3 takeaways from Nebraska re-signing Anthony Colandrea for 2027 season

There have been rumors that a deal between Nebraska football and Anthony Colandrea for the 2027 season was close. On Friday, according to Pete Nakos of On3, it got over the finish line.

That locks in Colandrea as the starter for next season, which will be his final season of college football. Here are three takeaways from a huge deal for the Huskers.

Colandrea has been better than advertised

The offense should have scored more points in the past two games. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Colandrea has been one of the most dynamic players of the Matt Rhule era.

He’s like a lightning rod for the offense. The touchdown runs against Indiana and Oregon to go up 11 and 8 were electric. Colandrea needs to play better in the fourth quarter. The entire team does, but he’s one big reason Nebraska is still in the playoff hunt.

The first-year starter at Nebraska is averaging 271 total yards per game. He’s also got 18 total touchdowns and just four interceptions through seven games. He’s a winner, and locking him up was smart.

Good news for Trae Taylor

This is good news for Nebraska football, Anthony Colandrea and Trae Taylor. The five-star quarterback looks like he has all the tools to be successful. He can run, he’s got the arm, and it feels like he is committed to the mental part of the game, which is a huge factor in success or failure.

Bryce Underwood has all the talent in the world. The problem is he can’t read a defense. Michigan played him too early. Nebraska won’t have to make that same mistake or repeat the mistake it made with Dylan Raiola.

Taylor also confirmed on social media that this won’t change his commitment at all. Besides, do people really think Nebraska would make a move like this without Taylor knowing?

Extends a playoff chance into next season

Nebraska football probably isn’t going to make the College Football Playoff. The Huskers have a 34% chance, according to Polymarket. Winning out is what would need to happen.

That seems far-fetched. But even if Nebraska wins eight, nine or even 10 games with a bowl win, it should be set up well to recruit from the portal. Colandrea’s return will be an asset. He might be able to help keep current players on the roster, too.

The only players on the offense who aren’t eligible for a fifth season are Luke Lindenmeyer and Justin Evans. There are six starters total who will exhaust their eligibility after this season. Owen Stoudmire, Luke Lindenmeyer, Justin Evans, Elijah Pritchett, Anthony Jones Jr. and Dwayne McDougle are the others. Every player on the roster is eligible to come back.

With Colandrea in the fold, that will be much easier to make happen.

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