While the offense enters 2026 with a relatively clear picture at most positions, the defense arrives with more intrigue and higher stakes. New defensive coordinator Rob Aurich is installing a 4-2-5 scheme that marks a significant shift from the previous look, emphasizing a more traditional four-man front, faster linebackers, and greater versatility in the secondary. The Huskers attacked last year’s biggest weaknesses (run defense and pass rush) through the portal, adding experienced edge help in Anthony Jones and interior depth with Owen Stoudmire and Jahsear Whittington. Those newcomers join returning pieces like Williams Nwaneri, Cameron Lenhardt, Riley Van Poppel, and a bulked-up linebacker group headlined by Vincent Shavers Jr. and transfers Owen Chambliss and Dexter Foster. In the secondary, Andrew Marshall remains the one proven anchor, while nearly every other spot is still up for grabs as the unit learns Aurich’s system. Fall camp will reveal how quickly the front seven generates consistent pressure, whether the new scheme cleans up the run fits, and which young or transfer defenders step into starting roles. Here’s my early projection for the defensive starters.
Defensive Line
Starters: Cameron Lenhardt, Jahsear Whittington, Owen Stoudmire, Anthony Jones
This is the unit carrying the biggest question mark on the entire roster and the one that will have the largest impact on how far the Huskers can go in 2026. Off the edge, Nebraska will lean on experience and bigger bodies, making Cam Lenhardt and Anthony Jones the early favorites. On obvious passing downs, expect Williams Nwaneri and Kade Pietrzak to rotate in. Inside, Whittington and Stoudmire get the starting nods. Stoudmire brings valuable experience and represents a clear upgrade over Elijah Jeudy, even if he doesn’t end up as an All-Big Ten selection. Whittington is undersized on paper, but he doesn’t play that way. With violent hands, a relentless motor, and the ability to create disruption from the interior, he has a real shot at All-Big Ten recognition, whether honorable mention or better.
Linebackers
Starters: Dexter Foster and Owen Chambliss
Under Rob Aurich’s new 4-2-5 scheme, Nebraska’s linebackers will see heavy rotation, not only because of the system, but because of the depth of talent in the room. Don’t be surprised if five or six different backers see the field in a given game. The go-to starters, though, will be Dexter Foster and Owen Chambliss. Both bring experience and proven run-stopping ability, which aligns perfectly with the defense’s primary focus this season.
Secondary
Starters: Andrew Marshall, Donovan Jones, Jamir Conn, Rex Guthrie, Dwayne McDougle III
Nebraska finished with the nation’s No. 3 pass defense a year ago, and that unit sets a high bar for 2026. Andrew Marshall is the clear CB1 and will look to fill the lockdown role previously held by Ceyair Wright. The second corner spot should go to Donovan Jones, though a move to nickel remains possible. True freshman five-star Danny Odem could also push for a starting role. At nickel, Jamir Conn is the projected starter; if he struggles early, Jones would be the natural replacement. At safety, Rex Guthrie and Dwayne McDougle III round out the group. Both bring meaningful experience and complementary skill sets that should help the secondary maintain its high standard under the new scheme.
Overall, Nebraska’s defense enters 2026 with a new scheme, meaningful portal upgrades, and enough returning talent to make real progress. The front seven carries the heaviest questions but also the highest upside; if the edges and interior can generate pressure and stop the run, everything else becomes easier. The secondary has the pieces to remain one of the better units in the Big Ten, provided they settle in quickly under Aurich’s system. Camp will sort out the final starting roles and rotation patterns, but the foundation is stronger than it has been in recent years. If the Blackshirts execute the new look with physicality and discipline, this defense has a chance to be the driving force behind Nebraska’s next step forward.