Nebraska Cornhuskers Prepare for New Era Under QB Transfer Anthony Colandrea

ESPN's Greg McElroy breaks down what to expect from the Huskers' spring practice as they replace star QB Dylan Raiola

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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After losing star quarterback Dylan Raiola to the transfer portal, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have brought in former UNLV QB Anthony Colandrea to lead their offense. ESPN analyst Greg McElroy discussed how Colandrea's "gunslinger" mentality and the hiring of new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich could propel Nebraska to new heights in 2026.

Why it matters

Nebraska is looking to take a big step forward after posting 7-6 records in each of the past two seasons. The addition of Colandrea and Aurich could provide the spark the Cornhuskers need to become a force in the Big Ten.

The details

Raiola, who was the face of Nebraska's program the past two seasons, stunned fans by entering the transfer portal. In response, the Cornhuskers landed a commitment from former UNLV QB Anthony Colandrea, who threw for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. McElroy believes Colandrea's "swag" and "gunslinger" mentality could make Nebraska's offense more explosive. On defense, Nebraska hired Rob Aurich as its new coordinator after he helped San Diego State rank 11th nationally in yards allowed per game in 2025.

  • Nebraska is entering its fourth season under head coach Matt Rhule.
  • The Cornhuskers posted 7-6 records in each of the past two seasons.

The players

Anthony Colandrea

A transfer quarterback from UNLV who was the Mountain West Player of the Year in 2025 after throwing for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Rob Aurich

Nebraska's new defensive coordinator, who previously held the same role at San Diego State where the defense ranked 11th nationally in yards allowed per game in 2025.

Dylan Raiola

Nebraska's former starting quarterback who stunned fans by entering the transfer portal after the 2025 season, his second as the Cornhuskers' QB1.

Matt Rhule

Nebraska's head coach, who is entering his fourth season leading the program.

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What they’re saying

“This kid's a riverboat gambler in the best possible way. He was the Mountain West Player of the Year last year at UNLV. He brings a level of swag to the position that Nebraska hasn't had in a quarterback in a while.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN Analyst (on3.com)

“One of the big questions is the new defensive coordinator, Robert Aurich, coming in from San Diego State. It's a very simple mission. It's going to get bigger, get more physical, or get beat. That's pretty much it.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN Analyst (on3.com)

What’s next

Nebraska will look to solidify its starting quarterback and front seven on defense during spring practice as it prepares to take a big step forward in 2026.

The takeaway

With the addition of transfer QB Anthony Colandrea and new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich, Nebraska appears poised to become a force in the Big Ten after posting 7-6 records the past two seasons. The Cornhuskers' spring practice will be crucial in establishing their identity under this revamped roster and coaching staff.