Class of 2027 quarterback Trae Taylor didn’t need much convincing once Nebraska made its case. The five-star prospect committed to the Cornhuskers in May of 2025, choosing Nebraska over a list of blue-blood suitors that included Michigan, Notre Dame and LSU. Taylor is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the class and No. 7 overall by 247Sports.
For Taylor, the decision wasn’t shaken by the outside noise around Matt Rhule. Even with rumors swirling about the head coach’s future, Taylor said Rhule stayed in touch throughout the process, and that consistency mattered to him.
“There were multiple things that told me they were a fit,” Taylor told The Big Lead. “Whatever Nebraska told me they were going to do, they did it.
[QB] Coach [Glenn] Thomas when I sat with him, he challenged me. And Nebraska made sure to get me on the board anytime I was in town, so they could see my mind processes things.
The whole program recruited me not just the coaches. This was most important to me; the head coach was involved the whole time.
Not just at the end.”
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound quarterback out of Omaha Millard South has the kind of profile that makes him the top-ranked player at his position. He brings a big arm, the ability to throw with touch, and enough mobility to hurt defenses when needed. Last season, he piled up more than 3,300 passing yards and 36 touchdowns while throwing only five interceptions.
Taylor still has one more high school season ahead, but he’s already watching what Nebraska does on offense under Dana Holgorsen. With Holgorsen entering his second season, Taylor said he’s eager to see how the system evolves.
“I think I can fit in any offensive scheme,” said Taylor. “The one thing I don’t want is to be running QB power 15 times a game.
But I think we are going to see more from coach this year having a mobile QB. Which I think fits me perfect.
And I think we will see them push the ball down the field more again, something that I love to do.”
That part of the offense is getting even more attention with the arrival of Anthony Colandrea, who transferred in after starring at UNLV last season. Colandrea threw for nearly 3,500 yards and added 649 rushing yards, giving Nebraska another dynamic option in the quarterback room after former five-star Dylan Raiola transferred to Oregon following his second season with the Huskers.
Taylor said the message to him is simple: come ready to compete. He isn’t shying away from that.
“All they are telling me is be ready to come in and compete,” Taylor said. “My goal is to start next season.
But if I get beat out, no biggie; I’ll keep grinding to get better. What I love about the room right now is everyone is grinding together and feels like everyone wants whoever is in to be great.”
Taylor also made it clear that Nebraska isn’t just a stop on the way to somewhere else. When asked what fans should know about him, he leaned into the part of the commitment that goes beyond rankings and arm strength.
“I’m going to work,” Taylor said about his game. “I’m not going to take this school, fan base, or state for granted.
I’m going to be a good citizen of Nebraska. This is most important to me.
I want to be at Nebraska, I want corn, and have the proud men and women who grow that corn to be proud of the Huskers. I want to be in those trenches with the guys who want to be Lincoln.
Give me less talent but more heart and work ethic and we will figure it out. I’m a Husker.”
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