Husker Defense Overhaul: Can Rhule’s Changes Deliver in 2026?
After a season that ended with three blowout losses, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has made sweeping changes to his defense. The moves, which include a new coordinator and a shift to a 4-2-5 scheme, aim to fix a unit that ranked 98th in rush defense. For Iowa fans, the results could have big implications for the annual rivalry game.
Why Rhule Overhauled the Defense
Nebraska finished 2025 with losses of 37-10 to Penn State, 40-10 to Iowa, and 44-22 to Utah. The Hawkeyes’ dominant performance in Lincoln was a low point, and Rhule responded by firing defensive coordinator John Butler and defensive line coach Terry Bradden. He also scrapped the 3-3-5 scheme that had struggled to stop the run.
“When a