Nebraska officially has its Week 1 starting quarterback, and Cornhuskers fans better be hyped about it. Head coach Matt Rhule announced Saturday that Anthony Colandrea, the transfer signal-caller, will lead the team against Ohio on Saturday, September 5. This isn’t just a simple QB naming; this is a huge statement after an offseason loaded with questions.
Mountain West MVP Brings Big Time Credentials
Colandrea isn’t just some guy, he’s a proven playmaker ready to make an immediate impact. He transferred to Nebraska after spending one season at UNLV and two at Virginia, but it was his time with the Rebels that really showed what he can do. Colandrea led UNLV to an impressive 10-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the Mountain West. That’s not just good, that’s Mountain West Player of the Year good, which he absolutely earned. He wrapped up that incredible year with 3,459 passing yards, firing 23 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. That kind of efficiency and production is exactly what the Cornhuskers need, especially after a 7-6 overall and 4-5 conference finish last season.
Rhule’s Clear Choice: A Dual-Threat Talent
The decision didn’t come easy, or so it seemed from the outside. Colandrea battled it out with quarterbacks TJ Lateef and Daniel Kaelin in the offseason. But Rhule made it crystal clear who his guy was, emphasizing Colandrea’s competitive fire. “Anthony would play for us right now,” Rhule told reporters. He highlighted Colandrea’s competitiveness, his fiery spirit, and his expectation to win every single play. Rhule also praised his ability to discipline himself, take what’s there, make smart checks in the run/pass game, and throw the deep ball. This guy sounds like a complete package. Plus, with the loss of Dylan Raiola to Oregon and Emmett Johnson to the NFL Draft, Colandrea’s dual-threat abilities are crucial. He piled up 649 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground at UNLV, a massive boost that will instantly help replace Johnson’s lost production. Remember TJ Lateef took over after Raiola’s Week 9 injury against USC and finished 1-3 as starter, so a fresh, fiery leader is exactly what the doctor ordered.
The Cornhuskers are also getting some serious help in the receiving corps, with Kwazi Gilmer transferring from UCLA. Gilmer led the Bruins in receiving last year, hauling in 50 receptions for 535 yards and four touchdowns. That connection with Colandrea could be electric. All eyes will be on Lincoln for September 5 when Colandrea takes the field for the first time as Nebraska’s QB1 against Ohio. Can he bring that Mountain West magic to the Big Ten? You bet he’s going to try, and that home opener is going to be absolutely wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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