Huskers news: Nebraska’s first serious DC candidate, volleyball team rolls in NCAA opener

Even though the Nebraska football season is over, there is never a dull moment for the Huskers. On Friday, there was plenty of Huskers news to be getting along with, especially with the announcement from Emmett Johnson that he will enter the NFL draft.

It’s a bummer because it would have been great to see Johnson play another season for the Huskers, after totaling 1,821 yards this season, leading the Big Ten in rushing yards, and getting named Big Ten Running Back of the Year.

Yet, it’s probably the right decision, and I wish him the best of luck. For Nebraska, it means the Huskers will need to find a stellar back in the transfer portal, which should be easy to do after the season Johnson just had. At least much easier.

Huskers first serious DC candidate arrives in town

As far as the coaching staff, Matt Rhule has announced just one change. John Butler was fired, and the first serious candidate, at least the first reported one to come to Lincoln, is Toledo DC Vince Kehres.

Steve Sipple of Husker Online reported that Kehres would be in Lincoln over the weekend to interview for the job. He’s been the Rockets DC for the past six seasons. Before that, he was the head coach at Mount Union, where he posted a 95-6 record. He also has extensive experience coaching defensive line, and was part of 12 of Mount Union’s 13 D-3 national titles in some capacity.

When he was hired at Toledo, he took the MAC’s worst defense and instantly turned it around. Here’s what his coaching profile from Toledo states:

“Kehres spearheaded a complete turnaround of the Toledo defense upon his arrival in 2020. Toledo was second in the MAC in total defense (362.2) after ranking last in the league in total defense (475.7) in 2019. The Rockets, who allowed just 24.3 points per game in 2020,also led the MAC in opponent third-down conversions (27.4%) and were second in rushing defense (129.2).

The Rocket defense took an ever bigger step in 2021, leading the league in scoring defense (21.8) and defensive pass efficiency (118.8), and ranking second in the MAC in total defense (349.7) and third in passing defense (198.2). Three Toledo defenders made First-Team All-MAC: senior defensive backs Tycen Anderson and Samuel Womack, and junior outside linebacker Jamal Hines.

In 2022, the Toledo defense ranked first in the MAC in total defense (326.1), passing yards allowed (183.0) and defensive passing efficiency (112.19). The MAC Champion Rockets were 10th in the nation in defensive passing efficiency, 12th in passing yards allowed and 18th in total defense. Four Rocket defenders — senior defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson, junior linebacker Dallas Gant, sophomore cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, and sophomore safety Maxen Hook ­— were named First-Team All-MAC. It was the first time four UT defenders received first-team honors since 1985.

In 2023, Toledo’s defense led the Mid-American Conference in sacks and defensive passing efficiency, keying an 11-3 season and a second straight appearance in the MAC Championship Game.  Mitchell earned All-America honors and was a first-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft. Mitchell was one of four Rocket defenders who earned first-team All-MAC honors, along with Gant, Hook, and defensive tackle Judge Culpepper.”

This season, the Rockets are fourth in college football with 12.2 points allowed. They are also holding teams to just 2.8 yards per rushing attempt, so even though he might not be a flashy name, this feels like it would be a great hire.

Huskers cruise in NCAA tournament opener

As expected, Nebraska volleyball made quick work of Long Island on Friday night, sweeping the first-round NCAA tournament match by the scores of 25-11, 25-15, and 25-17. Andi Jackson was an absolute star for the Huskers with 10 kills and five blocks, while hitting .833. Rebekah Allick matched her 10 kills. Harper Murray and Virginia Adriano each added seven. Bergen Reilly did her part with 39 assists.

The Huskers (31-0) will play Kansas State Saturday at 7 PM CST (ESPN+) with a berth in the round of 16 on the line.

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