Sometimes, it feels like Nebraska football is running uphill in cleats. Just when it looked like the Huskers had secured a key piece for their defensive line, things took a turn - and not in their favor.
Andy Burburija, a standout JUCO defensive tackle who recently committed to Nebraska, is now trending toward flipping to Clemson. That’s according to projections from both 247Sports and Rivals, and it’s a tough pill to swallow for a program that’s been grinding to build momentum in the trenches.
So, what happened?
According to Husker Online’s Sean Callahan, there were some late-stage academic qualification hurdles that complicated Burburija’s path to Lincoln. It wasn’t a dead end, but it did mean more work needed to be done. And in the world of high-stakes recruiting, sometimes that’s all the window another program needs.
Enter Clemson.
The Tigers reportedly came in with a stronger financial package and hosted Burburija for a visit. That combination - plus the instability he already experienced after decommitting from Kansas State following their coaching change - may have swayed the talented lineman toward the ACC power.
For Nebraska, it’s a frustrating development. Burburija had the kind of pass-rush production that’s hard to find at the JUCO level - 11.5 sacks last season - and he looked like someone who could compete for immediate snaps.
But it’s not all bad news in Lincoln.
Nebraska just added Owen Stoudmire, a 6-foot-1, 292-pound defensive tackle from Boston College. Stoudmire brings Power Five experience and some upside.
He started three games in 2025 before a season-ending injury led to a redshirt year. Back in 2024, he posted 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks - solid production for a rotational lineman who’s still developing.
And the Huskers might not be done yet.
Oregon transfer Terrance Green remains on the board, and Nebraska is still in the mix. Green has taken visits to Alabama and Cal, but he’s expected to make a stop in Lincoln as well.
At 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, Green brings the kind of size you can’t teach - and his portal ranking reflects that. He’s listed as the No. 4 defensive lineman available and No. 29 overall.
Landing Green would be a major win, especially after the potential loss of Burburija. But it won’t be easy. Even with more NIL money freed up, Nebraska’s going to have to sell more than just dollars - they’ll need to pitch opportunity, development, and a vision for the future.
Green’s production hasn’t quite matched his physical tools yet - he finished this past season with 15 tackles and one tackle for loss across 15 games, and has 22 career tackles overall. But the ceiling is high, and in the right system, he could blossom.
Burburija might be moving on, but Nebraska still has a shot to reshape its defensive front. The next few weeks will be telling - not just for who they land, but for how this staff navigates the ever-changing landscape of the transfer portal.