Evaluating how Nebraska’s defense has looked in fall camp

A lot has been made of Nebraska‘s offense ahead of the 2024 season while Huskers’ better established defense has largely flown under the radar.

The defensive unit in Lincoln finished 2023 ranked No. 11 nationally during Matt Rhule’s first season as Nebraska head coach. Returning multiple pieces to that group this fall could set the foundation for the Huskers to excell on both sides of the ball.

HuskersOnline’s Sean Callahan recently joined Andy Staples to preview the defense ahead of the season opener, and how each position group will fare given Nebraska’s personnel.

“I think it’s a pretty good unit,” Callahan told Staples. “The one question was the linebackers. They lost two veterans, and Nick Henrich and and Luke Reimer, and I feel like they’ve actually got a chance to be just as good or better with what they have in there.”

One of the unit’s biggest strengths comes in the form of the defensive line, according to Callahan. Not only do they return all of the veterans on the defensive front, but they also have developing youth waiting patiently behind them for their turn in the coming seasons.

“Nash Hutmacher, Ty Robinson, Jimari Butler, you know, are all fifth, sixth-year type players in this program,” Callahan said. “And then on the back end of the defense, in the 3-3-5 in that secondary, they have a really good group of seven or eight defensive backs that can play those five positions.”

That secondary is led by safety Isaac Gifford, and cornerback Tommi Hill. Malcolm Hartzog Jr., Blye Hill and Marques Buford could also make an impact in 2024.

At the linebacker position, Nebraska has had to fill in some holes but the return of sixth-year senior John Bullock helps in the experience category. Javin Wright, Mikai Gbayor and transfer Stefon Thompson will also factor into the middle of the Huskers defense this season.

“I think it’s a unit — and it just depends on how some of these games go — but they can be easily a top 15-level national defense statistically,” Callahan said. “Especially with Tony White back, and I think John Butler coming in from the Buffalo Bills. As tough as that timing was lose Evan Cooper, he’s been a great addition after being the secondary coach for the number one ranked defense in the NFL one year ago.”

While things appear to be looking up for the Nebraska defense in 2024, the Huskers still finished last year with a 5-7 record and left a lot to be desired on the offensive side of the ball.

Questions surrounding much of Nebraska’s offensive unit have yet to be answered, including who the starting quarterback will be, the Huskers’ fate many rest in their defense’s hands once they begin their regular season on Aug. 31 against UTEP.