Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the experts pretty universally agree that Nebraska's Big Ten schedule will be the toughest it's faced in quite some time. That assumption is based mostly on the teams on the schedule and their reputations; however, a recent survey by ESPN analysts Eli Lederman and Max Olson underscores why things are going to be tough for Matt Rhule and company, especially when it comes to knocking off the Oregon Ducks.
The two analysts put together a list of the best defenders in college football for 2026. Unlike some other lists like this, it's not just the opinion of Lederman and Olson; rather, they went out and asked more than 20 front-office staff members across the sport, including general managers, player personnel directors, and scouting directors, to find out who they consider the top returning players in the country.
Those experts pegged not one, but two of Dan Lanning's defensive stars as among the best in the country. Considering Nebraska already had its work cut out, this just underscores the tough lift they have ahead of them if they want to show they're really poised to take the next step in the Matt Rhule era.
Of the two Oregon players on the list, defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington ranks first for the Ducks and No. 4 in the country, according to the survey. The nose tackle didn't amass a ton of sacks, but he was clearly a menace to opposing offenses, with 33 tackles, 15 pressures, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 8 pass breakups. It's the batted passes for a defensive lineman that are really impressive, showing that even when he doesn't take the quarterback down, he's penetrating enough to be a problem.
ESPN survey shows Nebraska football has major Oregon defensive problems
"Washington is earning early first-round buzz for next year's NFL draft after his breakout 2025 season with the Ducks and his decision to stay in school one more year," the ESPN analysts wrote. "The 6-foot-3, 330-pound senior moved into the starting lineup for Oregon's defense last season and was a disruptive force up front"
Considering Nebraska is playing with a completely rebuilt offensive line, it's going to have its hands full. The good news is that the Huskers' Geep Wade is considered one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, but even he can't work miracles, and a new unit going up against a first-round NFL pick will be an issue.
Assuming the Huskers find a way to handle Washington, they've still got to deal with his teammate, defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. The former Top 50 recruit is also ranked No. 8 in the country.
"The 6-foot-2, 203-pound cover man didn't allow a catch in eight of his 15 starts and surrendered just 12 catches on 37 targets last season. According to ESPN Research, Finney finished with the second-best contested target rate (73%) in FBS last season. Dan Lanning and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi trusted him enough to let him play 111 snaps in press coverage, fifth most in the Big Ten," the analysts wrote.
'"Finney is elite,' one Big Ten staff member whose team faced Oregon said. 'He's really good. He's so long and he can move."'
It's true that Oregon being a tough row to hoe is not a surprise. However, most people have highlighted quarterback Dante Moore as the biggest issue. However, it's clear Nebraska has plenty to worry about on both sides of the ball when they face the Ducks on October 17.
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