Nebraska’s 2026 Big Ten slate already looked brutal on paper, and ESPN’s latest defender survey only sharpened that picture - especially when the conversation turns to Oregon.
ESPN analysts Eli Lederman and Max Olson asked more than 20 front-office personnel around the sport, including general managers, player personnel directors and scouting directors, to help identify the top returning players in college football for 2026. The result included two Ducks defenders near the top of the list, a reminder that Matt Rhule’s team may have more than one elite problem waiting when Oregon comes to Lincoln on October 17.
The highest-ranked Oregon defender on the survey was defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington, who checked in at No. 4 nationally. Washington did not pile up huge sack numbers, but he was a steady wrecking ball for the Ducks, finishing with 33 tackles, 15 pressures, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and eight pass breakups. That last number stands out for an interior lineman and speaks to how often he got into the backfield and forced chaos even when he didn’t finish the play himself.
"Washington is earning early first-round buzz for next year's NFL draft after his breakout 2025 season with the Ducks and his decision to stay in school one more year," the ESPN analysts wrote. "The 6-foot-3, 330-pound senior moved into the starting lineup for Oregon's defense last season and was a disruptive force up front"
That is a rough matchup for Nebraska on its own, especially with a completely rebuilt offensive line trying to find its footing. The Huskers do have Geep Wade, whom the source notes is considered one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, but even that kind of reputation only goes so far against a player drawing first-round NFL buzz.
And if Nebraska manages to get through Washington, Oregon still has another elite defender waiting. Brandon Finney Jr., a former Top 50 recruit, came in at No. 8 on the same list.
"The 6-foot-2, 203-pound cover man didn't allow a catch in eight of his 15 starts and surrendered just 12 catches on 37 targets last season. According to ESPN Research, Finney finished with the second-best contested target rate (73%) in FBS last season. Dan Lanning and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi trusted him enough to let him play 111 snaps in press coverage, fifth most in the Big Ten," the analysts wrote.
'"Finney is elite,' one Big Ten staff member whose team faced Oregon said. 'He's really good. He's so long and he can move."'
Oregon’s defense was always going to be a major test, but the usual focus has been on quarterback Dante Moore. This survey makes it clear Nebraska has plenty to worry about on the other side of the ball too.
In Other News...
Nebraska Is Suddenly In The Mix For A Massive Future Lineman
Nebraskas recruiting board for the future got a little more interesting over the weekend, when the Huskers extended an offer to 2028 offensive line prospect Jamaree Turner after he made the trip to Lincoln for Friday Night Lights. Turner, a four-star recruit with a growing national profile, already has a list of major programs involved, but Nebraska clearly made an impression during the camp setting that often gives coaches a chance to separate themselves early.
Turner came away speaking highly of the staff, especially offensive line coach Geep Wade, and that matters in a recruitment where relationships can carry as much weight as rankings. There is still a long way to go before anything becomes final, and the window for Nebraska to keep building on this early momentum will be measured in years rather than months, but landing in the mix this soon is a notable start for the Huskers. [Read more 🡒]
Why Archie Wilson And Jack Wills Matter So Much For Nebraska
Special teams has become a real point of emphasis for Nebraska heading into 2026, and the attention starts with punter Archie Wilson and long snapper Jack Wills. Wilson finished his first season with a 39.4-yard average and did a good job limiting returns, while Wills arrives after playing all 12 games at Michigan State and is expected to bring more stability to a spot that can quietly swing field position all season long.
The Huskers know there is room to climb in net punting, and that makes the pairing even more important as they try to tighten every part of the operation. New special teams coordinator Brett Maher has already talked about Wilsons unusual style and the challenge of giving him freedom while still keeping a dependable option in place, and Nebraska has also added freshman Kyson Gana to compete at long snapper as the group takes shape for the seasons ahead. [Read more 🡒]