Nebraska’s middle-tier position groups enter fall camp with a solid base and a chance to climb even higher once the season gets rolling. The secondary, linebackers and tight ends all bring something useful to the table, and each group has enough returning talent and added depth to matter in 2026.
The defensive backfield looks like one of the cleanest strengths on the roster. Under secondary coach Addison Williams, Nebraska’s DBs were a major reason the Blackshirts held up so well against the pass last season, finishing third nationally in total passing yards allowed. That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident, and the Huskers now have a mix of experience and new blood to build on it.
Dwayne McDougle, Victor Evans and Jasin Shiggs join a room that already has returning contributors in place, giving Nebraska more competition and more options in Rob Aurich’s defensive scheme. The challenge ahead is obvious: Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon are all on the schedule, and this group will need to keep explosive plays in check while finding a way to generate more turnovers than it did a year ago.
Linebacker is another room with a clear centerpiece. Vincent Shavers is back to anchor the group, and Owen Chambliss brings transfer experience that should raise the level of competition. Dawson Merritt adds another returning piece to a unit that looks sturdy heading into the 2026 season.
There’s also more depth in the mix with Dexter Foster and Will Hawthorne, two transfers who could give Rob Dvoracek more flexibility. This is a group that has plenty to prove after being inconsistent at times last season, but it looks deeper and more versatile than Nebraska has had in recent years. How well it handles the run and the short passing game will go a long way in the new defensive setup.
At tight end, Nebraska has quietly built a room that feels dependable, even if it still leaves fans wanting more production. Luke Lindenmeyer and Carter Nelson both bring blocking value and enough receiving ability to contribute when called upon. Neither is being talked about as a top-tier pass catcher, but both fit the offense well.
That could matter even more with Anthony Colandrea’s mobility and his ability to extend plays. Add Dana Holgorsen’s comfort with using multiple tight ends, and there should be chances for this group to do more than show up on the stat sheet.
Taken together, the secondary, linebacker and tight end rooms may not be the flashiest parts of Nebraska’s roster. But they all have the look of reliable building blocks. If they each take another step, they can help give the Huskers the consistency they need to win more games in 2026.
Next Up: The final installment of our series reveals Nebraska's top three position groups entering fall camp, including the unit Matt Rhule believes could be one of the best he's coached.
Missed Part 1? Check out our rankings of No. 7-9 to see which position groups have the most to prove entering August.
In Other News...
Nebraska Just Landed The Kind Of 2027 Back Fans Needed To See
E.J. Barthel has quietly turned Nebraskas running backs room into one of the more interesting recruiting stories on the trail. After developing Emmett Johnson into a Big Ten Running Back of the Year and All-American, Barthel has kept stacking wins with prospects, landing Jamal Rule and now adding Amir Brown, a four-star back who gives the Huskers another high-end piece to build around.
Browns path to Lincoln took some winding turns before it settled there. He originally committed to North Carolina, then reopened things after multiple visits and continued recruitment, and Nebraska kept pressing until it got the answer it wanted from a back ranked No. 201 overall in the 2027 class. He is expected to arrive ahead of the 2027 season, giving the Huskers another young runner with real upside in a room that has become a clear priority. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska May Need To Unleash Jacory Barney In A Bigger Way
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The bigger question for Nebraska is whether that kind of playmaking can be unlocked more consistently in 2026. Barney and the coaching staff have both sounded encouraged by his growth and by his connection with new quarterback Anthony Colandrea, which gives the Huskers a reason to believe there is more upside here than the numbers alone show. The challenge is turning those flashes into a steadier role, especially after his receiving output faded late in the year and left Nebraska wanting more from one of its most dynamic athletes. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraskas Running Back Room Just Got A Needed Jolt
Nebraskas running back picture still has plenty of moving parts as the program looks ahead to the 2026 season, and that uncertainty has only made every roster addition matter a little more. With roles still up for grabs, the Cornhuskers are trying to build some stability in a room that needs bodies, competition and a clearer sense of who can handle meaningful snaps.
One newcomer who could help in that regard is Tikey Hayes, whose route to Lincoln included stops at Penn State and Iowa Western Community College. His arrival gives Nebraska another option in a position group that is still sorting itself out, and it adds a layer of intrigue to a competition that already features several players trying to carve out their place. [Read more 🡒]