What Do Nebraska’s Newest Assistants Bring To Lincoln?

Matt Rhule has  made significant changes to Nebraska’s coaching staff entering his fourth year with the Cornhuskers. What does each of his assistants bring to Lincoln?

Nebraska’s offensive line should get the development it needs under Geep Wade. In his first two seasons at Georgia Tech, the Yellow Jackets were elite at running the football. Last season, Jamal Haynes rushed for 944 yards and 12 touchdowns. This allowed Georgia Tech to rank second in the ACC in rushing offense. His unit wasn’t as powerful this year. But with an experienced back like Haynes, the Yellow Jackets still ranked 19th in rushing yards and 12th in yards on offense. Plus, he also has the recognition the Huskers are looking for. Each year at Georgia Tech, at least one of Wade’s offensive linemen earned All-ACC honors. Now it’s time for him to make his mark on the Huskers’ offensive line.  The pieces are all there for the Huskers.  Junior Elijah Pritchett will play at the left tackle spot, and Justin Evans will suit up at center. In addition, Turner Corcoran and Henry Lutovsky will play their last college games in Las Vegas.  The biggest issue that Wade has to address is Rocco Spindler. The right guard helped anchor the Cornhuskers’ offensive line this season. But after an injury, Spindler decided to forgo the Las Vegas Bowl for the NFL Draft.

After a 4-8 season, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer dismissed Lonnie Teasley from his role as the Gamecocks’ offensive line coach. This left Rhule in a prime position to secure Teasley’s services on Nebraska’s coaching staff. When he gets to Lincoln, he’ll be an offensive analyst for the Cornhuskers.  And he’ll also function as the program’s  ace recruiter. On Early National Signing Day,  Teasley helped land five-star prospect Darius Gray and four-star Zion Guiles. It’s too late for him to make an impact in traditional high school recruiting. But with his help, Nebraska should be able to hit the ground running in the offseason. Off the heels of his departure from Georgia Tech,  the Cornhuskers have the momentum in  Peyton Joseph’s recruitment. Now that Teasley is on staff, he might be just what the he needs.

Rhule wants a physical defense that can stop  the run.  The Huskers have tabbed Rob Aurich to make  that happen in Lincoln.  Under Aurich’s leadership, the Aztecs only allowed their opponents to score five rushing touchdowns. San Diego State also led the Mountain West in rushing yards allowed. This is a stat Nebraska desperately needs to turn around in 2026.  In just one season, John Butler’s group surrendered 200 yards per game. The only problem with this hire is that he doesn’t have enough Big Ten experience.  Before his tenure at San Diego State, Aurich spent time at Idaho and South Dakota. However,  Addison William should help put Nebraska over the top in 2026.  In his first season with the Cornhuskers, the program’s pass defense ranked second in the country.

After one year as Nebraska’s defensive line coach, the Huskers decided to part ways with Terry Bradden. On paper, this was a great hire for the Huskers. He witnessed the Chiefs’ Super Bowl runs and was an excellent mentor to the team’s players. However, this combination didn’t translate well in Lincoln. The Huskers had a youthful defensive line that didn’t provide much experience against the run. This also prevented the Blackshirts from putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. All told, Nebraska managed to tally 19 sacks in just 12 games. Now that Manning is coaching the Cornhuskers’ edge rushers, the program should improve on this front. In his time at San Diego State this season, the Aztecs had 32 sacks.