Latest transfer portal developments for Nebraska football

Nebraska football has 12 transfer portal commitments but the Huskers are far from finished. They are hosting a slew of visitors this week and more additions to the roster could be coming.

One name Nebraska football fans have been waiting closely for a week or two now is Washington State offensive tackle Fa’alili Fa’amoe. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder is a three-year starter at right tackle and the No. 2 offensive tackle available in the portal (via 247 Sports). He’s also ranked 21st overall.

A decision was supposed to come this week according to Nebraska and Michigan reporters. However, on Friday, EJ Holland of The Wolverine reported that Wake Forest is a new team in the mix. Fa’amore’s position coach ended up there and the Demon Deacons are in the mix for a visit.

Nebraska seemed to have a slight edge in his recruitment before that, but that may have changed. I’m skeptical that Wake Forest can compete with the NIL offers of Michigan and Nebraska but relationships matter more than money to some players, so we’ll see.

The Huskers have a huge need at offensive tackle though and if they don’t land the former Washington State starter, they’ll need to look elsewhere.

There was another subtraction from the roster to the transfer portal on Thursday. Former tight end turned linebacker Ismael Smith Flores entered the portal.

Smith Flores didn’t gain any traction during his time with Nebraska football and with the 105-man roster limit, it feels like he was processed.

A Defensive Player of the Year from 2024 visits Nebraska

Marques Watson-Trent is another transfer portal defender Husker fans need to know.

The Georgia Southern linebacker (5-11, 225) is visiting Nebraska football on Friday and was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 after he had 120 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks, to go along with four forced fumbles, two quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup.

I’ll be @HuskerFootball January 3rd !

— Marques Watson-Trent (@_MW23__) January 2, 2025

Watson-Trent is ranked as the No. 660 prospect available in the transfer portal (247), which is kind of surprising but the dude is a playmaker. He was recruited as a safety out of high school and would give the Husker another playmaking linebacker alongside Dasan McCullough, Vincent Shavers, and Willis McGahee IV.

Dawson Merritt and Christian Jones are also expected to push for playing time next season, but adding Watson-Trent is a no-brainer. He’s got one year of eligibility left and could allow the coaching staff to move McCullough around even more.

Linebacker isn’t a huge need — probably not as big as offensive or defensive line — but you don’t pass up productive players like this and Watson-Trent is from Pennsylvania, just like Matt Rhule.

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