As the college football transfer portal window approaches - officially opening from January 2 to January 16, 2026 - Nebraska is already seeing significant movement across its roster. While players can’t formally enter the portal until the window opens, they can announce their intentions early. And that’s exactly what we’ve been seeing in Lincoln.
The Huskers are bracing for a wave of departures, with several key names - and some under-the-radar ones - opting to explore new opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of who’s on the move, what it means for Nebraska, and how the roster is shaping up heading into a critical offseason.
Monday, Dec. 22
LB Roger Gradney - Entering Transfer Portal
Roger Gradney is heading for the portal after a quiet redshirt freshman season. He saw action in just two games and logged one tackle.
Originally recruited as a defensive back, Gradney made the move to linebacker at Nebraska. A three-star prospect out of high school, he’ll have three years of eligibility to work with at his next stop.
While he didn’t make a big impact on the field, Gradney’s departure underscores the kind of depth turnover that can accumulate quickly - especially at a position like linebacker where development and scheme fit are everything.
K Tristan Alvano - Entering Transfer Portal
Tristan Alvano, Nebraska’s starting kicker as a true freshman in 2023, is also moving on. The Omaha Westside product announced his plans to transfer following the Huskers’ bowl game. He still has three years of eligibility remaining.
Alvano’s career got off to a strong start, but an early-season injury in 2024 derailed his sophomore campaign. Over three seasons, he went 12-of-19 on field goals and was perfect on extra points (39-for-39). This season, his on-field action was limited to just two kickoffs - both in nonconference play.
Special teams may not always grab headlines, but losing a kicker with starting experience and a clean PAT record is a notable shift. Nebraska will need to address this spot, whether through the portal or internal development.
QB Marcos Davila - Will Enter Transfer Portal Jan. 2
Marcos Davila will suit up for Nebraska one final time in the Las Vegas Bowl before officially entering the portal. After transferring in from Purdue last offseason, Davila’s time in Lincoln is coming to a close. He’ll have three years of eligibility remaining.
With Davila leaving, Nebraska’s quarterback room gets even thinner. That leaves just TJ Lateef as the lone scholarship QB heading into the offseason - a situation that will almost certainly push the Huskers to be aggressive in the portal come January.
Sunday, Dec. 21
EDGE Maverick Noonan - Entering Transfer Portal
Maverick Noonan is another name heading to the portal, though he’ll still be available for the bowl game against No. 15 Utah. The Omaha native and son of former Husker All-American Danny Noonan, Maverick is looking to reboot his career elsewhere with two years of eligibility left.
His departure is another hit to the defensive front, especially given his pedigree and potential. While he didn’t carve out a major role this season, Noonan’s upside made him a player worth watching. Now, Nebraska will need to find that production elsewhere - either from within or via the portal.
Friday, Dec. 19
DB Malcolm Hartzog - Entering Transfer Portal
Malcolm Hartzog is moving on after a four-year run in Lincoln. The senior defensive back played in just two games this season before a groin injury against Akron ended his year. He plans to enter the portal with one year of eligibility remaining after redshirting.
Hartzog had his share of big moments as a Husker - none bigger than his game-sealing interception against Cincinnati in the 2024 season opener. Over his career, he totaled 108 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and eight interceptions. That’s a productive résumé for any defensive back, and his experience should make him a valuable addition for a program looking for a veteran presence in the secondary.
For Nebraska, Hartzog’s departure opens up a leadership void and removes one of the more experienced playmakers from the back end of the defense.
Monday, Dec. 15
QB Dylan Raiola - Entering Transfer Portal
This one’s a bombshell. Dylan Raiola, the former five-star quarterback and centerpiece of Nebraska’s rebuild, is headed to the portal. His decision comes after a swirl of uncertainty surrounding the program - including the decommitment of his brother Dayton and the dismissal of his uncle, former offensive line coach Donovan Raiola.
In two seasons with the Huskers, Raiola posted a 13-9 record and etched his name into the record books in 2024 by setting the freshman passing yardage mark with 2,819 yards. He finishes his Nebraska career with 4,819 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.
This is a major shift for the Huskers. Raiola was supposed to be the face of the program’s resurgence.
Now, Nebraska finds itself without its top quarterback and with a razor-thin depth chart. The implications are massive - both for the offense’s identity and for the team’s ability to compete in 2026.
Monday, Dec. 8
RB Jamarion Parker - Entering Transfer Portal
Jamarion Parker was a big-time get in the 2025 recruiting class - a four-star running back out of St. Louis. But injuries kept him sidelined all spring and throughout the regular season, and now he’s heading to the portal without having played a down in Lincoln.
He’ll have four years of eligibility remaining, and given his high school pedigree, he’s likely to draw interest. For Nebraska, it’s a case of “what could’ve been.” Parker was expected to be part of the future backfield rotation, and now the Huskers will need to look elsewhere for that next explosive runner.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
DB Caden VerMaas - Entering Transfer Portal
Caden VerMaas was the first domino to fall this offseason. The Millard North graduate and three-star recruit was the No. 3 player in Nebraska’s 2024 class. He saw limited action this year, appearing in two games.
VerMaas still has four years of eligibility left and could find a fit where he can see the field earlier. For Nebraska, his departure doesn’t move the needle much in terms of immediate impact, but it’s another reminder of the constant churn in today’s college football landscape.
Final Thoughts
This is shaping up to be a pivotal offseason for Nebraska. The departure of Dylan Raiola is the headline, but the cumulative effect of these exits - from experienced defenders like Hartzog to promising young talent like Parker - means the Huskers have a lot of work to do.
The good news? The transfer portal gives as much as it takes.
Nebraska now has roster spots, scholarship flexibility, and a clear sense of where they need help. The challenge will be finding the right fits - especially at quarterback - to stabilize the roster and keep the program moving forward.
The portal opens January 2. Expect Nebraska to be active. Very active.