Matt Rhule isn’t wasting any time addressing one of Nebraska’s biggest offseason priorities: the defensive line. As the Huskers prepare for their bowl matchup against No.
15 Utah, Rhule has brought in some serious reinforcements-former NFL defensive end and two-time Super Bowl champion Dave Tollefson is now working with the team. It’s a move that speaks volumes about how seriously Rhule is taking the trenches, and there’s hope that Tollefson could stick around beyond the bowl game.
Let’s be honest: Nebraska’s defensive line had a rough go in 2025. The unit struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and was even more vulnerable against the run.
Whether it’s a shift in scheme, a change at defensive coordinator, or a personnel overhaul, something has to give. And Rhule seems determined to shake things up.
One of the quickest ways to inject new life into a position group? The transfer portal.
Fortunately for Nebraska, this year’s crop of defensive linemen in the portal is deep, talented, and filled with potential fits for what the Huskers need. Saturday Blitz recently dropped their top 10 transfer portal DL rankings, and several names jump off the page as players who could make an immediate impact in Lincoln.
Let’s take a closer look at three of the top targets that could help turn things around for Nebraska’s defensive front:
Ian Geffrard - Arkansas
Geffrard might have been part of a struggling Arkansas defense in 2025, but don’t let that cloud your judgment. He was one of the few bright spots on that unit, especially when it came to run defense.
He’s not a pure pass-rusher, but his ability to clog lanes and anchor the middle of the line is exactly what Nebraska needs. If the Huskers want to get tougher up front, Geffrard is a name to watch.
He’s the kind of space-eater who can make life easier for linebackers and force offenses into longer downs.
Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder - Kansas State
If Nebraska is looking to add some juice to its pass rush, Alcorn-Crowder could be the answer. He’s got the motor and quickness to disrupt plays in the backfield, and while he’s not the most consistent tackler in open space, his ability to penetrate and create negative plays is valuable.
Pairing him with someone like Geffrard could be a smart move-Geffrard plugs the gaps, Alcorn-Crowder brings the heat. That’s a combo that could shift the tone of the defense in a hurry.
John Walker - UCF
Walker’s name might raise some eyebrows among Nebraska fans due to his connection to UCF, but let’s clear that up-he was in Orlando before Scott Frost returned to the program. Walker’s strength lies in his run-stopping ability.
He’s not going to wow you with sack numbers, but he’s a technician when it comes to controlling the line of scrimmage and holding his ground. Watch his tape from this past season and you’ll see a player who consistently wins at the point of attack.
Nebraska’s defense showed flashes of promise in 2025, but the line was a clear weak spot. Fixing that starts with adding talent, experience, and toughness-and that’s exactly what Rhule appears to be targeting.
Bringing in a guy like Tollefson is a smart step. He’s been there, done that, and his NFL pedigree could be invaluable to a young group looking to take the next step.
The transfer portal offers a chance to accelerate that process. With players like Geffrard, Alcorn-Crowder, and Walker available, Nebraska has an opportunity to reshape its defensive identity-and fast. If Rhule can land even one of these guys, the Huskers’ front could look a whole lot different come 2026.