the right way. It will be like that as long as I’m here.”