Tristan Alvano to Enter Transfer Portal After Tumultuous Season at Nebraska
Tristan Alvano’s freshman year at Nebraska was supposed to be a battle for the starting kicker job. It ended with him preparing to enter the transfer portal.
Alvano, a former standout at Omaha Westside, came into the season as part of a three-man competition for the Huskers’ placekicker role. He won that job early on, but as the season wore on, his grip on the position loosened. Now, just a year after arriving in Lincoln with high expectations, he’s looking for a fresh start elsewhere.
Let’s unpack how we got here.
A Promising Start That Faded
When the season began, Alvano was seen as a potential long-term answer at kicker. His high school résumé was impressive - clutch kicks, big-game experience, and a strong leg that had Husker fans optimistic about his future.
He earned the starting job out of fall camp, beating out two other kickers in what head coach Matt Rhule described as a close competition. But once the games started, consistency became an issue. Alvano had some bright moments, but he also struggled with accuracy and reliability - two things that matter most at the college level, especially in close Big Ten matchups.
By the midpoint of the season, Nebraska began exploring other options, and Alvano’s role was reduced. It was a tough pill to swallow for a player who had been a star just a year prior in high school.
The Transfer Portal Decision
Now, Alvano has made it clear: he’s entering the transfer portal and looking for a new opportunity. It’s a move that reflects the changing nature of college football, where players - especially specialists - often have short windows to make an impact before the competition resets.
For Alvano, the portal represents a chance to regroup and find a program where he can get back on track. He’s still got the leg talent. What he needs now is the right situation - a coaching staff that believes in him, a consistent role, and a clean slate.
What This Means for Nebraska
From Nebraska’s perspective, Alvano’s departure leaves a vacancy at kicker heading into the offseason. It also underscores the uncertainty that’s hovered around the position for the past few years.
The Huskers have struggled to find a long-term answer at kicker, and Alvano was supposed to be part of the solution. Now, they’re back to square one.
Nebraska will likely look to the portal themselves or lean on in-house options to fill the gap. Either way, special teams - a point of emphasis under Rhule - will remain a key area of focus heading into next season.
Final Thoughts
Tristan Alvano’s story at Nebraska didn’t unfold the way anyone expected. He arrived with plenty of promise, won the job, but couldn’t hold onto it. That’s the reality of college football - especially at a place like Nebraska, where expectations run high and patience can run thin.
Still, Alvano’s journey isn’t over. He’s got the tools to succeed, and a new opportunity could be exactly what he needs to reset and rise again.
As for Nebraska, the search for stability at kicker continues.