Nebraska football transfer portal tracker | Sports
Nebraska is set to experience large-scale changes to its roster with the college football transfer portal window lasting from Jan. 2 to Jan. 16, 2026.
Here is a recap of the Huskers’ latest moves, departures and additions. The list will be updated as additional news breaks:
Tuesday, Jan 6:
Addition: Oregon State linebacker Dexter Foster
The Huskers added their third linebacker in the portal with Oregon State’s Dexter Foster. The 6-foot-3, 236-pounder recorded 95 total tackles over two seasons in Corvallis. He will have two years of eligibility remaining and will challenge for the starting job at inside linebacker.
Addition: UNLV quarterback Anthony Corlandrea
Nebraska wasted no time finding its new quarterback with Anthony Corlandrea committing to the Huskers on Tuesday. Colandrea threw for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns this past season, also rushing for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year will likely have the inside track on being the Huskers’ starting quarterback this season.
Addition: San Diego State safety Dwayne McDougle
Dwayne McDougle follows Rob Aurich from San Diego State to Lincoln. The safety had 51 total tackles for the Aztecs last season and was tied for the team lead with four interceptions. The 5-foot-11 defensive back is effective against the run and pass and brings experience to Nebraska’s secondary
Addition: Iowa State linebacker Will Hawthorne
Nebraska picked up its second Cyclone out of the portal in linebacker Will Hawthorne. The Huskers heavily recruited the four-star out of high school and will now get him with four years of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound redshirt freshman has the potential to be a key contributor both on the inside and outside.
Addition: South Carolina right tackle Tree Babalade
The Huskers boosted their offensive line with the addition of Tree Babalade. The 6-foot-5, 330-pounder appeared in 22 games over three seasons with the Gamecocks, with 15 starts. Babalade played for Lonnie Teasley, NU’s new run-game coordinator, at South Carolina and will add much-needed experience to Nebraska’s offensive line. He is the second offensive lineman added through the portal, along with Iowa State right guard Brendan Black.
After losing quarterback Kenny Minchey to Kentucky on Monday night, the Huskers began to search for a new signal caller. As of now, UNLV’s Anthony Colandrea, Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles and Missouri’s Beau Pribula all have visits lined up.
Monday, Jan 5:
Minchey flips commitment to Kentucky
After committing to the Huskers on Jan. 4, the former Notre Dame quarterback switched his pledge to the Kentucky Wildcats. The Wildcats were involved with former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, but presumably missed out on him. Reports indicate Minchey’s NIL number at Kentucky is higher than what it would have been with the Huskers.
Nebraska will now have to look to the portal for a new quarterback.
Addition: San Diego State linebacker Owen Chambliss
Nebraska landed one of Rob Aurich’s key pieces from this past season in linebacker Owen Chambliss. The Huskers were the only visit Chambliss had lined up. Chambliss had 68 tackles and four sacks this past season. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder could be big for a Huskers defense that struggled to generate pressure on the edges last season.
Addition: Iowa State lineman Brendan Black
Nebraska has landed former Iowa State offensive lineman Brendan Black. The 320-pound lineman was on campus this weekend, and the Huskers locked up his commitment before a scheduled visit to South Carolina. Black is a three-year starter for the Cyclones and has logged over 30 starts at right guard.
Departure: Linebacker Willis McGahee IV
McGahee became the 19th Husker to enter his name into the transfer portal. The linebacker showed promise as a freshman before redshirting this past season. McGahee recorded 17 total tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles over two seasons in Lincoln.
Sunday, Jan. 4
Addition: Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey
Nebraska picked up its first transfer commitment on Sunday, and it was a big one. Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey comes into Lincoln with two years of eligibility remaining.
Minchey battled for the Irish starting job this past season and showed flashes on few snaps. He will challenge TJ Lateef for the Huskers’ starting spot this fall.
