Nebraska’s offense is about to be defined by a quarterback who doesn’t exactly play it safe.
That’s the read Adam Carriker lays out in his deep dive on Anthony Colandrea, the Huskers’ new QB1 for the 2026 season. The question isn’t whether Colandrea can make plays - it’s how often he’ll make the kind Nebraska can live with. He brings a style Husker fans haven’t seen in a while: a passer who can beat you with his arm, hurt you with his legs and isn’t shy about taking risks.
The résumé is strong. Colandrea was the Mountain West Player of the Year at UNLV last season, and he was one of only four FBS players to throw for at least 3,000 yards and rush for at least 500 yards.
Before that, he flashed playmaking ability early in his career at Virginia. Carriker also points to the influence of UNLV head coach Dan Mullen, saying that experience helped Colandrea sharpen how quickly he gets the ball out and how fast he plays.
But the same traits that make Colandrea dangerous can also put Nebraska in a bind. Carriker describes him as a gunslinger - a confident quarterback with toughness and moxie, but also one whose style can lead to mistakes.
That’s why Carriker labels him a high-ceiling, low-floor quarterback. He can flip a game with one throw or one scramble, but the Huskers have to keep the turnovers under control.
That, Carriker suggests, could be the biggest X-factor of the season.
From there, Carriker breaks down four truths about Colandrea.
First, Nebraska cannot expect him to carry everything by himself. The running game, the offensive line and the rest of the offense all have to do their part.
Second, Colandrea has enough talent to win Nebraska a couple games on his own because of the plays he can create. Third, he should be fun to watch.
His teammates seem to like playing with him, and his aggressive approach ought to produce some memorable moments.
The fourth truth is more about opportunity than pedigree. Colandrea may not have been Nebraska’s first choice at quarterback, but once the chance was there, the Huskers moved fast to get him. Carriker even compares that to his own recruitment, saying the right fit is not always the first name on the list.
The larger question now is what Nebraska’s offense will look like with Colandrea in charge. Carriker raises the possibility of more RPOs, quarterback runs and downfield shots. He also flags red-zone efficiency and pass protection as key factors in how successful the offense can be.
And Carriker’s bonus truth is the simplest one of all: he’s here for it. Colandrea is aggressive, unpredictable and capable of big plays, and if Nebraska can protect him, run the football and win the turnover battle, this could be a very entertaining offense to follow.
In Other News...
Nebraska Has An Unexpected Position Problem On Offense
The tight end room has emerged as one of the quieter concerns around Nebraska heading into the 2026 season, and it is not hard to see why the coaching staff has been pressing the issue. Former offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield was not pleased with what he saw in practice, and Dana Holgorsen has already taken aim at the groups summer work, especially when the Huskers have tried to involve the position in the passing game.
For Nebraska, the challenge is less about whether there is talent on the roster and more about whether that talent can turn into dependable production. Luke Lindenmeyer and Carter Nelson are the obvious names to watch as the staff looks for more consistency, while true freshman Luke Sorensen adds another intriguing option to the mix. The upside is there, but this is one of those spots where the Huskers need answers before the offense can feel complete. [Read more 🡒]
Adrian Martinez Just Made His 49ers Roster Fight Even Tougher
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Martinez still has a path, but it is not the cleanest one. His chances could improve if injuries continue to thin the quarterback room, which would keep the door open a little longer for him to make a case in the weeks ahead. For now, though, he has work to do if he wants to turn a difficult start into a real argument for a roster spot. [Read more 🡒]
Justin Evans Is Giving Nebraska Fans Real Reason To Believe
Nebraskas offensive front has a familiar name drawing national attention heading into 2026. Justin Evans, the fifth-year senior center, has been named a second-team All-American by The Athletic, another sign that his rise has gone well beyond Lincoln. A steady presence in the middle, Evans has started 31 games for the Cornhuskers and has built a reputation as one of the better interior linemen in the country.
The appeal is easy to see for Nebraska fans. Evans started all 13 games in 2025 and was not responsible for any sacks allowed by the offensive line, a strong marker for a player whose job is often measured by what does not go wrong. With his status as a top interior prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft already established, Evans gives Nebraska both a proven anchor now and a clear pro-level storyline to watch as the season approaches. [Read more 🡒]