Nebraska Turns the Page at Quarterback, and TJ Lateef Is Front and Center
There’s been a deliberate approach to bringing TJ Lateef back from a hamstring injury, with Nebraska keeping the long game in mind as they prepare for their bowl matchup against Utah in less than two weeks. But while the medical staff is being cautious, there’s no hesitation from the coaching staff when it comes to their belief in Lateef’s future under center.
With Dylan Raiola announcing his departure from the program, all eyes have shifted to Lateef-and head coach Matt Rhule isn’t shy about his confidence in the freshman quarterback.
“We have a great quarterback in TJ Lateef,” Rhule said on Sports Nightly. “What he did at UCLA, our team rallied around him. They played to his energy, and I think everyone could feel that.”
Rhule pointed to the Penn State game as a telling moment. Nebraska didn’t have its best outing defensively, but Lateef showed poise beyond his years.
He wasn’t rattled. He kept plays alive with his legs, ran in a touchdown, converted a couple of key third downs on the ground, and connected on deep throws-including a big one to Jacory.
Then there was the Iowa game. Lateef suffered a hamstring injury on just the third series, limiting his mobility and altering the offensive game plan.
But he didn’t check out. He stayed in it, stayed engaged, and didn’t make excuses.
“So I don’t think there’s a guy on our roster that doesn’t believe TJ is a starting quarterback,” Rhule said. “The sky’s the limit.”
Rhule knows the offense still has work to do-more explosive plays, better pass protection, improved execution overall-but he made it clear: that’s not on one guy. It’s a collective effort. And with Lateef at the helm, the Huskers believe they’ve got a leader who can elevate the entire unit.
The Quarterback Room Moving Forward
With Jayln Gramstad out of eligibility after the bowl game, Nebraska’s quarterback depth chart is due for a reshuffle. Rhule acknowledged the need for reinforcements, but he’s bullish on what the room can become.
“We’ll have great quarterbacks in that room,” he said. “You need more than one.
People want to play for Dana Holgorsen and Glenn Thomas. I’m grateful to Dylan, but I’m really excited about what that quarterback room will look like moving forward.”
Lateef, for his part, isn’t backing down from the competition. He committed to Nebraska knowing Raiola was there. That says something.
“TJ has no confidence issues,” Rhule said. “He doesn’t make excuses, doesn’t point fingers.
He knows he’s a starting quarterback. He’s going to do a great job against Utah.
I believe in him wholeheartedly.”
Teammates Back Lateef’s Rise
It’s not just coaches who are all-in on Lateef. His teammates are right there with them.
Running back Mekhi Nelson didn’t mince words when asked about the freshman QB: “That boy is dynamic. He can run the ball really well and he can throw the ball.
It creates more opportunities for our offense. He extends plays that we may not have been able to get to this season.”
Offensive lineman Tyler Knaak highlighted how Lateef’s mobility changes the game up front.
“It’s fun for the O-line too because it relieves a little bit of stress off our back,” Knaak said. “With a pocket passer, those D-ends are going to tee off every time.
With a scrambler, they’ve got to keep their eyes up. TJ’s a leader, and I’m excited to see how he flourishes in this moment.”
Managing the Injury, Eyeing the Bowl Game
Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen emphasized the importance of patience with Lateef’s hamstring. The last thing anyone wants is a setback this close to the bowl game.
“He’s obviously still in the developmental stage in his career,” Holgorsen said. “So not having full practices-it is what it is.
But he’s totally engaged. He’s taking a ton of mental reps, going through individual drills, keeping his arm in shape.
He’s doing it at his speed, just not in team settings where he’d have to go full-go.”
Lateef enrolled early last year, and Holgorsen said his “calmness and eagerness” to step into the QB1 role has stood out from the start. Whether it was the UCLA game or a tough outing against USC, Lateef didn’t flinch. Now, Holgorsen believes that same calmness is being paired with growing confidence.
“It’s killing him that he’s not practicing right now because he wants the reps,” Holgorsen said. “He just loves the game. He’s fired up about this opportunity.”
Raiola’s Exit and the Reality of the Portal Era
Raiola’s decision to enter the transfer portal had been looming for weeks, and it became official earlier this week. The portal officially opens Jan. 2, but Nebraska is already shifting gears.
“We’re in the portal era,” Rhule said. “The portal will giveth, the portal will taketh away. It’s just the new normal and we have to embrace it.”
Rhule praised Raiola for what he brought to the program-helping Nebraska reach back-to-back bowl games after a long drought and signaling to other top recruits that Lincoln is a destination worth considering.
“If he needs a fresh start, I’m going to pray that he finds the right place and that he has success,” Rhule said. “That said, there are a lot of great quarterbacks out there, and a lot of guys want to play at Nebraska. The minute that news hit, my phone started blowing up.”
A New Chapter Begins
With Raiola moving on and Lateef stepping into the spotlight, Nebraska is turning the page at quarterback. There’s still development ahead, and the bowl game against Utah will be a key checkpoint-not just for Lateef, but for the direction of the offense heading into next season.
One thing is clear: the Huskers believe they’ve got their guy. And if the early signs are any indication, TJ Lateef is ready to lead.