With a new Nebraska defensive line coach reportedly in place, the Huskers' Transfer Portal heater took aim on Monday at a position of great need. Jahsear Whittington's commitment became the latest in what has been quite the influx of talent over the last few days for Matt Rhule and company.
Whittington spent the 2025 season with the Pitt Panthers and showed a ceiling that included some serious talent as a pass rusher. Now he'll move over from the ACC to the Big Ten and should be someone who can immediately join the rotation for the Huskers as they transition to new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich's 4-2-5 scheme.
Nebraska worked quickly to secure Jahsear Whittington. The 6-foot, 274-pounder entered the portal on Friday and visited the Huskers over the weekend. That visit went very well, and he pulled the trigger on his new home.
Jahsear Whittington adds depth to Nebraska’s defensive line rotation
Whittington redshirted while playing four games in 2024 and then was a regular member of Pitt's rotation in 2025. The defensive lineman scored 11 tackles, 1 sack, and a fumble recovery in 11 games. The newest Husker made his first career start in Pitt's bowl game and finished the 2025 season with 250 snaps on the defensive side of the ball.
According to Pro Football Focus, the newest Husker arrival graded out quite well. He earned a rating of 70 for his overall defense and scored a 69.6 pass rush grade.
If there is an obvious point of weakness for Jahsear Whittington in a Big Ten conference that has tons of big-bodied offensive linemen, he's undersized. However, a 4-star player out of high school, the Nebraska addition has a high ceiling with the potential for three more offseasons to grow into an even better DL.