Nebraska’s effort to keep Anthony Colandrea in Lincoln has become one of the more interesting storylines around the program, and it comes with a familiar twist: SEC schools are already sniffing around.
Matt Rhule said at his weekly Monday press conference that he believes teams from the SEC have already contacted Colandrea about the 2027 season. He also made clear he doesn’t want the conversation around Nebraska’s quarterback to turn into a self-fulfilling problem.
"I don't think that's a good narrative for us to have out there that he doesn't have enough support," Rhule said about Nebraska's current QB1. "I don't think that's good for our players.
And not good because he's already got SEC schools calling him. I don't want Nebraska people to start saying that, because that's happened before here.
We don't need that now here."
Rhule said that dealing with tampering is simply part of the modern college football landscape. He did not say Nebraska is responding by opening contract talks, but reports suggest those conversations are already underway.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Nebraska and Colandrea have begun discussing bringing him back for a second season. That lines up with the larger picture around the Huskers, who have said over the last year or so that their NIL resources are stronger than ever. With Colandrea now holding a fifth year of eligibility after the NCAA changed the rules, Nebraska may be preparing a pitch big enough to keep him from heading elsewhere.
The incentive is obvious. Colandrea has given Nebraska enough production to justify the investment, even with a few bumps along the way against Oregon and Indiana.
He has thrown for 1,570 yards and 14 touchdowns against 4 interceptions, while adding 334 rushing yards and 4 more scores. Against Big Ten opponents, he has actually been more productive than he was against a softer non-conference schedule.
His performance against Indiana stood out: 264 passing yards, 47 rushing yards, a touchdown on the ground, and leadership of the Nebraska offense in the second half. He did throw an interception, but it was only his fourth of the year.
At Oregon, the accuracy wasn’t there, but Colandrea still produced both Husker touchdowns, throwing one and running for another. And despite taking nearly 10 carries per game, he has stayed healthy all season and hasn’t missed a snap because of injury.
Rhule also noted that Colandrea has plenty of talent around him, with more help expected to come. If Nebraska can finalize a deal before Transfer Portal season, it would give the staff a chance to turn its attention to the rest of the roster and keep one of its most important pieces from becoming the next target for SEC poaching.
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Nebraska Has A Huge Chance To Make A Real Big Ten Statement
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