Roy Manning knows what it takes to get after the quarterback - and he’s bringing that mindset to Lincoln.
After helping San Diego State’s edge defenders build a reputation for relentless pressure last season, Manning is now focused on bringing that same energy to Nebraska. The key, he says, isn’t just what happens on third down - it’s the work that gets done before that.
“We made it our aim to just kill the run on first and second down,” Manning said during a recent appearance on Sports Nightly. “Then it’s time to party and force people to play on our terms.”
That party? It starts on third down - but only if you earn the invite.
And Manning’s track record suggests he knows how to get there. Under defensive coordinator Rob Aurich, who also made the move from San Diego State to Nebraska, the Aztecs’ defense racked up 32 sacks this past season.
More telling? Their quarterback hurries jumped from 40 to 68 after Aurich took over.
That kind of disruption doesn’t happen by accident.
At Nebraska in 2025, the Huskers finished with 19 sacks over 12 games - 14 of those coming against Power Four opponents. That’s a number Manning is looking to improve quickly, and he believes the pieces are already in place.
“It’s a mindset, mentality and belief,” he said. “There’s no lack of talent here.
I think it’s about developing guys and putting them in a position to maximize what they’re good at. It’s belief - and instilling that belief in those guys.”
Manning and Aurich have built a strong rapport since their time at San Diego State, and that chemistry is translating into a clear defensive vision for Nebraska. Expect the Huskers to operate primarily out of a four-man front with quarters coverage - a system designed to be aggressive while staying fundamentally sound.
Aurich’s strength, Manning says, lies in his ability to communicate the scheme clearly and effectively - something that’s often overlooked when building a defense.
“It’s not 600-level football to the players,” Manning explained. “That’s important.
Relaying the information to them in a way they can execute and play fast. He’s top-tier about getting that done.”
And while creativity is part of the plan, Manning made it clear that sound football will remain the foundation. The goal is to force opposing offenses into predictable situations - and then capitalize.
“We want to stop the run and force people to be in situations where they have to throw the ball and drop their quarterback back,” he said. “That plays into our hands as we see it. We’re going to be creative and be exotic, but we’re not going to do that and not be sound.”
Manning brings a wealth of experience to the table. A former linebacker at Michigan, he’s made coaching stops at Cincinnati, Michigan, Washington State, UCLA, Oklahoma, USC, and San Diego State. Along the way, he’s earned a reputation as a strong recruiter with a knack for identifying and developing talent from all over the country.
Now, back in the Big Ten, Manning says it feels like a return to his football roots.
“It’s been spirited to say the least,” he said. “It’s Big Ten football at its finest - smash mouth, a lot of contact.
A lot of getting after it. It’s refreshing.
It’s a lot of fun.”
And for Manning, this isn’t just another coaching stop - it feels like home.
“It’s exciting. This is where my roots are - this brand of ball,” he said.
“It’s been some years since I’ve been in it, but it’s comfortable. This is where God wants me.”
With Manning and Aurich now at the helm of Nebraska’s defense, the Huskers are aiming to bring back that classic Big Ten edge - tough, physical, and ready to turn third downs into party time.