Las Vegas Bowl is TJ Lateef’s chance to earn QB1 status for Nebraska

As soon as Dylan Raiola’s intention to enter the transfer portal became clear, the conversation among Nebraska football fans shifted to who would be next?

As in, who would Nebraska football land in the transfer portal to replace Dylan Raiola? There are some quality options, such as former Arizona State standout Sam Leavitt, a player Nebraska recruited in the 2023 offseason, before taking the commitment of Dylan Raiola.

Brendan Sorsby, the Cincinnati quarterback, is another option, however, there are rumors that he will go to Texas Tech. The big dogs like Oregon and Miami are after Leavitt, and even with millions in NIL money to spend after Raiola’s departure, it seems like Nebraska will get out-bid.

There are some other decent options. More are likely to enter, too, such as Drew Mestemaker, the North Texas redshirt freshman who just led the FBS in passing yards. The 6-foot-4 QB will be in the portal, and maybe he would be a fit for Dana Holgorsen’s air-raid offense, if we ever see it.

However, there is another option to be the 2026 Nebraska football starting quarterback: TJ Lateef. 

The in-house QB option for Nebraska football

The former four-star recruit was an elite 11 quarterback for a reason. He’s got the arm talent. He’s athletic enough to run. There were flashes against UCLA, but also struggles against Penn State and Iowa.

If Lateef is healthy, with 15 practices as the starter under his belt, Nebraska should see growth. Heck, Miller Moss essentially won the USC starting job in the bowl game a couple of years ago. Lateef could do the same.

Imagine if the freshman balls out and Nebraska wins — a long shot, I know — but if that happens, why would a change be needed? Utah is a top-15 team. They are legit, and with Kyle Whittingham coaching his last game as head coach in the Las Vegas Bowl, motivation won’t be an issue.

So let’s see what Lateef can do. A strong performance shouldn’t mean that he’s handed the job. Nebraska does need to add someone from the portal — even a Zane Flores to push him, but if Lateef kills it, maybe Nebraska can save some of that NIL money for the OL/DL. The Huskers also need pass rushers, a cornerback, and a big-time running back. Heck, regardless of position, this program needs impact players.

If Nebraska can avoid spending millions on its next quarterback, maybe the team as a whole could improve. Granted, Lateef will need more money if he is the starter, but not $4 million like Raiola.

Maybe Nebraska football doesn’t need a million-dollar quarterback to be successful, especially if the Huskers can use some of that money to upgrade all the pieces around the quarterback.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel. You can also find our podcast on Apple or Spotify.