The quarterback situation for the Nebraska Cornhuskers has entered a new chapter following the departure of former starter Dylan Raiola. While the program works through its quarterback competition this spring, one name is beginning to generate quiet momentum: Anthony Colandrea.
Anthony Colandrea Rising Early in Spring Ball
According to Sam McKewon of the Omaha World-Herald and HuskerExtra, new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen has been impressed early with Colandrea during spring practices.
Holgorsen didn’t hide his enthusiasm when discussing the quarterback. “He’s fun to watch,” Holgorsen said. “Fun to coach.” The veteran offensive mind even went a step further, noting Colandrea’s unique athletic ability.
Nebraska OC Dana Holgorsen says Anthony Colandrea is “fun to watch” and “fun to coach.” Said he’s never coached a QB this mobile.
— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) March 7, 2026
Holgorsen also said he’s never coached a quarterback this mobile.
While the quarterback battle between Colandrea and fellow contender TJ Lateef is still unfolding during spring ball, those comments suggest the early momentum may be leaning toward the dynamic transfer.
Colandrea’s Playmaking Ability Already Proven
Colandrea’s mobility and improvisational style aren’t new to those who followed his 2025 season with UNLV.
The dual-threat quarterback was one of the most productive signal-callers in the country last season, posting a PFSN CFB QB Impact score of 86.7, which ranked 14th nationally.
Colandrea’s production was equally impressive in traditional statistics. He threw for 3,459 passing yards, ranking 13th in the nation, while also finishing in the top 20 among quarterbacks in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
That rare blend of passing efficiency and rushing explosiveness established him as one of the most versatile and dynamic quarterbacks in college football. It’s also the type of skill set that could reshape Nebraska’s offense.
A Potential Boost for Nebraska’s Offense
The Cornhuskers’ offense wasn’t necessarily a weak point during the 2025 season, but it also wasn’t the explosive unit needed for the program to fully reach contender status. Nebraska finished the year with a PFSN CFB Offensive Impact grade of B-, while averaging 28.7 points per game, which ranked 59th nationally.
For a program rebuilding under head coach Matt Rhule, those numbers represent a solid foundation, but not yet the level the program expects.
Nebraska’s fan base and leadership believe the program should be competing at the top of the conference, and improving the offense is a key step in reaching that stage of the rebuild.
A quarterback with Colandrea’s ability to extend plays, create with his legs, and add explosive elements to the offense could provide exactly the kind of spark the Cornhuskers need.
To be clear, the quarterback job hasn’t officially been decided.
Lateef remains firmly in the competition, and spring practices are still ongoing. But Holgorsen’s early praise for Colandrea, especially regarding his mobility and playmaking style, suggests the transfer quarterback has already made a strong impression.
If that momentum continues through the rest of spring and into fall camp, Nebraska may have found its next starting quarterback. And if Colandrea’s production from last season carries over to Lincoln, the Cornhuskers’ offense could soon take the next step in Rhule’s rebuilding plan.
