Jerry "Rat" Murtaugh (born April 30, 1948) was an American college football linebacker for the Nebraska Cornhuskers who was named a first-team All-American in 1970.

Murtaugh was a co-captain of the 1970 Nebraska team which won the 1970 National Championship by defeating LSU in the 1971 Orange Bowl to cap off an undefeated 11–0–1 season.

[1] The 1970 Nebraska team was loaded with talent, including in addition to Murtaugh future Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers, running back Jeff Kinney, and quarterback Jerry Tagge, a 1972 first round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers.

'"[4] The 1970 team ultimately put their money where Murtaugh's mouth was, running the table to finish 11–0–1 — culminating with a 17–15 win on New Year's Day over the LSU Tigers and a first national title for the scarlet-and-white.

[5] As of 2024, Murtaugh still stands as #2 on Nebraska's all-time tackles list, with 342, despite having had only three years of varsity football eligibility in accordance with NCAA rules of the day.