Some needs still loom large for Nebraska in the transfer portal

As we are coming up on the first full week of the transfer portal being open, Nebraska football has signed seven players, with two more commitments expected at any moment.

UCLA defensive lineman Anthony Jones and also UCLA wideout Kwazi Gilmer have each been projected to commit to the Huskers. It seems as though Nebraska is waiting for them to announce them.

Of course, things can change after a commitment, an announcement, and, as we are learning with Demond Williams of Washington, a signed contract.

If, Nebraska lands those players that would give them nine commitments. Gilmer has caught a pass in 23 straight games and led UCLA in receptions (50) and receiving yards (535). He will be a solid replacement for Dane Key, adding a possession-type of receiver to the room.

Jones started 11 games for UCLA this season. He played in all 12 games for Michigan State in 2024. He’s got 3.5 sacks during that time and nine hurries. He also had 16 pressures for the Bruins this season, including five against USC.

At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, he would be a defensive end in the 4-2-5 under Rob Aurich. Another pass rusher could be useful, but Williams Nwaneri and Kade Pietrzak are a good starting point, along with Cameron Lenhardt, especially in a scheme that suits them better.

However, there are still at least two positions where Nebraska needs to make an addition, maybe two. That expands to three if you include quarterback, which is essential because even with Anthony Colandrea, the Huskers only have two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster.

So, after some solid work by Matt Rhule and Nebraska football, here are three positions that still need some reinforcements.

QB

As we alluded to, Nebraska needs another quarterback. Colandrea will compete against TJ Lateef, but it seems pretty clear who the starter will be. Lateef will have the chance to develop, and if he shows improvement, he could be the starter in 2027 as Trae Taylor gets his sea legs.

That being said, Nebraska needs another arm. Two simply isn’t enough. There are some walk-on options, but another scholarship quarterback, someone with starter traits that need to be developed, would be ideal.

Whether it’s a D-2 transfer, or someone from the NAIA, FCS, or a younger player, Nebraska needs another quarterback to develop.

RB

Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee were productive in the Las Vegas Bowl. They combined for 216 total yards and certainly flashed some potential moving forward.

That doesn’t mean Nebraska football can ignore the position moving forward. I’d guess that they aren’t. The Huskers have just had other priorities. They might be waiting for other players to enter the portal.

Former Kansas State/Colorado running back Dylan Edwards is someone who could be of interest. He’s got a similar skillset to Emmett Johnson, and it feels like he wouldn’t break the bank.

DT

Nebraska was unable to land a defensive tackle in the transfer portal last offseason, and we saw the result. Riley Van Poppel improved as the season wore on. The Las Vegas Bowl might have been his best game as a Husker.

Malcolm Simpson and Tyson Terry could make an impact this season. Gabe Moore is another player who should thrive in a four-man front. So is David Hoffken. There are some talented players, but Nebraska needs a run stuffer. Someone proficient at handling double teams.

Keona Davis would be a solid option as a three-technique in this system. That seems to fit him better than defensive end if he bulks up a little.

Some key targets have already come off the board including former Kansas State DT Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder. All of the D-line players who visited Nebraska are off the board, so it might be back to the drawing board, but defensive tackle reinforcements, at least one good one, are much-needed.

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