Ranking Nebraska’s Transfer Portal Additions

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are one of the early winners in the transfer portal. Matt Rhule’s team landed several players who could see the field immediately in Lincoln. Let’s rank the Huskers’ best portal additions.

Nebraska’s Transfer Portal Additions

1. Anthony Colandrea

Nebraska was set to add former Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey to its roster. But at the last minute, he flipped to the Kentucky Wildcats. This put Dana Holgorsen in a tough position. But the tough times didn’t last for long. The Huskers were able to regroup by landing former UNLV starting quarterback Anthony Colandrea. This is a big get for the Cornhuskers’ offense. In his first year with the Rebels, Colandrea had 3,459 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. Plus, the junior was also decisive with his legs. All told, Colandrea had 649 rushing yards last season. This finally brings an element of real mobility to the Husker offense. As a sophomore, Dylan Raiola was a statue in the pocket. This led to unnecessary sacks or bad overthrows. TJ Lateef was better in this area. But with Colandrea under center, Nebraska’s offense has the potential to fix these issues.  The Cornhuskers will need to find improvement rather quickly. They’ll need the Mountain West Player of the Year to step up against Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon.

2. Brendan Black

Offensive line coach Geep Wade has added two new offensive linemen to Nebraska’s roster. The first addition came from Iowa State’s three-year starter in Black.  And the second offensive lineman to commit to the Huskers was South Carolina’s Tree Babalade. These two players add much-needed depth to the program’s roster. Nebraska needs stability at the position in 2026. The Huskers lost right guard Rocco Spindler to the NFL Draft. Plus, Turner Corcoran and Henry Lutovsky have graduated. This should allow Black to take over the right guard spot. He has the size at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds to make an impact. However, his most important asset is experience. Over his college career, he’s played 36 total games. Babalade’s role is a bit uncertain. He has the size to be the Huskers’ right tackle, and he’s a great pass blocker. However, Babalade is weak as a run blocker. According to Pro Football Focus, he was graded out at a 55.

3. Owen Chambliss

Nebraska defensive coordinator Rob Aurich will reunite with one of his top linebackers at San Diego State. The 6′-3″ 230-pounder will likely lead the charge for the Blackshirts in 2026. Nebraska can’t rely on Javin Wright anymore. The Huskers will miss the contributions of the seventh-year senior. Last season, Wright led the program in tackles, interceptions, and sacks. In addition, the Cornhuskers lost Dasan McCullough and Marques Watson-Trent to the NFL Draft. This gives Chambliss an opportunity to make an impact. Last season with the Aztecs, the sophomore had 68 tackles and four sacks.

4. Dwayne McDougle

The San Diego State safety is another excellent addition to the Blackshirts’ defense under Rob Aurich. After the Huskers’ loss to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl, Nebraska’s experienced secondary went with it. Ceyair Wright, Deshon Singleton, Marques Buford, and Malcolm Hartzog all left Lincoln in 2026. This positions McDougle to be the leader of the Huskers’ secondary heading into spring camp. He’s familiar with the 4-2-5 system, and he has the production to back it up. Last season, McDougle had 110 tackles, four sacks, and an interception with the Aztecs.

5. Kwazi Gilmer

The former UCLA receiver found the endzone against Nebraska for his first career touchdown. And now in 2026, Gilmer will opt to join Daikiel Shorts and the Huskers. The 6′-1″, 175-pound wideout should bring immediate production to the Cornhuskers’ wide receiver room. Last season, Gilmer led all Bruins receivers with 535 yards and four touchdowns. This type of production should allow him to take over Dane Key’s spot in the receiver room. However, we should still expect Nyziah Hunter to be at the top of the pecking order for Nebraska. As a sophomore, he led the Cornhuskers in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2025. Jacory Barney has a chance to be in the mix as well. As a sophomore, the Miami native had 484 receiving yards and five touchdowns.