Nebraska football has hit a home run in transfer portal

Nebraska football has added another impact player from the transfer portal in linebacker Stefon Thompson.

It’s been a busy week for Nebraska football in the transfer portal, but the Huskers made another impact move on Thursday with the commitment of Stefon Thomspon.

Thompson is the sixth commitment for the Huskers in the transfer portal and he’s the latest addition to what I believe is a home-run haul from the portal.

As I wrote about the commitment of Jahmal Banks, Nebraska football isn’t building this thing in the transfer portal. That’s not the way to have long-term success. High school recruiting is like the draft. You have to hit on recruits and develop them.

The transfer portal serves as free agency. It allows you to fill some immediate needs and Matt Rhule has used it brilliantly this offseason.

It started with Blye Hill, who should compete for playing time right away in the secondary. He also had a solid freshman season a the FCS level. Dante Dowdell is another big-time pickup. Like Hill, he’s a little more unproven after getting just 17 carries this past season for Oregon.

Beyond that though, with guys like Thompson, the Huskers have added former starters. Banks and Isaiah Neyor — the two wide receiver additions — have had solid production in the past. Neyor averaged 20 yards per reception in 2021, while Banks has had consecutive seasons with more than 600 yards receiving.

Micah Mazzccua, the newest addition to the offensive line, has started 21 games over the past two seasons for Florida and Baylor. It’s not a stretch to think he could start next season.

Lastly, you have Thompson. It wouldn’t shock me if he was the final transfer commitment for the Huskers. He’s talented, productive, and experienced in Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense.

Nebraska football lost Nick Henrich and Luke Reimer — last season’s starters — so linebacker was another key position of need. The return of John Bullock was key. Some other young guys will be pushing to play next season, but Thompson, who has two years of eligibility, has 10 career sacks, and over 100 career solo tackles, and should be expected to play right away.

Thompson had 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in his first two college seasons under Tony White. He was hurt in 2022 but posted 53 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks last season. Thompson will step in seamlessly for the defense, plus he will fill the pass-rushing void left by Reimer and Henrich. He will also add much-needed experience.

Looking at the defense, linebacker was probably the most glaring need. Now, the Huskers have another starting-quality player, who is part of a transfer portal class as a whole that feels like a home run.

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