Anthony Colandrea named Nebraska's starting QB for 2026

Nebraska closed out training camp with a 110-play scrimmage on Saturday, and by the end of it Matt Rhule had his answer at quarterback. The Huskers are handing the offense to Anthony Colandrea, the UNLV transfer who's been the presumptive QB1 since he arrived in Lincoln back in January.

Pete Nakos

@PeteNakos

No surprise here, has been trending this way since the spring. Anthony Colandrea is QB1 for Nebraska

Pete Nakos summed up the reaction from anyone who's watched Nebraska's offseason unfold: nobody's shocked. Colandrea has been trending toward this job since spring ball, and Saturday's announcement was more confirmation than surprise.

The resume backs it up. Colandrea threw for a career-high 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns against just 9 interceptions at UNLV in 2025, a season that earned him Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors. At 6-foot, 200 pounds, he brings a mobile dimension the Huskers have been missing under center, and Rhule didn't hold back praising the mentality that comes with it.

"He's very competitive, very fiery. He expects to win every play, but he does a nice job of disciplining himself to also take what's there," Rhule said of his new starter, according to WOWT.

For Nebraska, this is about finally settling a position that's been a carousel for years. Colandrea gets a full training camp, a clear QB1 tag, and a runway to build chemistry with the offense before the lights come on. The Huskers open the season September 5 against Ohio, and now everyone in Lincoln knows exactly who's taking the first snap.