The defensive backs and the secondary play for the Huskers last season was the best part of the defense. And I believe they’ll be as good or better this season. But for different reasons.
There is one simple truth when talking about Nebraska’s pass defense in 2025, teams didn't need to try to pass the ball because Nebraska couldn't stop the run. Yes, previous DC John Butler’s pass defense was solid, but part of that was his scheme never putting the back five in jeopardy. With never putting pressure on offenses or forcing them out of sync, they felt comfortable running the ball and found success doing it.
While the Blackshirts were second nationally against the pass (141.4 passing yards per game allowed) they also finished the year allowing 172.6 rushing yards per game. Those numbers made Nebraska 96th nationally against the run and second-to-last in opponent redzone scoring percentage. Butler’s unit might've ended the season ranked as the No. 23 overall defense, but we saw a unit that looked far less effective than the ranking suggests. To make it worse, the Blackshirts only limited one Power Four opponent to score less than two rushing touchdowns against them. Why pass when you can move the ball at will on the ground.
That’s why Rhule hired new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich and Aurich decided to add a true safeties coach to the staff. He went out and hired Tyler Yelk, a coach he had worked with previously at Idaho and South Dakota. But their relationship goes even deeper, built as teammates playing collegiately at Minnesota Duluth. For the safeties, Yelk gives them a positional coach with a history of coaching the 4-2-5 scheme. As far as continuity and knowledge of what will be expected, Aurich couldn't have found a coach with much more experience than Yelk offers.
But Aurich didn’t start with Yelk. His first move was adding one of the most experienced and statistically proven defensive backs he knew. Ranked the third best safety in the portal, Aurich brought Dewayne McDougle with him from San Deigo State. McDougle’s 51 tackles puts him in second place in returning production for Nebraska defensive backs. The Huskers will be the third team where Aurich and McDougle have paired up, making McDougle the most familiar player on the roster with Aurich’s 4-2-5 scheme.
Aurich said much is being asked of Nebraska’s safeties from leadership and communication to tackling. He said he likes the look of the group with the opener coming up.
“It’s a unique position, where not only are you in charge of how we operate, but there’s a lot of responsibility for you to be a 1-on-1 tackler.” Aurich said. “I think we have the right group of guys back there to hold that responsibility.”
Yes, we need shut-down corners, so why am I spending so much time talking safeties? Because the three safeties not only play important roles in coverage, but they are also a huge part of run support, taking the right angles and coming up and making tackles. The Huskers cannot have teams breaking the long runs against them like we saw from Michigan last season. It starts up front, but even if there are busted plays, there’s a reason they are called safeties. Because they must prevent big plays from becoming scoring plays.
But it isn’t just McDougle’s addition that will help, it should also be noted that corner Andrew Marshall played under Aurich at Idaho before coming to Nebraska. Yelk, McDougle, and Marshall will speed up the process of being comfortable in the 4-2-5 scheme for not only the players, but cornerback coach Addison Williams as well.
Cornerback No. 2
One of the biggest questions going into the opener against Ohio was who would start at cornerback opposite of Andrew Marshall. Top candidates included Jeremiah Charles, Victor Evans III, and freshman Danny Odem.
With the posting of the depth chart on Monday, it looks like it’s between Evans and Charles as there is an “OR” between their names. Danny Odem is listed as the backup to Marshall.
Surprisingly there is an “OR” between safety Dewayne McDougle and Rex Guthrie’s names as well.
Anticipated Starting Five for Ohio
Andrew Marshall – 6’0”, 195-pounds
Experience: Senior (39 games, 27 starts)
Outlook: Before transferring to Nebraska Marshall recorded 72 tackles, 1.5 tackles for losses, 8 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery at Idaho. Last season in his 13 starts as a Husker, he registered 45 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 1 interception and 4 pass breakups. Marshall was selected All-Big Sky in 2024 and honorable-mention All-Big Ten last season, making him one of the best defensive backs on the team. He plays with physicality, tenacity and grit. As one of the veteran leaders in the room he possesses elite coverage skills, displays strong leadership qualities, and has a relentless work ethic. DC Rob Aurich was glad to be reunited with Marshall and have him be part of his defense again.
Victor Evans III – 6’1”, 195-pounds
Experience: Senior (29 games, 8 starts)
Outlook: Evans played three seasons at Florida International before transferring to Nebraska. He logged 59 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 4 pass break ups, and 1 fumble recovery. He’s a fast smooth runner who has logged a 40-yard dash time of 4.31 seconds. Matt Rhule described Evans as, “fast, fast, fast human, I mean, he’s got Florida speed.” He possesses excellent play recognition, making him durable in multiple alignments and giving him the ability to read quarterbacks. He’s physical and isn’t afraid to make tackles, making him a valuable player in both pass coverage and run support.
Dewayne McDougle III – 5’11”, 205-pounds
Experience: Senior (40 games, 22 starts)
Outlook: McDougle played last season at San Deigo State, and the two season prior at Idaho. He registered 143 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions, 12 pass break ups, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery over that time. From a production standpoint he is one of the most experienced and productive Huskers on the defense. While McDougle is athletically talented it’s his knowledge and leadership that gives him a key role within Aurich’s system. Because of that he is fluent in the nuances of the defense which gives him the ability to break down and recognize offenses.
