The Nebraska Cornhuskers were in need of a change of pace after former five-star recruit Dylan Raiola did not work out. Raiola started as a true freshman, leading the Cornhuskers to a 7-6 record. They finished with the same record in his sophomore season, and he has since announced that he will be hitting the transfer portal.
This forced head coach Matt Rhule to do the same in hopes of replacing his once-prized recruit.
Rhule and Nebraska have found their new signal caller in former UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea, On3’s Thomas Goldkamp reported late Tuesday night.
Colandrea is one of the portal’s most experienced quarterbacks as a three-year starter.
The dual-threat gunslinger will bring a very different look to the Cornhuskers’ offense in 2026.
Anthony Colandrea’s Storied College Career
Colandrea began his career at the University of Virginia. He started two seasons at UVA, but significantly struggled to take care of the ball against ACC competition.
In two seasons with the Cavaliers, he threw for 4,000 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.
His luck immediately turned around after transferring to Dan Mullen’s University of Las Vegas Rebels as a junior.
Last season, he threw for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns. He threw nine interceptions but unlocked a new aspect of his game on the ground.
Colandrea had only rushed for a combined 502 yards and two touchdowns in his freshman and sophomore seasons. Last season, he toppled his previous career-high by rushing for 649 yards and a staggering 10 touchdowns.
His Rebels finished the season 9-3 in the Mountain West. They earned two postseason appearances.
The first came against the Boise State Broncos in the Mountain West Championship Game. Colandrea threw for 225 yards and led the team in rushing, adding 66 on the ground. He scored two touchdowns in the 38-21 loss.
A few weeks later, UNLV took on the Ohio Bobcats in the Frisco Bowl. His Rebels lost 17-10 and finished with an overall record of 10-4.
The Florida native now heads to Nebraska with hopes of building on the best season of his career.
Nebraska Signs 7,500 Yard Passer In Transfer Portal, Raiola Replacement