3 non-QB transfers Nebraska football could use to upgrade

Nebraska football needs a new quarterback from the transfer portal, but here are three non-quarterbacks in the portal the Huskers also need.

Projecting where players in the transfer portal will wind up is pretty difficult. There are a number of variables at play, but it’s clear so far that Nebraska football is focused on adding a quarterback.

Right now, it feels like there is momentum behind Kyle McCord to Nebraska. We’ll see if he wins up taking a visit to Lincoln.

Adding McCord would be huge. The Huskers need a proven quarterback like that to get this team back to the postseason. But Nebraska football has other needs in the transfer portal too.

As I’ve said, the Huskers could use a wide receiver, especially someone who can play on the outside. They need a veteran who can win against man coverage. Nebraska could add some pieces on defense. Linebacker might be the biggest need, although cornerback and EDGE could use reinforcements too.

All that said, the Huskers don’t have an unlimited amount of scholarships. I wouldn’t expect a ton of transfer portal additions but here are three that would upgrade the roster right away.

Julian Fleming, WR

Nebraska football is reportedly in “good shape” for the former five-star wideout. Outside of a quarterback, Fleming is one of my personal favorites in the portal. As a true No. 1, a 1,000-yard season isn’t out of the realm of possibility, especially with a QB like McCord.

Pair Fleming with Malachi Coleman and Jaylen Lloyd, as well as Thomas Fidone and that’s an exciting group that Nebraska can trot out with its 11 personnel grouping.

Donaven McCulley has also been targeted by Nebraska. He’s a former Indiana wideout that’s 6-foot-5, 200 pounds. He also played quarterback at one time.

Fleming seems more likely, but the Huskers seem determined to add a proven veteran on the outside at wide receiver.

Jaishawn Barham

Nebraska is essentially losing two starters at linebacker with the departures of Nick Henrich and Luke Reimer. Javin Wright is one guy that could step into a bigger role. We also haven’t heard exactly what John Bullock is going to do.

However, it stands to reason that Nebraska would want to target a linebacker in the transfer portal. Jaishawn Barham is one name I’d love to see the coaching staff target.

The former Maryland linebacker is 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, and would be perfect for the role left by Reimer, basically as a weakside linebacker. He’s got 95 tackles, seven sacks, and 9.5 tackles for loss, as well as an interception over the past two seasons for the Terps.

With the way Nebraska played defense last season, it should be an attractive place for defensive players in the transfer portal. Barham is a good tackler, is solid in coverage, and has a knack for impact plays.

He would also be fun to watch in Tony White’s defense.

Princely Umanmielen

Princely Umanmielen is the brother of current Husker Jack linebacker Pricewell Umanmielen. Princely just entered the transfer portal from Florida and tagged his brother in a social media post.

You’d have to think they’d like the chance to play together and Princely is a big-time talent. Over four seasons at Florida, Princely finished with 98 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks, which includes seven sacks in 2023.

Princely is going to be one of the hottest names in the transfer portal. Literally every single team in college football could use him because you can never have enough pass rushers.

With Princewell, Cameron Lenhardt, James Williams, and others, Nebraska football has some talent at the position, but Princely is the kind of player you take if you can get.

And you have to feel like Nebraska at least has a puncher’s chance.

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