The quarterback carousel in Lincoln has been spinning fast, but Nebraska might finally be finding its rhythm. After a stretch that saw nearly every signal-caller exit through the transfer portal - including the highly-touted Dylan Raiola - head coach Matt Rhule has restocked the room with a mix of experience, upside, and versatility. And with his latest addition, the Cornhuskers’ QB depth chart is starting to look not just full, but competitive.
The newest name in the mix is Tanner Vidbabul, a late commitment from the Class of 2026. The Las Vegas native is a three-star recruit who brings a dual-threat skill set to the table.
At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, Vidbabul has the kind of athleticism that can extend plays and stress defenses. He’s got the speed to get outside the pocket and the toughness to fight through contact - a profile that mirrors returning quarterback TJ Lateef more than the traditional pocket passer mold.
Vidbabul’s commitment comes at an unusual time. Most 2026 recruits are already signed and, in some cases, already on campus.
But Nebraska’s quarterback room needed reinforcements, and Rhule didn’t hesitate to bring in another option. It’s a move that adds another layer to what’s shaping up to be a wide-open quarterback competition heading into the offseason.
Right now, Nebraska has four scholarship quarterbacks on the roster: Vidbabul, Lateef, UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea, and one more unlisted in the report. And after Raiola’s departure to Oregon - yes, he’s staying in the Big Ten - the door is wide open for someone to take the reins of the offense.
Colandrea might have the early edge. He’s coming in from UNLV with college experience, and transfers often arrive with the expectation of immediate opportunity.
But nothing’s set in stone here. Lateef, for one, has already taken snaps in this offense.
He stepped in late last season after Raiola went down and managed to lead the Huskers to a win over UCLA in his first start. He didn’t light the world on fire, but he showed enough poise and command to stay in the mix.
What Lateef has now is time - a full offseason, spring ball, and a chance to build chemistry and consistency in Rhule’s system. That alone gives him a legitimate shot to make a run at the starting job. And with Vidbabul coming in as a developmental talent with intriguing upside, the depth and diversity in this room suddenly look a lot more promising than they did just a few weeks ago.
Rhule has made it clear that he’s not afraid to shake things up when it comes to the quarterback position. And with this group, he’s got the flexibility to tailor his offense to whoever wins the job - whether it’s the experienced transfer, the returning sophomore, or the new kid with wheels and a cannon.
One thing’s for sure: Nebraska’s quarterback battle in 2026 is going to be one to watch. There’s no clear-cut favorite, but there’s plenty of potential. And after a season of uncertainty under center, that’s exactly what the Huskers needed.