What a frustrating season it's got to be for Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog. The senior defensive back was the hero against Cincinnati when he made the interception that saved the game. He's played 24 snaps since. Now he's effectively shut down for the rest of the regular season and could be out for the year.
During his Thursday press conference, Husker head coach Matt Rhule confirmed that Hartzog will redshirt this season. Having played in two games this season, he could appear in two games at the end of the season (as long as one of them is the bowl game) and keep his senior eligibility, as he's never redshirted before.
Malcolm Hartzog shuts it down and takes a redshirt for Nebraska's 2025 campaign
The veteran Nebraska defensive back underwent surgery for a groin/core muscle injury earlier this week and, for now, is preparing for the 2026 season. It's a significant loss for the Huskers' defense, which has had some problems replacing Hartzog since he went down with the injury.
The Cornhuskers have repeatedly listed Hartzog as questionable for the last few weeks. Still, once Saturday rolls around, the defensive back hasn't been able to go. After another week of hoping and waiting, the program decided to do what was necessary to get him fixed up.
The news is a bummer, mainly because of the importance of Saturday's game against Northwestern. A somewhat banged-up Nebraska football program needs to get a win over the Wildcats, and it would help if it were a convincing, blowout win. A defense that has looked off-kilter at times in 2025 would undoubtedly have been better with Malcolm Hartzog back in the lineup.