Nebraska Cornhuskers sophomore Willis McGahee IV is entering his second year with the team with increased confidence and a clear vision for a larger role in the defense. After a promising freshman campaign, McGahee is demonstrating a newfound comfort and understanding of the JACK linebacker position, setting the stage for a potential breakout season in 2025.
Last season, as an early enrollee, McGahee was just acclimating to the demands of college football. However, his ability to make impactful plays in crucial moments, including strip sacks against Colorado and Ohio State, showcased his potential. Now, with a year of experience under his belt, McGahee is focused on refining his skills and maximizing his contributions.
«Everything is smoother — the process,» McGahee said. «I understand it. I know what I need to do to be great, be a good football player and take the coaching, so everything has gotten easier. Just getting confidence overall — feeling like I can play with anybody on the field. At the beginning I didn’t feel like that because I just got here from high school. I feel way more confident now — I feel like I can play with anybody.»
McGahee’s freshman season saw him record 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and lead the team in forced fumbles across 144 snaps in 12 games. With the departure of MJ Sherman, McGahee is expected to see a significant increase in playing time.
He credits his rapid adjustment to the college game to his ability to quickly grasp the defensive scheme and his growing confidence in facing formidable opponents. «In the beginning I was nervous because I came from high school, but it got way easier,» McGahee said. «It wasn’t that bad. They’re just like me. We’re both humans. I can beat them.»
A key factor in McGahee’s comfort this spring is the return of his former recruiter, Phil Simpson, as his position coach. Their established relationship, dating back to McGahee’s high school years, has provided a seamless transition. «We go way back, when I was in like ninth grade,» McGahee said. «He was the one who recruited me and all of the Florida guys, so I felt good about it.»
Simpson’s guidance, alongside the presence of Oklahoma transfer Dasan McCullough, has fostered a competitive and collaborative environment within the JACK linebacker room. Both McGahee and McCullough are stepping up as leaders, working to master the nuances of new defensive coordinator John Butler’s system.
McGahee is specifically focused on improving his coverage skills and has slimmed down to 236 pounds, with a goal to add back quality weight to reach 240 pounds by the season’s start. He is excited about the potential of the Huskers’ defense under Butler’s direction.
«I can rush the passer and I can blitz off the edge and I can blitz in gaps, so I like that, too,» McGahee said. «He’s making it easy for everybody to go make plays — whole bunch of opportunities for people to go make plays. That’s the real good thing about it.»
With his increased confidence, refined skills, and strong coaching support, Willis McGahee IV is poised to make a significant impact on the Huskers’ defense in 2025.