University of Minnesota Athletics

2025 Football Roster

Nestor_John
Jersey Number 17

John Nestor

  • Position:
    DB
  • Ht./Wt.:
    6-1 / 205
  • Hometown:
    Chicago, Ill.
  • High School:
    Marist
  • Prev School:
    Iowa
  • Years in College / At Minnesota:
    3 / 1
  • Remaining Eligibility Entering 2025 Season:
    2 years
  • Class:
    Junior
PRONUNCIATION

OVERVIEW: Enrolled at Minnesota in June 2025 with two seasons of playing eligibility remaining • spent the previous two seasons (2023-24) at Iowa.

2025: Made his Minnesota debut against Buffalo and totaled two tackles and one pass breakup. 

PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Spent two seasons at Iowa where he played in 20 games and made 16 tackles (12 solo) • received the Team Hustle Award for special teams in both 2024 and 2023 • in 2024, played in 10 games and had 14 tackles (10 solo) and also recovered one muffed punt • in 2023, played in 10 games and made two tackles. 

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Marist High School in Chicago, Illinois • wore No. 7 for the RedHawks and was coached by Ron Dawczak • played both safety and corner on defense and wide receiver on offense • team posted a 16-8 record in his final two seasons (advanced to the second round of the playoffs as a senior and reached the state semifinals as a junior) • as a senior, served as team captain and had 52 tackles, five interceptions, 10 pass breakups and three forced fumbles • also totaled 416 all-purpose yards and scored three touchdowns • named CCL Blue Defensive Player of the Year, CCL Blue first-team all-conference, Class 8A IHSA and Rivals first-team all-state and Chicago Sun Times and Chicago Tribune first-team all-area • as a junior, recorded 63 tackles, five interceptions, eight pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, one sack and 302 all-purpose yards • named CCL Blue first-team all-conference and Max Preps all-state • also competed in basketball. 

PERSONAL: Son of John and Rachele Nestor • has two brothers (Jackson, Griffen) and one sister (Kailey) • father, John, played college football at Miami (Ohio) and was a safety.
Game Trailer: Gophers-Demons
Friday, September 05
Coach Fleck Previews Northwestern State
Monday, September 01
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Win Opener
Monday, September 01
Ski-U-March Season Opener
Friday, August 29