Matt Rhule has a crucial offseason with the transfer portal open from Jan. 2 through Jan. 16. Even before it officially opened, he witnessed a huge blow when two-year starting quarterback Dylan Raiola announced his decision to enter the portal.
Raiola departed Rhule’s program after leading the team for much of the past two seasons.
Former Notre Dame QB Flip Leaves Matt Rhule Searching for Dylan Raiola Replacement
Notre Dame transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey flipped his commitment from Nebraska to Kentucky on Monday. He made the surprising decision just one day after pledging to the Huskers as a potential replacement for Raiola.
The 6-foot-2, 208-pound redshirt sophomore entered the transfer portal on Friday and ranks as the No. 9 quarterback in ESPN’s transfer portal rankings. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining and will head to Kentucky to play under first-year head coach Will Stein, the former Oregon offensive coordinator. Stein remains with the Ducks as they continue their College Football Playoff run.
Kentucky was in the market for a new signal-caller after starting quarterback Cutter Boley transferred to Arizona State.
Meanwhile, Minchey lost the starting battle to CJ Carr at Notre Dame during the offseason. The battle was reportedly very close, with some sources indicating it was “50-50” at times. However, Carr’s decision-making and leadership ultimately gave him the edge over Minchey, even though Minchey offered more as a runner.
Minchey served as Carr’s backup during this season, completing 20 of 26 passes for 196 yards, adding 84 rushing yards and a score.
ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill spoke highly of Minchey’s potential in his evaluation.
“Minchey has appeared in just 10 games over the past three seasons, but he’s flashed ability with a strong arm and good mobility,” Luginbill wrote. “He can drop the ball into receivers running go routes and throw hole balls working against two-high looks. Minchey can extend plays and make off-platform throws. He’s an instinctive runner with enough speed to break explosive runs. Limited experience, but physically gifted with the upside to become a quality player.”
Minchey was a four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite, ranking No. 170 nationally and No. 14 quarterback in the cycle.
Following Raiola’s exit and Minchey’s sudden flip, Nebraska understands the urgency to add another quarterback to compete with TJ Lateef, who ranked No. 107 and posted a 76.0 grade in the PFSN’s College Football QBi. One possible target is Beau Pribula, who threw for 1,941 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions during an injury-shortened 2025 season, while also rushing 95 times for 297 yards and six scores.
