No position group likely typified Nebraska flexing its defensive depth more than the Husker linebacker group in 2023.
While mainstays like Luke Reimer and Nick Henrich both showed up again last season, Nebraska was able to get more out of new contributors, and find new roles for players who moved to linebacker after Matt Rhule and Tony White arrived in Lincoln.
The linebacker group was a big part of Nebraska’s statistical climb in 2023 as the rush defense improved from No. 108 in 2022 to No. 9 in the country last season. The Huskers gave up an average of 2.97 yards per attempt and 92.9 rush yards per game, which was also a Top-10 mark nationally.
Anecdotally, Nebraska tackled significantly better in 2023 — in part because of the Huskers’ changing approach to tackling in practice — and with the bulk of the veterans back from last season, plus a few intriguing additions coming off redshirt seasons, the linebacker group could be poised for a step forward in the second year of Tony White’s defense.
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