Nebraska

The transfer portal delivered Nebraska its most impactful haul in years, headlined by Anthony Colandrea's arrival from UNLV after Dylan Raiola's departure to Oregon left the quarterback room in flux. The Cornhuskers added 213.6 points of portal value against 120.2 lost, a net gain that helps explain their improved offensive rating (+1.8, 45th nationally) despite moderate continuity concerns. New defensive coordinator Rob Aurich inherits a unit that grades poorly (-2.2, 91st) but maintains structural stability, while special teams (30th) provide a reliable foundation. The infrastructure improvements are evident, but this roster still lacks the elite positional group needed to separate from Big Ten mediocrity.

JP+ projects 5.5 wins for the Cornhuskers, a modest step back from last year's 7-5 finish that reflects both the quarterback uncertainty and defensive struggles that persist despite the coordinator change. The offense carries legitimate upside if Colandrea or another signal-caller can quickly establish chemistry with a receiving corps bolstered by UCLA transfer Kwazi Gilmer, but road dates at Oregon and home tilts against Ohio State and Indiana loom as serious tests. If the new quarterback gels early and Aurich's schemes mask defensive talent limitations, eight wins becomes possible. If not, Nebraska risks falling back toward the conference's second tier.