Owen Chambliss Suggests Nebraska's Linebacker Room Has Noteworthy Depth in 2026

Nebraska added 16 players out of the transfer portal during the 2026 offseason, and perhaps the one who fans should be most optimistic about met with the media Saturday.

While soon-to-be junior linebacker Owen Chambliss comes to Lincoln after earning First-Team All-Mountain West recognition last fall, the former San Diego State standout impressed even more in person than he did on film. With the first week of spring football practice in the books, the Huskers' apparent starting middle linebacker spoke on several topics, including the challenges and opportunities his new team will face.

From his relationship with defensive coordinator Rob Aurich to his position group being the deepest he's ever seen, here's everything the first-year Husker had to say during his time at the mic.

It didn’t take long for Chambliss to be asked about his room’s outlook for 2026, and despite still settling in, the junior spoke highly of the group. With three transfer portal additions and several returning contributors in Rob Dvoracek’s unit, the former Aztec likes what he’s seen from his teammates so far.

"We're deep," he said. "I just think we have a really smart group that's ready to work. It's the most talented group I've been a part of. I think we're going to do some good things from that room this year".

The Huskers now have three rising juniors who have each started more than 10 collegiate games, and that alone offers serious reason for optimism about the second level of the defense. But so too does the size and physical stature of the players who were brought in, and Chambliss in particular offers that in abundance.

After arriving on campus, Chambliss made it a priority to hit the weight room before his first year in the Big Ten, and he already has added muscle to his frame. In the Mountain West, he excelled at locating and bringing players down, but in Lincoln, his task is sure to get more difficult.

"I got the size for it," he said. "[I was] 6-foot-3, 238 pounds this morning. I've got the mental to go along with it. I think I'm a pretty smart player, and I can anticipate at a high level." If size is what you're looking for, Chambliss checks every box. He's long, heavy, yet can still move. And now he'll look to use Nebraska's facilities and resources to increase his personal ceiling as an upperclassman.

Chambliss was joined by former San Diego State starting safety Dwayne McDougle in NU's portal haul, and the two will be player-coaches in a sense as they help new defensive coordinator Aurich install the 4-2-5 scheme he used at SDSU. When asked about his relationship with McDougle, the junior linebacker didn't hold back on his appreciation.

"Me and Dwayne love each other," he said. "We're tight as can be, man. Obviously, coming from San Diego State together, it's going to help us tremendously. We play in two different parts of the field, so we can get our communication faster, and I don't really have to turn around because he's back there. I can just talk to the big guys up front".

With two former players who helped SDSU rank in the top 5 nationally in nearly every statistical defensive category of worth last season, the Huskers appear to be in good hands. Regardless of their production on Saturdays this fall, Chambliss and McDougle will have made their teammates' learning curve less daunting this spring.

The conversation shifted back to the physical demands of the Big Ten and how Chambliss is preparing for them. Known for its rugged line play, the conference presents a step up, but he said daily reps against Nebraska’s revamped offensive line have helped him adjust to the speed and physicality he’ll face this fall.

“Our line is phenomenal,” he said. “It’s a struggle and a blessing to go against those guys every day. They’ve shown me how fast it moves and how it operates.”

Considering Chambliss has already posted 142 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks in 25 career games, his praise for the offensive line carries weight. If early returns are any sign, the back-and-forth this spring is sharpening both sides of the ball.

Chambliss was also asked about the carryover in Aurich’s system, and he said the transition has been seamless. Much of the terminology and structure mirrors what Aurich ran at San Diego State last season.

“97% of it is the exact same,” he said. “We made a few tweaks here and there, but it’s basically the same from when I was at San Diego State.”

In his brief media session, Chambliss came across as confident and clear about both his role and the direction of Nebraska’s defense. If his comfort in the scheme and production on the field translate this fall, the Huskers’ second level should be in good shape heading into 2026.