5 most impactful transfers for Nebraska Football in 2023

Nebraska football has a 12-man transfer portal class from 2023 and here are five that will make the biggest impact this season.

We are getting closer and closer to the 2023 Nebraska football season. The Huskers will start fall camp at the end of the month and the Minnesota game will be here before you know it.

One thing that’s true about the Nebraska football team in 2023 is that transfers will play an important role. Jeff Sims is going to be the starting quarterback, plus there will be multiple transfers starting on both sides of the ball.

Some of the 12 transfers were added with an eye on the future such as offensive tackles Jacob Hood or Tyler Knaak. But even those guys are being counted on to provide depth on the offensive line.

On paper, it looks like Matt Rhule landed a really good haul of transfers, and here’s our guess of the five that will make the biggest impact for Nebraska football next season.

5. LB/EDGE Chief Borders

When you look at the Nebraska football roster, you’ll see just three defensive positions: linebacker, defensive lineman, and defensive back.

That sort of tells you the defensive philosophy of Tony White. Well, a key piece this season, regardless of position, is likely going to be Chief Borders. The former four-star linebacker that transferred from Florida should contribute with the Jack linebacker spot or maybe even EDGE in some instances.

Borders played mostly on special teams in Florida but is super athletic. He’ll play right away and while I don’t know if he’ll start every game, Borders will see plenty of snaps on defense.

And it’s critical that he helps provide some pressure off the edge.

4. WR Billy Kemp

Nebraska football fans are going to hear the name Billy Kemp a lot this season. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Kemp led the Huskers in receptions.

One of the most underrated additions from the portal for Nebraska, Kemp has 192 career receptions and two seasons with more than 650 yards receiving.

I’m expecting him to make a similar impact this season. Among wideouts, he might even lead the way in terms of receiving yards because his ability after the catch is dynamic.

3. LB MJ Sherman

Sherman is one of the transfers rated as a four-star addition for Nebraska football and there’s a good reason for that. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound linebacker got lost in the shuffle a bit at Georgia and was limited mostly to special teams during his time there.

At Nebraska, Sherman is going to start. I believe he’ll be the starting Jack linebacker, which will allow him to play in pass coverage, pressure the quarterback, and basically do it all.

The 3-3-5 can quickly become a 4-2-5 with Sherman or Borders turning into an EDGE. That’s why having two players who are comfortable rushing the passer and dropping is important.

On the defensive side of the ball though, Sherman will be Nebraska’s top transfer addition.

2. Center Ben Scott

When the season gets here, it will quickly become clear how important it was for the Huskers to add Ben Scott. They needed a replacement and outside of left tackle, center is the most important position on the offensive line.

Scott started 28 games over three seasons at Arizona State. In 2021, he started 13 games at right tackle before moving to center last season. I don’t think he’ll get moved from that spot.

Matt Rhule is confident that the offensive line is going to be better. I am too and the addition of Scott from the transfer portal is one of the biggest reasons why.

1. QB Jeff Sims

This seems obvious but Jeff Sims should have the biggest impact of any transfers. I realize that tight end Arik Gilbert didn’t make the cut.

However, we still haven’t gotten word if he’ll get a waiver this season, plus I think Thomas Fidone is going to have a monster season. Gilbert will make an impact though, as long as he’s eligible.

Sims will be the top transfer though. If he starts 12 games or close, I fully believe Nebraska football will be heading to a bowl game.

Sims is 6-foot-4, has an NFL arm, and is a true dual threat. He’s going to be a weapon in the red zone especially and probably good for a first down or two per game with his feet.

The former Georgia Tech starter has 1,152 rushing yards for his career and 11 touchdowns. He also has 30 touchdown passes. If can limit the interceptions and improve his accuracy (which he appeared to do in the spring) Sims could have an NFL future.

Sims will also prove to be the most impactful 2023 transfer portal addition for the Huskers.

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