As Nebraska wrapped up spring practices under head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Tony White, one position group drawing heightened attention is the Jack linebacker spot. This hybrid position — a blend of edge rusher and off-ball linebacker — is central to White’s 3-3-5 scheme and requires a unique mix of athleticism, awareness, and versatility. With spring ball now in the rearview, here’s one key thought on each of the Huskers’ primary Jack linebackers heading into summer workouts.
1. MJ Sherman – Time to Translate Talent to Production
Former Georgia transfer MJ Sherman continues to draw eyes with his size, speed, and leadership. Now entering his second year in the program, it’s time for Sherman to turn potential into consistent performance. Coaches praised his motor and football IQ throughout spring, but with young talent behind him, Sherman needs to become more than just the vocal leader of the group — he must produce at a high level off the edge. His development as a pass rusher could make or break Nebraska’s third-down defense.
2. Chief Borders – Unleashing the Athleticism
Chief Borders, another SEC transfer (Florida), showed significant progress this spring. His raw athletic tools are undeniable — long, quick, and explosive — but what stood out in spring was his improved ability to read plays and maintain gap discipline. Borders might be the most versatile Jack on the roster, and if he can continue to sharpen his instincts, he could emerge as a dangerous chess piece in White’s sub-packages.
3. Jimari Butler – Refining the Pass Rush Toolbox
Butler has always been a tantalizing prospect because of his first-step quickness and length. This spring, though, coaches pushed him to add more nuance to his pass rush. The bull rush is there, but Butler is learning to work counters and hand-fighting techniques more consistently. He may not be a full-time starter, but his value as a situational pass rusher could be huge in close Big Ten games.
4. Kai Wallin – Quiet Spring, But Don’t Count Him Out
Juco transfer Kai Wallin didn’t make as many headlines this spring as some of his teammates, but his role could expand in the fall. Wallin has the frame and burst to fit the Jack prototype but still seems to be acclimating to the system and the speed of Power Five football. Coaches view him as a developmental player with high upside — one strong fall camp could see him in the rotation.
5. Mikai Gbayor – Rising Through Consistency
One of the more underrated stories of spring was Gbayor’s steady presence. Though not as flashy as Sherman or Borders, Gbayor showed he understands his assignments and plays with great leverage. His instincts and tackling ability could earn him a bigger role in early-down packages, particularly against run-heavy teams. He’s a name to watch as a breakout candidate if others falter.
Final Thought
The Jack linebacker position will be critical to Nebraska’s defensive success in 2025. While there isn’t a surefire All-Big Ten performer yet, the group is deep, experienced, and athletic. With continued development and positional refinement over the summer, this unit could evolve from a question mark into one of the defense’s most productive groups. Keep an eye on how this rotation shapes up when fall camp kicks off.
