New faces to look out for ahead of the 2026 season

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Before the pads come on and the speculation gives way to reality, one thing is clear: Nebraska will look very different when it takes the field in 2026. Matt Rhule has attacked the transfer portal, supplemented it with a small but talented freshman class, and reshaped key position groups that desperately needed an injection of experience.

The Huskers are trying to move beyond the label of being a program that is “almost there.” After another frustrating finish to the 2025 campaign, capped by a humbling loss to Utah in the SRS Distribution Bowl in Las Vegas, expectations have once again been reset. More importantly, Nebraska is still carrying the weight of a staggering 29-game losing streak against ranked opponents, dating back to its upset of No. 22 Oregon in 2016.

If that streak is finally going to end, these new faces will have plenty to say about it.

Quarterback changes

The biggest storyline entering fall camp is under center.

Dana Holgorsen has handed the keys to his offense to transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea, fresh off a sensational season at UNLV that saw him earn Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors. Colandrea piled up 3,459 passing yards, added another 649 yards on the ground, and accounted for 33 total touchdowns while leading the Rebels to a 10-win season.

His mobility adds another dimension that Holgorsen covets, and Nebraska will hope he can finally unlock an offense that too often stalled in critical moments.

The backup competition might be just as intriguing. TJ Lateef, who battled admirably through stretches last season, now faces returning Nebraska native Daniel Kaelin, who transferred back after spending time at Virginia.

The two quarterbacks couldn’t be more different stylistically. Lateef brings athleticism and improvisation, while Kaelin is a more traditional pocket passer with excellent anticipation. Whoever wins the No. 2 job will give Holgorsen flexibility depending on the situation.

Helping all three quarterbacks is UCLA transfer Kwazi Gilmer, whose blazing speed gives Nebraska something it has sorely lacked—a legitimate vertical threat capable of stretching defenses and creating explosive plays downfield.

O-line overhaul

Few position groups needed a makeover more than the offensive line.

Last season Nebraska’s pass protection was among the worst in recent memory, with opposing defenses collecting sacks at an alarming rate. Too often the offense never had a chance because the pocket collapsed almost immediately.

Rhule responded by investing heavily in experienced transfer talent.

Former Iowa State guard Brendan Black and LSU transfer Paul Mubenga bring hundreds of snaps of high-level college football experience and should immediately stabilize the interior.

At tackle, Tree Babalade arrives from South Carolina looking to cement himself at right tackle and finally provide consistency on the edge.

More than anything, this group simply looks different. It has size, maturity and experience that previous Nebraska offensive lines have lacked. Of course, transfer additions only matter if they perform together. We’ll soon find out whether Nebraska’s portal investment pays dividends once Big Ten play begins.

Defensive demons

If the offensive line was one glaring weakness, Nebraska’s defensive front wasn’t far behind.

New defensive coordinator Rob Aurich inherits a unit that struggled to generate consistent pressure while also having difficulty stopping the run in key moments. His preferred 4-2-5 scheme places significant responsibility on athletic linebackers capable of making plays in space.

Linebacker transfers Owen Chambliss from San Diego State and Dexter Foster from Oregon State both appear poised to become Day 1 starters and fit Aurich’s system perfectly.

Edge pressure was another major issue a year ago, making the arrival of UCLA transfer Anthony Jones Jr. particularly important. The athletic pass rusher has flashed tremendous potential throughout his career and Nebraska will hope he can finally translate that talent into consistent sack production.

Inside, Pittsburgh transfer Jahsear Whittington joins Boston College transfer Owen Stoudmire to provide mobility and versatility along the defensive line. Neither is an overwhelming physical specimen, but both fit the attacking style Aurich wants to implement.

Ultimately, this defense may determine Nebraska’s ceiling in 2026. If the front seven can hold up against the physical rushing attacks waiting in the Big Ten, the Huskers could finally take a significant step forward.

Freshman wildcards

Because of scholarship limitations and a relatively young roster, Nebraska signed just 12 high school players in this recruiting class.

Even with the small numbers, several freshmen have generated excitement.

Running back Jamal Rule may have the clearest path to immediate playing time. The Charlotte, North Carolina native impressed throughout spring practices and looked remarkably composed during the spring game. His vision, balance and willingness to finish runs suggest he’ll compete for meaningful carries sooner rather than later.

Wide receiver Larry Miles has also turned heads this spring with his explosiveness. While he may not see every-down snaps immediately, expect Holgorsen to design packages that get the Florida speedster into open space.

On the defensive side, Dylan Berymon is difficult to miss. At 6-foot-2 and 340 pounds, the Monroe, Louisiana product already possesses a college-ready frame and could carve out a situational role along the defensive line.

The new five for five rule gives Nebraska flexibility to develop Berymon while still allowing him to gain valuable game experience without sacrificing a year of eligibility.

Final thoughts

Fall camp always brings optimism, but this season feels different.

Nebraska didn’t simply add depth—it targeted experienced players at positions that desperately needed upgrading while sprinkling in freshmen capable of contributing immediately. Quarterback, offensive line and linebacker all received major reinforcements, and those improvements will go a long way toward determining whether Matt Rhule’s fourth season is finally the one that gets Nebraska over the hump.

The Huskers have spent nearly a decade searching for consistency and desperately trying to snap that agonizing losing streak against ranked opponents. If these newcomers live up to expectations, Nebraska may finally have the roster capable of changing the narrative.

GBR

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