Jamir Conn – 5’11”, 185-pounds
Experience: Senior (36 games, 11 starts)
Outlook: Conn played two seasons at Southern Illinois before transferring to Nebraska. He logged 68 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 9 pass break ups, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. In his first season as a Husker, he played in all 13 games. But his big contribution was on special teams where he blocked two punts, making him the first Husker to do so since 2014. Conn has played almost every defensive back position while in college, making him a versatile piece in Aurich’s defense. Because of his high football IQ he was able to quickly learn Aurich’s scheme and become one of the key communicators in the secondary. Aurich has praised him for his ability to process at an elite level. Called a “workhorse” by his teammates he’s shown a mental toughness and willingness to do whatever it takes no matter what.
Donovan Jones – 6’1”, 200-pounds
Experience: Sophomore (18 games, 11 starts)
Outlook: Jones redshirted his freshman season but started 11 games his second season and played in all 13. He totaled 59 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and had 5 pass break ups. He became just the fifth Husker freshman to record 50 tackles since freshman became eligible to play varsity ball in 1972. Jones played cornerback last season, and his coverage skills are considered the best among those in the defensive back room. At 200-pounds and running a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, he is elite in pass coverage but it’s his aggressiveness and physicality that makes him a wrecking ball in run support. Thus, the move to nickel. Jones has all the traits that make him an integral piece not only in the secondary but on the defense.
First Two In
Jeremiah Charles – 6’0”, 180-pounds
Experience: Junior (28 games, 1 starts)
Outlook: Charles redshirted his freshman year and started his career as a wide receiver before moving to defensive back. Considered a ‘freak’ athlete, he split his offseason time by also competing in track. He played all 13 games as a redshirt freshman and started 1 game. Last season he played all 13 games but mostly as a special team’s contributor. Jones has exceptional change of direction, jumping ability and explosive acceleration.
“I’m excited to see what Jeremiah does come the start of the season,” Rhule said.
His weight gain and increase in strength have set him up as a potential starter. But even if he doesn’t start, he’ll be one of the first to come in at corner in a backup role.
Rex Guthrie – 6’1”, 200-pounds
Experience: Sophomore (13 games, 8 starts)
Outlook: Guthrie did not play a game as a freshman but saw his share of action last season logging 63 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 pass break up. He became only the third Nebraska freshman to record 60 tackles in a season since freshman regained eligibility in 1972, and his 63 tackles were the second most by a Husker freshman since 1972. While Guthrie grades high in pass coverage, he rarely covered wide receivers but occasionally covered tight ends. When he did see playing time he was usually brought in to help stop the run. This is due to good speed, his ability to change direction, and his ball carrier vision, allowing him to anticipate runners when tackling. It was a quiet offseason for Guthrie as he recovered from offseason surgery, but all indications are that he did enough to earn the “OR” between his and McDougle’s name.
Will See Action
Danny Odem III – 6’0”, 195-pounds
Experience: Freshman (0 games, 0 starts)
Outlook: A 5-star recruit he was ranked the No. 19 player and No. 2 cornerback in the nation by 247Sports. Over his three varsity prep seasons he logged 80 tackles, 5 interceptions, 8 passes defended and 2 forced fumbles. His performance in the Navey All-American Bowl caused his stock to rise. A true freshman with blue-chip credentials he’s seen as someone who can contribute immediately. His combination of speed, agility, anticipation to read plays, and tracking routes makes him a potential starter at cornerback as a true freshman.
Caleb Benning – 5’11”, 195-pounds
Experience: Sophomore (14 games, 0 starts)
Outlook: Benning saw limited action in the secondary last season but was a major contributor on special teams, returning a squib kick 25 yards. It wasn’t until the Las Vegas Bowl that Benning saw extensive playing time. In that game he was the leading tackler with 15 stops. Considered one of the most well-rounded defensive backs on the team, Benning has good speed, agility, and a high football IQ, enabling him to read plays and excel in both pass coverage and run support. His versatility allows him to play any of the safety positions. It’s been said Yelk will unlock Benning and we will see him take the next step.
Secondary Leads the Way
Rhule’s goal has been to get old and stay old. The projected top five starters in the secondary have played in 162 games with 79 starts. That’s a good start.
If you break the Blackshirts down into three groups, defensive line, linebackers and secondary, the secondary is the best of the three. Now it’s up to the defensive line and linebackers to step up and be as effective.
Call me crazy, but I have a good feeling about the Blackshirts. I think the talent is there and now there is coaching to take the players to the next step. Look for Aurich to field Rhule’s best defense since he’s been the head man in Lincoln. Some will say that is a mouthful considering Tony White’s defenses. But fans are about to see something that resembles the Blackshirts of old. This is no longer a read and react defense, but an attack and react defense. Its defense played the way it’s supposed to be played.
“For us, we have to be better in November,” Rhule said. “We’ve gotten off to good starts, but champions are made in those winning moments in the cold on the road late in the season. Those are the championship moments. For us, we have to excel in those. It’s me, it’s our staff, our coaches, and the players.”
The Huskers will be better in November.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
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