'I'm Trying to Teach These Guys How to Be Pros': Roy Manning is Focused on Elevating Nebraska's Edge Room

In his first year on the Huskers' staff, the coach brings a proven approach to the defense.

Roy Manning believes that if the edge defenders focus on pocket control — “crushing and condensing the pocket” — the sacks will come. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

If Roy Manning has his way, Nebraska’s pass rush will be subpar no more in 2026.

A season ago, the first-year edge coach for the Big Red led a San Diego State defensive line that finished the season with 19½ sacks. The Huskers’ entire team combined for just 22.

With that in mind, Manning knows his group will be asked to do more. He’s training them with the expectation that they will.

Cam Lenhardt prepares for the snap against last season against Michigan. | @cam11lenhardt/Instagram

“I’m trying to teach these guys how to be pros,” he said. “I’m trying to teach these guys how to walk like a pro, how to come to meetings, how to study, how to do more, and not just do what’s asked of you, but go the extra mile. Because that’s truly what separates guys at the next level.”

“I’m going straight, no chase when I talk to these guys,” he continued. “I’m not going to sugarcoat anything; be very demanding. And I hope that they appreciate that at some point, whether it’s now or when their career is done here. I’m trying ot get these guys ready to be the best version of themselves. Period.” 

Manning played a significant role in producing the best versions of Aztec edge rushers Ryan Henderson and Niles King last fall, with each recording at least 6½ sacks. Now, the first-year position coach wants to bring that same success to Nebraska.

Anthony Jones | Nate Donlevy, UCLA Athletics

A player who appears to be helping Manning reach that goal is UCLA transfer Anthony Jones. Manning spoke highly of the fifth-year edge rusher and the leadership he brings.

“He’s been a joy to have in that room,” Manning said. “Obviously, coming here for the first time, we kind of got here at the same time, so me and him are both growing in our own way. He’s what you want as a coach. A guy that you know you can lean on, a guy that’s going to do everything right. I think he’s going to be a really good leader for us this year.”

Williams Nwaneri attempts to bat down a pass from Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

While Jones offers experience, another player in Manning’s room offers a different kind of upside: Williams Nwaneri. However, Manning has challenged the former five-star recruit to add stability to his game.

“Just consistency,” he said. “Obviously, you have a guy that has these measurables and natural born gifts, but it only takes you so far. So, just consistency, I think, is the biggest thing… I think that’s the journey a lot of these young men are on… Will’s done a good job; I’m really proud of him. He’s grown since I’ve been here.”

Manning’s ability to unlock Nwaneri’s potential could make a difference in several games this fall. The third-year sophomore appears to be progressing toward becoming the player Nebraska envisioned a season ago.

Nebraska defensive lineman Kade Pietrzak prepares for a snap against Akron last season. | Kenny Larabee

It'll take more than two players in NU's edge room to be productive this fall. When asked how many players he would like to have in the rotation, Manning offered the same number as defensive tackle coach Corey Brown.

“You typically have at least six guys that you want to take into a game,” Manning said. “Heavy rotation, obviously in the front, but I’m always shooting for that number. Some guys are doing special teams and some different packages, but six is usually that number.”

When asked if he Nebraska has six capable players, Manning offered confidence while noting there's still time for others to emerge.

“We better be there; we’ve got a game in a few weeks,” he said. “I think we are. It’s still camp for us, even though I know we’re kind of getting to the tail end of it. So, we’re very much still evaluating guys and giving guys opportunities.”

Mac Markway has missed two seasons at Nebraska due to injuries. | Nebraska Athletics

Tight end-turned edge rusher Mac Markway was discussed as well. Manning said the 6-foot-4, 265-pound athlete has been showing promise in fall camp.

“Mac’s done a phenomenal job,” Manning said. “Obviously, he’s had some hardships with injuries, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that if you watched him practice. It’s been really cool to see him move around.” 

ACL-related injuries kept Markway from playing during his first two seasons as a Husker. If 2026 is when he finally sees the field, it will be on the opposite side of the ball from where he started out at Nebraska.

Nebraska defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri rushes USC quarterback Jayden Maiava last season. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

NU was able to affect the passer at times in 2025. However, Manning knows he needs to develop his group into a unit that can consistently get home. Rather than focusing on sacks, though, he’s more concerned with how that pressure is created.

“Our big focus really all camp has been more about pocket control,” he said. “And about crushing and condensing the pocket… You turn on the Big Ten tape and the fronts that are winning are the fronts that rush four as one… I think that is where we’ll have success.”

“Everything that I have preached has been about process; about pressure,” he continued. “I haven’t mentioned the word sack as much as in my past, because I want them thinking ‘pocket, pocket, pocket’, and then everybody will eat as a result of that.”

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