There were not a ton of changes to the Nebraska football depth chart on Monday. However, one change was noticeable. Freshman Ernest Hausmann was elevated to co-starting linebacker alongside Chris Kolarevic, per the Lincoln Journal-Star’s Luke Mullin.
He recorded two tackles in Saturday’s game against Illinois. However, it’s not just the Illinois game that elevated him to a starting status. He has played well over the past couple of games for the Nebraska football defense. He started off the year strong with six tackles against North Dakota in the opener. He then followed that up with seven tackles against Georgia Southern.
The freshman has 22 tackles on the year in total. That number is good enough to put him in the middle of the pack defensively.
It’s also a chance for Nebraska football to develop the in-state talent they have begun to recruit. Hausmann was part of a crowded 2022 recruiting class that had 18 commitments in total. The class itself was buoyed by transfers. However, Hausmann has managed to stand out.
It will be intriguing to see where he stands in a Nebraska football linebacker group that does have some talent. The Nebraska football program is entering a crucial stretch that sees them play the final four games of the season against the likes of Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
His aggressiveness and tenacity could be a welcome starting addition to a Nebraska football defense that is just looking to piece things together. He was able to show that skill set during the spring game, and the skills seem to have translated over into regular season action. Play recognition is also a strength of his. He was able to fire off the football several times against Illinois.
This could give the Nebraska football program a good test to see where they stand in terms of depth. If anything, the last four games of the season are a test for some of the younger players on the roster. This is Hausmann’s first major test.
