Anthony Colandrea has given Nebraska exactly the kind of steady quarterback play it was chasing this offseason, and the numbers back it up. Through the first stretch of the year, he’s averaging 262 total yards per game with 12 touchdowns and only one interception.
That lone pick came on a ball that hit Jacory Barney in the hands before popping out to a defender. Outside of that, Colandrea has been clean. He backed that up again in the Big Ten opener on Saturday, finishing with 278 total yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Even with that production, Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said there’s still room for Colandrea to sharpen things up. Holgorsen pointed to the quarterback’s ability to avoid pressure, noting that it helped the Huskers avoid giving up a sack after Nebraska was sacked five times last season against Michigan State. But he also said Colandrea can do a better job staying in the pocket and working through his reads.
“He makes quick decisions, which is good - that means no sacks,” Holgorsen said. “But he missed some things in the pass game that if he stands in there a little bit longer, then he can go to different places and get through his progressions. I’d like to see that out of ‘Ant,’ which is going to force those guys to protect.”
Holgorsen also addressed the offensive line, where some movement could be coming. Gunnar Gottula may slide inside to guard, while Brendan Black is dealing with an injury. Tree Babalade has been seeing more snaps at right tackle, and Holgorsen said he has been playing well there.
The current rotation has worked, but Babalade looks like a strong candidate to settle in as the starter at right tackle. That would likely send Gottula to the bench, though he would still be part of the mix. Gottula, at least in this view, seems better suited to guard.
Elsewhere for Nebraska, Andi Jackson added another honor to her week. After being named Big Ten Player of the Week, she was also selected as AVCA National Player of the Week after averaging 3.33 kills per set and 1.56 blocks per set last week for the top-ranked Huskers.
In Other News...
Jamal Rules Nebraska Breakout Comes With One Huge Worry
Jamal Rule has gone from under-the-radar recruit to one of Nebraskas early season revelations, and the freshman running back is already drawing national attention for the kind of start that can tilt a depth chart fast. Through the first month of the 2026 season, Rule has piled up 333 rushing yards in four appearances and two starts, while scoring six touchdowns in three games, production that has him sitting No. 4 on The Athletics list of the most impactful freshmen.
For Nebraska, the excitement comes with a catch, because Rules recent injury against Michigan State has left his availability uncertain at the exact moment his role was starting to expand. Coaches and analysts have been impressed by how quickly he adapted after arriving as a lower-ranked recruit, but the bigger question now is whether the Cornhuskers can keep building around a back who has already changed the look of their offense, if only they can get him back on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Former Huskers Are Giving Nebraska Fans Something To Track On Sundays
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Ty Robinson showed up in Philadelphia with tackles for the Eagles, while Emmett Johnson was part of Kansas Citys win, giving Nebraska supporters a couple of names to follow beyond just box-score watching. The broader list of former Huskers on practice squads also keeps the pipeline visible, even if the biggest questions now are which of them can keep turning those Sunday opportunities into something more lasting. [Read more 🡒]
Tree Babalade Is Forcing A Nebraska Lineup Decision Up Front
Tree Babalades steady rise has become one of the more interesting developments along Nebraskas offensive front. After a strong showing against Michigan State, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said the lineman is improving and earning more playing time, which is the kind of progress that can start to change how the Huskers think about their protection up front.
Holgorsen also pointed to Elijah Pritchett turning in his best game, and the next step may be figuring out how to fit Babalade, Pritchett and Gunnar into the rotation together. There is still some sorting to do, and the same goes for quarterback Anthony Colandrea, whose quick decision-making and mobility could give Nebraska another layer if the staff finds the right way to use him. [Read more 🡒]