Nebraska has addressed the trenches in transfer portal but there is work to do

For the most part, Nebraska football fans should be pleased with the work that the Huskers have done in the transfer portal.

Matt Rhule was able to land an experienced quarterback, who just happened to be the Mountain West Player of the Year in 2025. Nebraska has added two starting-caliber offensive linemen, plus a nice rotational piece on the defensive line in Anthony Jones.

Yes, Jones only had 3.5 sacks over the past two seasons, but he had 16 pressures for UCLA this past season, and can play multiple spots on the D-line at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds. He can even provide some interior pass rush.

Nebraska football fans should feel even better about what the Huskers have done on the offensive line, adding Brendan Black (No. 3 IOL), who has 30 starts for Iowa State, and Tree Babalade (No. 17 OT), who has made 15 starts in three seasons.

Babalade is similar to Elijah Pritchett — a talented player who hasn’t reached his ceiling. Hopefully, Geep Wade can get it out of him.

Frankly, after adding two starting-caliber players, I wasn’t sure the Huskers would add another O-lineman, but on Thursday, it was reported by Sean Callahan and others that the are hosting former LSU starter Paul Mubenga. He’s 6-foot-5, 317 pounds, and started 11 games over the past two seasons. He’s played a lot at left guard where Nebraska has an opening.

That’s one player to keep an eye on. But another that Nebraska football desperately needs to land is visiting on Saturday — Andy Burburija.

Must-land transfer target

The 6-foot-2, 290-pound defensive tackle is a must-land for Nebraska. He was committed to Kansas State at one time. Clemson is also in the mix. Over the past two seasons, Burburija has 73 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks. He also had 11.5 sacks this season for Iowa Western.

Nebraska could use a massive defensive tackle, but size isn’t the only thing that matters, especially in a four-man front. Burburija is disruptive. He’s a top-10 JUCO D-line prospect (via 247 Sports), and this is a commitment the Huskers need desperately. Callahan quoted a source in his article on Friday that said Burburija is “unblockable.”

But if they land Burburija and Mubenga, it will be hard for fans to say Rhule’s staff hasn’t addressed the trenches. It has, although there is more work to do.

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