Nebraska settles on Colandrea as starter after Raiola departure
Head coach Matt Rhule confirms transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea will lead the Cornhuskers in the season opener against Ohio, resolving the uncertainty following Dylan Raiola’s exit to Oregon.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has confirmed that transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea will start for the Cornhuskers in the 2026 season opener. The announcement resolves the quarterback competition that saw Colandrea edge out teammates TJ Lateef and Daniel Kaelin during the offseason. The decision comes as the program looks to stabilise its offence following the departure of previous starter Dylan Raiola to the Oregon Ducks.
Colandrea joins Nebraska after a standout final season at UNLV, where he earned the Mountain West Player of the Year honour. In that campaign, he recorded 3,459 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, helping lead the Rebels to a 10-4 overall record. Prior to his time in Las Vegas, Colandrea spent two seasons at Virginia, bringing a dual-threat capability to Lincoln that Rhule views as a significant tactical asset.
The Cornhuskers finished the previous season with a 7-6 overall record and a 4-5 conference mark. Rhule’s decision to name Colandrea as the Week 1 starter reflects a strategic move to address the loss of running back Emmett Johnson, who is expected to enter the NFL Draft. Colandrea’s ability to contribute on the ground, having amassed 649 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns at UNLV, offers a potential offset to the expected drop in production from the backfield.
Rhule praised Colandrea’s competitive nature and decision-making during the announcement. "Anthony would play for us right now," Rhule told reporters. "All the quarterbacks have done a nice job. Anthony, I think the biggest thing is he’s very competitive, very fiery. He expects to win every play." The coach also highlighted Colandrea’s discipline in taking what is available and making effective checks in the run and pass game.
The Cornhuskers will also benefit from the arrival of wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer, who transferred from UCLA. Gilmer led the Bruins in receiving with 50 receptions, 535 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in his final season. This addition, combined with Colandrea, forms the core of the offensive unit as Nebraska prepares for its first game of the year.
Colandrea will make his debut as a Cornhusker in Week 1, with the team hosting the Ohio Bobcats at home on Saturday, 5 September. The matchup serves as the first test for the new quarterback and the revamped offensive line as the program seeks to improve upon last season’s performance.
