On Saturday morning, Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule detailed how some of the team’s newest additions will fit into the 2025 season.
One player who will have a key role is transfer linebacker Dasan McCullough, the former Oklahoma Sooner who brings both experience and versatility to John Butler’s new defensive system. McCullough arrives in Lincoln after spending last season in Norman, where he recorded 17 tackles.
Before that, he made a strong impression as a freshman at Indiana, racking up 48 tackles, four sacks, and three pass deflections. Now, as he enters his third collegiate season, he is expected to be a veteran pass rushing presence in a promising Nebraska football linebacker unit.
Nebraska football coach laid out the plan for Dasan McCullough
During his Saturday press conference, Rhule shared his vision for McCullough’s place in Nebraska’s defense. The head coach confirmed that McCullough will be used primarily as a pass rusher and that the coaching staff has a clear plan in place to prepare him for the EDGE position in the Huskers’ defensive alignment.
This role could be an ideal fit for McCullough, whose length, speed, and instincts make him a natural threat coming off the edge. He showcased his ability to get after the quarterback during his freshman season at Indiana, and Nebraska appears eager to tap into that skill set. With John Butler taking over as defensive coordinator, the Huskers are expected to place a heavy emphasis on generating pressure, and McCullough could be a critical piece in that strategy.
Beyond his pass-rushing ability, McCullough’s experience in multiple defensive systems gives Nebraska flexibility in how they deploy him. His ability to cover space and react quickly could make him a disruptive presence in both blitz packages and coverage situations.
As Nebraska football continues to implement Butler’s defensive scheme, McCullough’s role will be one to watch. If he thrives in his pass-rushing responsibilities, he could help transform the Huskers’ defense into a more aggressive and formidable unit in 2025.