Transfer Portal Breakdown: Offense

Quarterbacks

1. Anthony Colandrea QB 6-0 205lbs
   1. Threw for 3,459 yards last year, Mt West player of the year 23 pass TDs 10 rush 10 TDs
2. Daniel Kaelin QB 6-3 220lbs
   1. Former Husker, from Elkhorn. 1 year at Virginia 30/52 57.7% 339yds 1 TD 1 Int 

With the portal officially closed and the enrollment now officially past, it’s time we take a look at Nebraska’s transfer portal class. Nebraska dealt with some early drama when the quarterback they pursued committed to the Huskers, only to flip overnight and sign with Kentucky. Nebraska quickly pivoted, and actually managed to bring in a better QB in Anthony Colandrea. The Cornhuskers weren’t done there at the QB position as they made amends with former Husker QB Daniel Kaelin, who transferred from Nebraska last year to Virginia, where he was to be the next guy in line. After Virginia’s plan at QB switched, Kaelin decided it was time to come home. The Cornhuskers now have three scholarship QBs on the roster with Colandrea, Lateef, and Kaelin. This will be a very fun QB room to watch. 

Running Backs

For the second year in a row, Nebraska did not address its running back room, leaving many Nebraska fans questioning Rhule. Last year, I know for a fact they were heavily pursuing a back they thought they would land, only for him to commit to a team in the Sunshine State. This year, however, they didn’t even offer another back, let alone have one visit. Only the staff truly knows why at this point. Rhule says he is going to ride with the guys in that room, but no one in that room has any proven production, just a lot of high potential. Only time will tell if Rhule and Barthel made the right decision. 

Pass Catchers

1. Kwazi Gilmer WR 6-2 190lbs
   1. In 24 games at UCLA: 81 receptions for 880 yards and 6 TDs

It seems like Nebraska has gone heavy on bringing in as many pass-catchers as they can since the Riley Era. Every recruiting class and portal class seemed to have multiple receivers or tight ends; the habit carried over to Frost and Rhule. While they didn’t lean heavily into this year, they did bring in a young receiver with a lot of potential who will essentially fill Dane Keys’ shoes. Nebraska signed Kwazi Gilmer from UCLA. The 6-2, 190lb wideout was UCLA’s best pass catcher in 2025 and was a former top 40 WR recruit in his class. Gilmer has strong hands, great route-running abilities, and a high-revving motor. While he might not be considered a huge home run right now, I think he could be a key piece to Nebraska’s passing attack going forward. 

In a move that surprised me, Nebraska didn’t go after any tight ends. While they have some proven production with Lindenmeyer, they don’t really have anything behind him. Carter Nelson has been dealing with injury and has yet to make the impact so many Husker fans hoped he would make. Here’s hoping 2026 is his year. After Nelson, the same problem stands out. No proven production. There is a bunch of young guys, like freshman Luke Lorensen, who I expect to see some play time this year, but there is also an older tight end in Mac Markway. Markway was an elite prospect out of high school, but he has dealt with serious knee problems since committing to LSU out of high school. 2026 needs to be a prove-it year for Marcus Satterfield; he has been paid way too much to do so little. If Nebraska doesn’t have a tight end named at least honorable-mention All-B1G, Rhule needs to let Satterfield walk. 

Trenches 

1. Paul Mubenga IOL 6-5 310lbs 
   1. Started 11 games for LSU. Played in 20.
2. Brendan Black RG 6-3 315lbs
   1. 3-year starter at Iowa State. Predicted to be starting RG
3. Tree Babalade OT 6-5 330lbs
   1. Started 9 games at LT as a freshman, redshirted in 2024, and then started the last 5 games at RT this year. Predicted starting RT

New O-Line coaches Geep Wade and Lonnie Teasley wasted no time targeting new guys to bring in. The only thing that really surprised me was the lack of former Georgia Tech and South Carolina guys they brought in. I thought we’d bring in at least three players from those schools, but we only landed Tree Babalade from South Carolina. I also thought Nebraska would go after guys with more production, since there were many linemen in the portal with over 1,000 career snaps. Ultimately, they picked up Brenden Black from Iowa State, who started for three years there and will be a day-one starter. Besides Black, they brought in some young guys who have some starting experience, but nowhere near the level of Brenden Black. Paul Mubenga from LSU has a high ceiling and was heavily pursued by many schools, including Alabama. Mubenga started 11 games for LSU, playing in 20 in his time as a tiger. He logged a PFF grade of 54.2, which isn’t great, but he holds the frame and tools to become a great lineman. Nebraska also brought in Tree Babalade from South Carolina. Tree started nine games at left tackle as a freshman, reshirted in 2024, and then started the last five games at right tackle this year, which you don’t really see happen. It will be really interesting to see how he can develop this offseason. Right now, I predict him to be our starting right tackle. 

Overall, I think Nebraska did okay when it comes to the offensive side of the ball in the portal. It was nowhere near the splash I thought they’d make, but getting an electric QB and possibly three new starters on the o-line isn’t anything to be mad about.