The Cornhuskers landed a commitment from former UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea on Jan. 6, a day after former Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey flipped his pledge from Nebraska to Kentucky. Minchey committed to Nebraska on Jan. 4 before changing his mind Jan. 5.
Colandrea was the Mountain West Player of the Year in 2025 after passing for 3,459 yards with 23 touchdowns to nine interceptions, also rushing for 649 yards and 10 scores. He was a two-year starter at Virginia before transferring to UNLV, where he starred for first-year coach Dan Mullen.
The 6-foot signal caller is the No. 175-ranked player and No. 21 quarterback, according to 247Sports’ transfer portal ratings. He’s listed as a three-star recruit, per the recruiting service, and also took a visit to Florida State. Minchey was listed as a four-star recruit and No. 12 quarterback.
Colandrea is tasked with replacing two-year starter Dylan Raiola, who entered the transfer portal after suffering a season-ending injury. Raiola, a former five-star recruit, is still uncommitted.
Nebraska finished 7-6 in 2025 despite entering the season with lofty expectations. Raiola’s injury didn’t help, of course, leaving the program with true freshman TJ Lateef, who made four starts. The Cornhuskers went 1-4 in their last five games.
Colandrea is looking to bring some much-needed dual-threat ability to an offense that’s losing star running back Emmett Johnson to the NFL draft, along with veteran receiver Dane Key.