Nebraska Football unveiled its 2026 roster additions on Thursday, announcing 11 athletes who will wear single‑digit numbers, a shift from the longstanding ten‑player tradition. The move signals a renewed focus on depth across both sides of the ball as the Big Red prepares for the upcoming season.
A Fresh Look for the Huskers
The new class includes a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, each slated to don a distinctive digit that will help fans and commentators quickly identify key contributors on the field.
At the heart of the defense, linebacker Owen Chambliss, a 6‑foot‑3, 340‑pound transfer from San Diego State, will assume the coveted No. 0 jersey, positioning him as the presumed Green Dot leader and anchor of the Nebraska defense.
On the offensive side, wide receiver Nyziah Hunter, who led the team with 43 receptions for 617 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, will wear No. 1, continuing his role as a primary playmaker.
Other notable additions include junior defensive lineman Jahsear Whittington, a Pitt transfer praised for his performance in 14 games, and senior edge rusher Cam Lenhardt, who moves up from No. 11 after earning an Honorable‑Mention Freshman All‑American nod in 2023.
The transfer portal has also delivered talent from across the country: UCLA’s Kwazi Gilmer brings 880 yards and six touchdowns over two seasons, while Idaho’s Andrew Marshall, a standout defensive back, arrives with an Honorable Mention All‑Big Ten accolade and 13 starts last year.
Veteran presence remains strong with Roman Mangini, a senior wide receiver known for his impact since 2022, and Janiran Bonner, who logged 26 appearances before a season‑ending injury, both slated to wear No. 4 and No. 6 respectively.
Midfield and secondary depth is bolstered by Jamir Conn, a senior defensive back from Southern Illinois who started every game in 2025, and Anthony Jones, a UCLA transfer contributing 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the defensive line.
Local product Donovan Jones, a Nebraska native, will don No. 8 as a junior defensive back, having earned 11 starts in 2025, while former walk‑on Luke Lindenmeyer, an Honorable Mention All‑Big Ten tight end, adds senior leadership at No. 8 as well.
Collectively, the expanded roster promises greater versatility and competition, setting the stage for a dynamic 2026 campaign as the Huskers aim to build on recent successes and contend for conference supremacy.