When the transfer portal opens on January 2, Nebraska football coaches are preparing for things to move briskly. That could mean that when Dwayne McDougle enters the portal, as he's expected to do, Rob Aurich can snap the San Diego State safety up with a quickness.
McDougle was one of the best defenders on an extremely stout Aztecs defense in 2025. The safety racked up 51 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 4 interceptions in his Junior year. Now he has one more season of college eligibility, and the Huskers would almost certainly love to see him spend it in Lincoln.
Nebraska made it very clear on New Year's Eve that it will need to revamp its defense. It stands to reason that the new defensive coordinator would like to bring over some players who understand his system intimately.
San Diego State safety Dwayne McDougle is entering the transfer portal, a source tells @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 31, 2025
Posted four interceptions this season. Also had 51 tackles and the second-best PFF run defense grade among Mountain West safeties. pic.twitter.com/vJXj8zaDVh
Why Dwayne McDougle makes sense for Nebraska football
That McDougle both understands Aurich's defense - expected to be a change from the 3-3-5 the Huskers have run the last three years - and excelled in it will almost certainly make him a top target for the Huskers.
There is another sign that the San Diego State star will be a target of NU and Aurich when he does enter the portal. McDouble has already followed the DC once. He played under Aurich at Idaho and transferred to San Diego State before last season.
Nebraska is expected to beef up its defense in a big way through the portal this winter. There are a lot of names already in there, but Dwayne McDougle might be the best of the bunch when it comes to safeties looking for a new home.