The Nebraska Cornhuskers delivered a powerful message during their annual spring game on Saturday, as the defense stole the show in front of over 60,000 fans at Memorial Stadium. In a performance that left coaches, players, and fans buzzing, the Blackshirts swarmed the offense from the opening snap, forcing four turnovers and racking up seven sacks in a 24-10 defensive win.
Head coach Matt Rhule praised the unit’s energy and discipline, calling it “a glimpse of what’s to come.”
“Our defense set the tone today,” Rhule said. “They played fast, physical, and smart football. That’s the identity we want to carry into the season.”
Linebacker Jamari Jenkins led the charge with two sacks and a forced fumble, while sophomore cornerback Elijah Grant added a pick-six that electrified the crowd. The front seven dominated the line of scrimmage, showcasing improved speed and depth compared to last season.
After a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw Nebraska finish near the bottom of the Big Ten in defensive rankings, Saturday’s performance signals significant progress under defensive coordinator Tony White. The Huskers played with renewed aggression and communicated effectively — signs of a more cohesive and confident unit.
While the offense had its moments, including a 40-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Daniel Richardson to wide receiver Marcus Wynn, consistency remained an issue. Still, Rhule emphasized that spring games are about growth, and the defensive dominance is a step in the right direction.
“We’ve still got work to do, but this was encouraging,” Rhule said. “If our defense plays like this in the fall, we’ll be a tough team to beat.”
With fall camp on the horizon, optimism is building in Lincoln. The Blackshirts may be back — and Nebraska’s turnaround hopes are starting to feel real.