True freshman TJ Lateef and his Nebraska squad wrapped up the 2025 season with a disappointing 7-5 record entering the postseason. After starting the season 5-1, the Huskers stumbled down the stretch with back-to-back losses to end the regular season.
Nebraska also suffered another setback as sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2, 2026, bringing his two-year stint with the program to an end. With Raiola’s departure, Lateef is expected to be the Huskers’ likely QB1 moving forward.
TJ Lateef Receives Strong Endorsement From Teammates Amid Nebraska’s QB Transition
With Lateef projected to take the reins for Nebraska next season, the quarterback has earned heavy praise from teammate and offensive lineman Tyler Knaak.
“A month ago, when Dylan got hurt, TJ kind of had to step into that role really quickly,” Knaak said in Tuesday’s press conference.
“It’s all a little bit of a success in that early season. Kind of stepped back from that shadow for a bit, and he excelled on the scene. Seeing him embrace that role, love it, and live it every day, he brings up. He can do one energy to the weight room, to the practice field, to the locker room; all the guys love him.
“He’s a great guy. His personality is amazing. He’s a great cultural aspect to the team. He can swing the ball, and he can run it. It’s really helpful for Dan and his staff to be able to have that versatility of the quarterback where you have that dual-threat style. It’s fun for the O-line too, because it really is a little bit (of) stress off our backs.”
After replacing Raiola, Lateef went 1-2 in his first three starts, finishing the season with 722 passing yards and four touchdowns.
Nebraska has earned a spot in the Las Vegas Bowl this season, where Lateef’s squad will face No. 15 Utah (10–2) on New Year’s Eve at Allegiant Stadium. It marks Nebraska’s second consecutive bowl appearance, and Lateef’s availability remains a key factor.
Lateef is still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in Nebraska’s 40-16 loss to Iowa on Nov. 28. He has yet to participate fully in practice more than three weeks after the injury.
Head coach Matt Rhule said the program will take a cautious approach to Lateef during bowl practices. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen echoed that sentiment, saying the staff is easing him back to avoid the risk of re-injury.
“TJ’s been kind of slowly working his way into it,” Holgorsen said at his Tuesday conference. “We’re being kind of cautious with it. The worst thing in the world that can happen now is to turn him loose in a full practice, and he reinjures the hamstring.”
Redshirt freshman Marcos Davila has been taking the majority of the reps at quarterback. While Rhule expects Lateef to be available for the bowl game, Davila could see his first game action if Lateef is unable to play. The Huskers currently sit at No. 56 in the PFSN College Football Playoff Meter.