Departures: Defensive lineman Keona Davis, defensive back Larry Tarver, defensive back Brice Turner and offensive lineman Houston Kaahaaina-Torres
Nebraska lost four players to the transfer portal on Sunday, headlined by Keona Davis. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive lineman started 11 games this past season for the Huskers, recording 32 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Other portal entries include defensive backs Larry Tarver Jr. and Brice Turner. Tarver played in six games over two seasons, while Turner was a primary special teamer this past year. Offensive lineman Houston Kaahaaina-Torres entered the portal after appearing in two games as a true freshman.
Saturday, Jan. 3
Nebraska’s visitor list ramped up significantly on day two of the portal. The Huskers are already confirmed to host around 10 players in the coming week. Here are some of the standouts from the visitor list.
Oklahoma State offensive lineman Markell Samuel
Samuel played just one game this past season for the Cowboys before going down with an injury, but has the experience to be a key contributor for the Husker offensive line. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound left tackle started 18 games for Appalachian State, including an honorable mention All-Sun Belt 2024 campaign where he played 817 snaps.
San Diego State edge Ryan Henderson
Henderson joins the list of former Aztecs visiting Nebraska. The junior edge played under new Huskers defensive coordinator Rob Aurich and edge coach Roy Manning this past season. Henderson had 22 total tackles in 2025 and tied for a team-best seven sacks. Nebraska is in desperate need for help on the edge, with its top defensive end recording just 2.5 sacks.
UCLA defensive lineman Anthony Jones
Jones has scheduled a visit with Nebraska on Jan. 4, and would be a nice get for the defensive line. The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder has played in 37 games and started 14 over his four-year career. Jones has 58 total tackles and 3.5 sacks in his career.
San Diego State linebacker Owen Chambliss
Chambliss is one of the handful of San Diego State players who will consider Nebraska. His defensive coordinator, Rob Aurich, will lead the Blackshirts next season. Chambliss had 68 tackles and four sacks this past season. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker could be big for a Huskers defense that struggled to generate pressure on the edges last season.
South Carolina tackle Tree Babalade
Babalade’s former offensive line coach, Lonnie Teasley, was hired as Nebraska’s run game coordinator in December 2025. Babalade is a towering 6-foot-6, 330-pound tackle who could be an instant impact player for Nebraska. He has started 15 games in his career with the Gamecocks. Babalade started nine games as a freshman, but redshirted in 2024 and was in a backup role this past season.
UCF defensive tackle Horace Lockett
Lockett only appeared in four games this past season, but made his presence felt. The massive 6-foot-6, 355-pound lineman had three tackles for loss and a sack in just four appearances. Lockett would be integral in bolstering Nebraska’s defensive line, which lacked a nose tackle with size like his. However, the Huskers are not the only team going after Lockett’s talents as he’s expected to visit Notre Dame, Ohio State and Ole Miss.
The rest of the visitor list so far:
UCLA wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer – The Bruins’ leading receiver in 2025
Kansas State defensive tackle Malcolm Alcorn Crowder – 6-foot-6, 305-pound interior presence
San Diego State safeties Dalesean Staley and Dwayne McDougle – Put up a combined five interceptions and 13 passes defended in Aurich’s defense this season.
Memphis offensive lineman Malachi Breland – 6-foot-5, 340-pound interior lineman
Oregon State linebacker Dexter Foster – 52 tackles in 2025
Iowa State linebacker Will Hawthorne – Potential developmental piece with four years of eligibility
Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey is also expected to be in Lincoln sometime within the next week.
Departure: Linebacker Rahmir Stewart
Stewart entered his name into the transfer portal on Saturday morning. The linebacker started his career as a defensive back, recording five tackles and one interception over three years. The sophomore will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Friday, Jan. 2
Prediction: Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey
It looks like Nebraska may have its new signal caller. The Huskers have been linked to Notre Dame’s Kenny Minchey since he announced his intention to enter the portal. Minchey entered the portal with a do-not-contact tag on Friday morning, further linking him to Nebraska, with many placing predictions for the Huskers to land the former four-star.
Minchey saw limited action this past season as the Fighting Irish’s backup, but has displayed the dual-threat ability that Rhule and Holgorsen were eyeing in their next quarterback. Minchey would have two years of eligibility.
