Ranking UCLA's Most Important Defensive Units vs Nebraska

The Bruins' defense will have its work cut out for it despite the Huskers missing key figures to injury.

Indiana's Charlie Becker (80) makes the catch during the Indiana versus UCLA football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins (3-5, 3-2 Big Ten) had two weeks to let their 56-6 loss to No. 2 Indiana marinate with a bye week ahead of their Week 11 clash with the shorthanded Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten).

The Huskers will be without starting quarterback Dylan Raiola, who suffered a season-ending broken fibula in their loss to USC last week. Still, Nebraska presents a unique challenge for a UCLA staff that had been game planning for Raiola all week and must shift to true freshman starter TJ Lateef.

Despite missing Raiola and some key offensive linemen, Nebraska is a quality offense that UCLA has to hone in on. The Bruins did give up 56 points to the Hoosiers, but the defense competed all throughout.

Ahead of Saturday's clash, let's rank UCLA's most important defensive units against the Huskers.

1. The Trenches

Oct 29, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Laiatu Latu (15) and defensive lineman Gary Smith III (58) celebrate after a sack of Stanford Cardinal quarterback Tanner McKee (18) in the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The success of UCLA's defense against Nebraska starts with its defensive line. It is the first level of containment against star running back Emmett Johnson, who has eclipsed a thousand rushing yards already this season.

The focus isn't just limited to the running game. Lateef is making his first career start in the Rose Bowl. Bruins pass rushers need to pressure Nebraska's true freshman early and often.

If UCLA can startle Lateef early with a stifling pass rush, the impact will be felt on all levels.

2. The Secondary

Oct 25, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Key Lawrence (4) celebrates after a play during the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Bruins' secondary has perhaps been the position group that has improved most from the beginning of the season.

Backed by the play of safety Key Lawrence and cornerback Rodrick Pleasant, UCLA's defensive backs are no longer overlooked. The Bruins picked off No. 2 Indiana twice two weeks ago.

One gripe -- the tackling still needs to improve. Against a Nebraska team that excels at making plays in the open field, breaking down and wrapping up will be of supreme importance on Saturday.

3. Linebackers

Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Kyron Hudson (1) is tackled by UCLA Bruins linebacker Jonjon Vaughns (6) during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

UCLA's linebackers have quietly been the most important unit all season. JonJon Vaughns (79) and Isaiah Chisom (65) lead the Bruins in tackles by a wide margin this year.

All aspects of Nebraska's offense will test the unit on Saturday. Whether it be Johnson breaking into the second level, Huskers receivers catching the short dumps here and there that they are accustomed to, or Lateef scrambling to extend plays, a skill he has over Raiola.

The heart of UCLA's defense against Nebraska will be the linebackers.

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