In a surprising turn of events, linebacker Dasan McCullough has announced his commitment to the Nebraska Cornhuskers after transferring from the Oklahoma Sooners. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound defender confirmed his decision via Instagram on December 22, 2024, marking a significant shift in his collegiate football journey.
A Promising Start at Indiana
McCullough began his collegiate career at Indiana University in 2022, where he quickly made a name for himself. As a true freshman, he played in all 12 games, starting four, and recorded 49 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three pass breakups. His impressive performance earned him Freshman All-American honors and an honorable mention on the All-Big Ten team.
Transition to Oklahoma and Injury Setbacks
In 2023, McCullough transferred to Oklahoma, seeking to play under defensive coordinator Brent Venables. At Oklahoma, he played in 10 games, starting seven, and accumulated 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and three pass breakups. However, his 2024 season was marred by injuries, including a meniscus surgery and a stress fracture in his foot, which caused him to miss the first five games of the season. Despite these setbacks, he returned to play in the final seven games, starting five, and recorded 17 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.
A Versatile Addition to Nebraska’s Defense
McCullough’s versatility is one of his standout attributes. He has experience playing both linebacker and safety positions, including Oklahoma’s hybrid “Cheetah” role, which combines elements of both. This adaptability makes him a valuable asset for Nebraska’s defensive coordinator, John Butler, who is known for utilizing players in multiple roles.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule expressed optimism about McCullough’s potential fit within the team’s defensive scheme. “He’s just an absolutely great athlete that people have tried in a lot of different spots,” Rhule said. “And so you see kind of like a player who hasn’t really found his home.”
Looking Ahead
With one season of eligibility remaining, McCullough’s move to Nebraska represents a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his skills in a new environment. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ positions him to make a significant impact on the Cornhuskers’ defense in the upcoming season.
As Nebraska continues to build its program under Coach Rhule, the addition of a player like McCullough could be a pivotal step toward returning to prominence in college football.
