Malcolm Hartzog injury update: Matt Rhule announces Nebraska DB will redshirt, undergo surgery

Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog will redshirt following a recent NCAA decision on eligibility. He has not played since the team’s season opener.

Coach Matt Rhule revealed the news in a press conference on Thursday afternoon. With the NCAA’s decision to table a potential shift to a 5-for-5 eligibility rule, Hartzog has opted to have surgery and redshirt this season. He could return for the postseason.

The undisclosed injury has prevented Hartzog from appearing since the season opener. Rhule has provided updates at various points for individual contests, but to date, Hartzog has been unable to return.

During the first three years of his career, Hartzog logged 107 tackles, 12 PBU’s and seven interceptions. He also notched career-highs in tackles (45) and interceptions (four) as a junior in 2024.

Prior to enrolling at Nebraska, Hartzog was ranked as a three-star prospect in the On3 Consensus. He checked in as the No. 1,062 overall player in the class and the No. 104 cornerback. He also ranked as the No. 27 player from the state of Mississippi, hailing from Silver Creek (MS) Jefferson Davis County.

Matt Rhule “pissed off” at himself

Nebraska opened the season with a 5-1 record and climbed to No. 25 in last week’s AP Top 25 Rankings, its first appearance in the Top 25 since Sept. 2024. With an opportunity to get to 6-1 and climb even higher, however, the Huskers were walloped on the road 24-6 by Minnesota last Friday night.

The loss was extremely ugly, as Nebraska was outgained 339-213 and quarterback Dylan Raiola was sacked nine times. It jumped ahead 3-0 thanks to a field goal as time expired in the first quarter, but was then outscored 24-3 over the remaining three quarters.

Head coach Matt Rhule was visibly frustrated with himself and the coaching staff during Monday’s press conference. During his mini tirade, he blamed himself and the coaches for the blowout loss.

“It wasn’t good enough,” Rhule said. “I think I’ve been honest with you guys so I’m saying it wasn’t good. I’m pissed off. I’m pissed off at the coaches. I’m pissed off at myself. I’m mad, so yeah. I don’t know how to say it any other way than that, to be honest with you. Emmett (Johnson) ran the ball hard, but they blitzed us and we never made them pay. We got some big sets a couple of times and we had the ball in the red zone twice in the first half. You’ve got to score touchdowns. It’s a pretty simple game to me.”