With 16 new transfer players coming into Nebraska this spring, fans can be excused if they have overlooked a player like Dexter Foster. The former Oregon State Beaver came to Lincoln as an under-the-radar type player, especially because he was hurt for a good bit of the 2025 season. However, head coach Matt Rhule said on Saturday that the linebacker is full go and looking very good.
"He's a really good player. He's physical. He's athletic," Rhule said about Foster in his latest spring practice press conference. "He's made a lot of plays, and he's doing a nice job. He's learning everything. It's a different defense for him, and I think he's learning it quickly and excited about his prospects."
That he's "still learning the defense" is obviously not a great sign for a linebacker looking to start at Nebraska. However, it's still early in the spring, and he's brand new. As are many of his teammates.
Dexter Foster is making a strong early impression in Nebraska football's spring practice
Foster also shows a shift in the Huskers' vision of what their linebackers will be. The former Beaver is rangy and a physical off-the-ball linebacker whose frame, nose for the ball, and on-film toughness should be a good fit for the Big Ten and Nebraska.
Foster played two seasons at Oregon State, starting as a true freshman for former OSU head coach (and former NU assistant) Trent Bray. The linebacker got hurt halfway through the 2025 season but still had 52 tackles in eight games.
At this point, Dexter Foster grades out as someone who could be a very good depth piece. However, it's clear that Nebraska coaches have liked what they've seen from the new arrival.