New Nebraska rush ends coach Roy Manning knows that he has his work cut out for him. He also knows that Husker fans are very much in a "show me rather than tell me" mode when it comes to NU's coaching staff, especially on defense. Manning knows all that, but he still wants fans to know that he thinks the 2026 group will be better than expected.
In order to accomplish the main goals for 2026, Manning also has a formula laid out as to who will be "the men" who get the most playing time at rush end.
Manning said he wants guys with size, at a minimum of 6-foot-2 with a weight of 240 or above. The new Nebraska assistant said he wants players who have a great first step at the line of scrimmage. Guys with great bend at the point of the attack, and a relentless motor throughout the course of a game.
Roy Manning outlines his formula for fixing Nebraska football's pass rush in 2026
"You always feel like you can pull it out of a guy and get them to play at a higher level," Manning said. "Thats my challenge….I have to coach my tail off. We have to learn what we are doing and how to do it. But from a pure walk-through-the-door, do you have enough to get to the quarterback? Heck yeah."
Guys like Anthony Jones will be key to turning a position group that was an extreme weakness in 2025 into a strength in 2026. Changing from a 3-3-5 to a 4-2-5 could help right off the bat.
Manning, who joined the Huskers with defensive coordinator Rob Aurich, both know what kinds of players he wants and what kinds of players work best in Aurich's defense.
Will Nebraska be able to generate a real pass rush in 2026? That's still something that will have to be demonstrated rather than talked about. But Roy Manning thinks he has the raw materials to get it done.