Nebraska DL calls out Husker defense, vows Blackshirt return

Now that the 2025 season is officially over, it's easy to say that things didn't go the way Nebraska expected. It especially didn't go how the Huskers' defense wanted. Defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel discussed that, as well as how the defense will look to get back on track in 2026, minutes after their 44-22 loss to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Van Poppel entered the season with high expectations. There was hope that he would step into the role that defensive tackle Ty Robinson left when he went to the NFL. Unfortunately, the Texas sophomore had an underwhelming season. He understands that and as part of his redemption tour this year, wants the Blackshirts to get back to what they once were.

"I want to get back to, and I want to do what I can in my part as a leader to get back to that black shirt mindset of, like, if you step on the field with us, you don't deserve to be there," the Nebraska defender said after the game. "You're not going to play as hard as we are, and you're sure as heck not going to last four quarters with us on the field."

How Nebraska’s defense plans to change after a season of regression

That's easier said than done. Husker fans would love to see that too, but the confidence in the Blackshirts is at a low during the Matt Rhule era.

The hiring of new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich is the first step in that goal. Defensive line coaches will be an essential hire as well.

Van Poppel will need to take some significant steps forward as well. While he did log career highs in tackles and sacks, his 16 total take downs and 1.5 sacks were far from impressive.

He was also a member of a Nebraska defensive line that was repeatedly shoved around. Especially as the season went on. The Husker defense didn't look much like the Blackshirts once the Big Ten schedule kicked off. Year 4 of the Matt Rhule era has to look different in plenty of ways. That definitely includes a real defense that can stop both the run and the pass.