Now that the 2025 season is officially over, it's easy to say that things didn't go the way Nebraska expected. It especially didn't go how the Huskers' defense wanted. Defensive lineman Riley Van Poppel discussed that, as well as how the defense will look to get back on track in 2026, minutes after their 44-22 loss to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Van Poppel entered the season with high expectations. There was hope that he would step into the role that defensive tackle Ty Robinson left when he went to the NFL. Unfortunately, the Texas sophomore had an underwhelming season.