Nebraska Eyes Quarterback Depth as Transfer Portal Set to Open Jan. 2
LAS VEGAS - Nebraska’s 2025 season may be wrapping up, but the real work is just getting started. As soon as the calendar flips to January 2, the transfer portal opens-and the Huskers are expected to be active, especially at quarterback.
Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen made it clear this week: while his current focus is on prepping the offense for Utah, he knows the portal action is about to move at warp speed.
“It’s gonna happen quick,” Holgorsen said. “Dominoes are going to fall quick.”
And he’s not wrong. In today’s college football landscape, the portal window is less of an open door and more of a revolving one. Players are already signaling their intentions to enter, and programs like Nebraska are watching closely.
The Huskers’ quarterback room is a priority. With TJ Lateef as the only scholarship QB expected back in 2026, there’s no question Nebraska is in the market for someone who can push for the starting job-or, at the very least, deepen the depth chart.
Holgorsen, who’s been around long enough to see the evolution of roster building, acknowledged that the process has changed dramatically. The days of leaning on high school coaches or long-standing relationships to land transfers are fading. Now, it’s agents who are running point.
“I’m not having conversations with anybody,” Holgorsen said. “But agents are having conversations, and from what we’re hearing, things are going to move fast.”
He didn’t offer names or a specific wishlist, and when asked whether Nebraska has a ranked list of potential quarterback targets, Holgorsen pointed to the program’s personnel department. That group will be doing the heavy lifting when the portal opens-scouting, evaluating, and helping steer the Huskers toward the right fit.
“I’m a coach,” Holgorsen said. “I’m trying to organize this offense and get us ready to play Utah. That’s my full-time job.”
Still, he’s not completely tuned out. Like most coaches today, Holgorsen keeps an eye on social media, where players often announce their portal intentions before anything becomes official.
“When people announce that they’re going to enter the portal, you take notice,” he said. “I’ve got social media just like everybody else, and when people announce they’re going in, I’m sure we’re going to do our due diligence.”
That due diligence will be critical. Nebraska has more resources than ever heading into this portal cycle, and with the quarterback position wide open beyond Lateef, the program will be aggressive. Whether that means landing a veteran with starting experience or a younger player with upside, the Huskers are clearly in the mix.
For now, Holgorsen’s locked in on game prep. But come Jan. 2, the focus shifts-and fast.
The portal isn’t just a tool anymore. It’s a battleground.
And Nebraska’s ready to fight for the right fit under center.