3 thoughts on commitment of Jaylen George to Nebraska football

After a slew of departures to the transfer portal, Nebraska football needed some reinforcements on the defensive line. On Tuesday, the Huskers added another with the commitment of Jaylen George, a defensive line transfer from East Tennessee State.

Nebraska football lost Jimari Butler, James Williams, and Princewill Umanmielen to the transfer portal. The Huskers are also losing Ty Robinsin and Nash Hutmacher.

That’s not nothing. But Nebraska has been making moves in the transfer portal. Last week, Nebraska added former five-star recruit Williams Nwaneri.

On Tuesday, Nebraska football added another defensive lineman, this time landing the commitment of 6-foot-2, 265-pound Jaylen George.

The former FCS player at East Tennessee State was first-team all-conference despite just 0.5 sacks. He notched 2.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman in 2023 but was also credited for 23 pressures in 2024.

Here are three thoughts on his commitment.

A versatile piece for Nebraska football D-line

It seems like Nebraska will stick with a three-man front under John Butler. Yet, one thing Matt Rhule likes about the 3-3-3 is the ability to play multiple fronts.

Nebraska football will continue to do that and players like Jaylen George make that possible. He could be a classic 4-3 defensive end. George had 54 tackles over the last two seasons and can set the edge.

At 265 pounds, he feels like a perfect five-technique too, even if he’s a little short, and there could be an interesting battle brewing between George, Keona Davis, and Cameron Lenhardt to start in Jimari Butler’s old spot.

You want to have options up front and depth. The addition of George gives Nebraska football both of those things.

Another multi-year addition

George has multiple seasons to play. This isn’t just a one-year deal and it’s important to remember that there can be a transition going up to the FBS from the FCS, especially the Big Ten.

It might take George some time to transition to playing at a higher level. FCS transfers tend to be a little risky anyways. There are ones that really pay off and others who don’t have an impact.

What I like about George is that he was productive in two seasons. He can play the run, as well as rush the passer. I’m interested to see what type of pressure he can generate against Big Ten offensive lineman, but even if it takes him time to adjust, George feels like a player with a high floor, who will at least be part of the D-line rotation this season and next.

That’s the worst-case scenario. The best-case is that he blossoms into an all-conference caliber player. James Williams was a JUCO prospect, so there’s no doubt that George comes to Nebraska more polished than at least one of the players he is replacing.

More work to do

George is a solid pickup. Nwaneri was a home run. But the Huskers are far from finished. They have to be on the defensive line. I’m getting the sense that Riley Van Poppel might have to be Nash Hutmacher next season instead of Ty Robinson, at least in the lineup.

He’s listed at 290 pounds but was stout against Iowa. Nebraska football needs a nost tackle, unless there is a shift to an even front. That might fit this team better, but I prefer to have the ability to play both. I’d argue this team still needs another EDGE or two, and a true nose tackle — like a 320 pounder.

Hutmacher played at 330 pounds in 2023. Last season, he played at 310 pounds (listed) and there was a difference. I like the D-line haul so far but Nebraska needs another pass rusher and another 300 pounder.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel. You can also find our podcast on Apple or Spotify.