Matt Rhule talks signing class, dismissal of DC John Butler

LINCOLN, Neb. - While the Husker Football regular season is complete with a 7-5 record, work continues for the Big Red.

On Wednesday, Head Coach Matt Rhule met with the media to discuss National Signing Day, while also diving into big picture topics like the firing of defensive coordinator John Butler and Nebraska’s upcoming bowl game.

“Each guy [signing] was hand selected,” Rhule said. “We have a big roster and we are a young team, so let’s be really selective in this class. We continue to work on our 2027 class as well. These are guys we think who can play early based on their mindset.”

Nebraska’s current class consists of 10 players from seven states, as well as one commit from Australia.

Nebraska’s only home grown commit is Elkhorn North LB Jase Reynolds. Nebraska will certainly look to all important transfer portal for commits.

On Monday, it was announced that Huskers defensive coordinator John Butler was let go. Nebraska has a Top 25 defense for the third year in a row, but their run defense has struggled, allowing over 170 yards per game.

Rhule discusses what into that decision and traits he’ll look for in a replacement.

“He [John Butler] did a lot of great things for us, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me so it was probably me more than anyone else,” Rhule said. “I want someone who emphasizes not scheme, but our play style and how hard we play… The last two weeks we haven’t played hard enough and we were not the more physical team. I want player development, I want physicality, I want effort way more than scheme.”

Rhule also noted that special teams coach Mike Ekeler will assist interim defensive coordinator Phil Snow in managing the defense.

As far as Nebraska’s bowl game, the Huskers will learn their fate on Sunday and Rhule noted running back Emmett Johnson has not made a decision on participating in the bowl game, while offensive lineman Rocco Spindler will not play to get surgery on a broken hand suffered in the Minnesota game.