Visit: Iowa State interior lineman Brendan Black
Nebraska has landed the first official visit for Iowa State offensive lineman Brendan Black. The 320-pound lineman will be on campus Jan. 2 and 3 before also visiting South Carolina. Black is a three-year starter for the Cyclones and has logged over 30 starts at right guard.
Departures: Offensive lineman Jason Maciejczak, defensive lineman Jaylen George and defensive back Braylen Prude
Three more Huskers entered the portal when it opened on Friday. Defensive lineman Jaylen George entered his name into the mix. The East Tennessee State transfer played in seven games this past season.
Interior lineman Jason Maciejczak also entered the portal. He was seen as a developmental piece, but he only logged 33 snaps this past season.
Defensive back Braylen Prude entered the portal on Friday night. The redshirt freshman saw action in three games over his two years in Lincoln.
With Maciejczak and George entering the portal, Nebraska has now seen 12 players officially depart.
Monday, Dec. 22
Departure: Linebacker Roger Gradney
Roger Gradney announced that he plans on entering the transfer portal on Monday. The redshirt freshman appeared in two games this season, recording one tackle.
Gradney was a three-star defensive back out of high school, switching to linebacker at Nebraska. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Departure: Kicker Tristan Alvano
Tristan Alvano announced his intentions to transfer after the bowl game on Monday on X. The sophomore will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Alvano was the Huskers’ starting kicker as a true freshman in 2023, but suffered an injury early in 2024 that put him out of the lineup. The Omaha Westside product went 12-of-19 on field goals over three years and connected on 39-of-39 extra points. He had just two kickoffs this season, both in nonconference play.
Departure: Quarterback Marcos Davila
Marcos Davila will be with the Huskers for the Las Vegas Bowl. However, he will enter the portal on Jan. 2. Davila transferred to Nebraska from Purdue last offseason and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
With Davila departing, Nebraska will go into the portal with only TJ Lateef as its only scholarship quarterback.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Departure: Edge Maverick Noonan
Maverick Noonan announced Sunday night on social media that he will explore his options once the portal opens. However, he will still travel and be available for Nebraska’s matchup against No. 15 Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.
The Omaha native is the son of former Husker All-American and 1987 first-round NFL Draft Pick Danny Noonan. Maverick will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Friday, Dec. 19
Departure: Defensive back Malcolm Hartzog
Malcolm Hartzog plans on entering the transfer portal, per sources. The senior played in two games this season, suffering a season-ending groin injury against Akron.
Hartzog won Nebraska’s season opener against Cincinnati with an interception in the final seconds. He recorded 108 tackles, 13 pass breakups and eight interceptions over his four years in Lincoln. He will have one year of eligibility remaining after redshirting this past season.
Monday, Dec. 15
Departure: Quarterback Dylan Raiola
Dylan Raiola announced on Monday, Dec. 15 his plans to enter the portal when it opens in January. Ever since the decommitment of his brother Dayton and the firing of his uncle and former offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, rumors have swirled about if Dylan would stay.
The former five-star recruit went 13-9 in his two seasons with the Huskers. In 2024, he set Nebraska’s single-season freshman passing record with 2,819 yards. Raiola finishes his Husker career with 4,819 passing yards for 31 touchdowns, while also tossing 17 interceptions.
Monday, Dec. 8
Departure: Running back Jamarion Parker
Jamarion Parker came in as a highly touted four-star 2025 running back recruit, but never played a down for Nebraska. The true freshman was sidelined with an injury all spring that carried through the entire regular season.
The St. Louis, Missouri, native will have four years of eligibility remaining.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Departure: Defensive back Caden VerMaas
Although VerMaas isn’t a big name, he is officially the first Nebraska player to announce their intentions to enter the transfer portal. The Millard North graduate was a three-star recruit and the No. 3 recruit in Nebraska in the class of 2024. He played in two games this season.
He will have four years of eligibility remaining.
Stay tuned for updates. This is a developing story.
