Nebraska Faces Roster Shake-Up Ahead of Transfer Portal Window
The college football transfer portal doesn’t officially open until January 2, 2026, but that hasn’t stopped the movement from starting early in Lincoln. Nebraska is bracing for significant roster turnover, with several players already declaring their intention to transfer.
While the Huskers prepare for their Las Vegas Bowl matchup against No. 15 Utah, the offseason chessboard is already being set in motion.
Let’s break down the latest departures from the Nebraska program, what it means for the team moving forward, and who’s still suiting up for the bowl game.
Quarterback Marcos Davila to Enter Portal - But Not Just Yet
Announced: Monday, Dec. 22
Marcos Davila will be on the sidelines for the Las Vegas Bowl, but come January 2, he’s headed for the portal. The former Purdue transfer spent just one season in Lincoln and still has three years of eligibility remaining. His departure leaves Nebraska with only one scholarship quarterback on the roster - TJ Lateef - heading into the offseason.
That’s a thin quarterback room by any standard, and you can expect Nebraska to be active in the portal as they look to restock at the most important position on the field.
Edge Rusher Maverick Noonan Exploring Options
Announced: Sunday, Dec. 21
Omaha native Maverick Noonan is also set to enter the portal once the window opens, though he’ll still be available for the bowl game. Noonan, the son of former Husker All-American and 1987 NFL first-rounder Danny Noonan, has two years of eligibility left.
The former in-state standout’s decision to explore his options is a notable loss for Nebraska’s defensive front, particularly given his pedigree and potential. His presence for the bowl game will be welcomed, but his long-term future clearly lies elsewhere.
Veteran Defensive Back Malcolm Hartzog to Transfer
Announced: Friday, Dec. 19
Malcolm Hartzog will also be on the move. The senior defensive back is entering the portal after a season cut short by a groin injury he suffered against Akron. He played in just two games this year, preserving a redshirt and giving him one more year of eligibility.
Hartzog made a name for himself early in his career, including a game-sealing interception in Nebraska’s season opener against Cincinnati. Over four seasons, he logged 108 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and eight interceptions - a productive and reliable presence in the secondary. His departure leaves a hole in experience and leadership on the back end.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola to Transfer After Two Seasons
Announced: Monday, Dec. 15
Dylan Raiola, one of the most high-profile recruits in recent Nebraska history, has officially declared his intention to transfer. The move comes after a turbulent stretch that included the decommitment of his brother Dayton and the dismissal of his uncle Donovan Raiola from the Huskers’ coaching staff.
Raiola’s time in Lincoln was brief but impactful. He posted a 13-9 record over two seasons and set the school’s freshman passing record in 2024 with 2,819 yards. He wraps up his Nebraska career with 4,819 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.
This is a big-name loss for the Huskers - both in terms of talent and optics - and it puts even more pressure on the program to find its next signal-caller quickly.
Running Back Jamarion Parker to Enter Portal Without Playing a Snap
Announced: Monday, Dec. 8
Jamarion Parker arrived in Lincoln as a four-star recruit in the 2025 class but never saw the field. An injury in the spring lingered throughout the season, keeping the St. Louis product sidelined for the entirety of his freshman campaign.
Now, he’ll take his four remaining years of eligibility elsewhere. While his departure doesn’t impact the current depth chart, it’s still a miss for Nebraska in terms of long-term development at the running back position.
First Domino Falls: Defensive Back Caden VerMaas
Announced: Wednesday, Dec. 3
Caden VerMaas was the first Husker to publicly declare his plans to transfer. The former Millard North standout was a three-star recruit and the No. 3 player in Nebraska for the class of 2024. He appeared in two games this season and retains four years of eligibility.
While VerMaas wasn’t a major contributor this year, his exit marked the beginning of what’s become a growing list of departures from the program.
What’s Next for Nebraska?
With the portal window opening in early January, Nebraska is clearly preparing for a busy offseason. The quarterback room is thin, the defensive backfield is losing experience, and a few promising young players are heading elsewhere before ever fully getting started.
The Las Vegas Bowl offers one final look at this version of the Huskers, but come January, expect head coach Matt Rhule and his staff to hit the portal hard. Nebraska isn’t just looking to replace bodies - they’ll be searching for impact players who can help stabilize a roster that’s already in flux.
This is the new reality in college football: roster building doesn’t stop at signing day. It’s a year-round process, and for Nebraska, the next few weeks could define the direction of the 2026 season.