Full Breakdown
Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea: An Average Ranking Among Big Ten Quarterbacks
4/15/2026, 3:13:03 PM
Overview of Colandrea's Background and Performance
Nebraska Cornhuskers' quarterback Anthony Colandrea, a senior transfer from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), has been ranked 11th among the 18 projected starting quarterbacks in the Big Ten by CBS Sports. Colandrea's college career includes 33 games, with significant experience gained from his time at UNLV and the University of Virginia, where he played 14 and 19 games, respectively. In 2025, he led the Mountain West Conference with 3,459 passing yards, showcasing his capability as a passer with a career completion percentage of 63.8% and a total of 49 touchdowns against 29 interceptions.
Colandrea also adds a running dimension to Nebraska's offense, having rushed for 1,151 yards and 12 touchdowns throughout his career. This versatility is particularly crucial for Nebraska, which will be without NFL-bound running back Emmett Johnson, who accounted for 76.4% of the team's rushing yards last season.
The Competitive Landscape of Big Ten Quarterbacks
The Big Ten features a highly competitive quarterback landscape, with three of the top four quarterbacks projected from Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana. Nebraska will face six of the projected top-10 quarterbacks during the 2026 season, including Dante Moore from Oregon and Julian Sayin from Ohio State, both of whom are expected to pose significant challenges. Colandrea's performance will be pivotal as Nebraska navigates this tough schedule.
Official Statements & Responses
CBS Sports analyst Tom Fornelli noted that while Colandrea may not outperform Dylan Raiola, he is perceived as a better fit for Nebraska's offensive scheme under head coach Dana Holgorsen. Fornelli remarked, “Colandrea has plenty of experience from his time at UNLV and Virginia, and honestly, he feels like a better fit for a Dana Holgorsen offense than Dylan Raiola did.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite his accolades, Colandrea's ranking reflects skepticism regarding his ability to transition effectively to the Big Ten, a conference known for its rigorous competition. Critics argue that while he has demonstrated talent in the Mountain West, the question remains whether he can replicate that success against stronger defenses.
What's Next for Nebraska
As Nebraska prepares for the 2026 season, Colandrea's performance will be closely monitored, particularly in the context of the team's overall success. The Huskers' season opener against Michigan State on September 26 will mark the beginning of a critical campaign, with Colandrea's ability to lead the offense being a key factor in determining Nebraska's trajectory in the Big Ten.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What CBS Sports said about Colandrea CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli wrote about Colandrea: “Perhaps TJ Lateef wins this job, but I don’t think the Huskers go into the portal to get Colandrea from UNLV if they expect that to be the case.” — Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports Analyst
- “Anthony Colandrea, Nebraska How Colandrea goes, so goes the Nebraska offense?” — Analysis on Colandrea's impact on the team.
In conclusion, Anthony Colandrea's average ranking among Big Ten quarterbacks encapsulates the uncertainty surrounding his transition to a more competitive environment, making his performance a focal point for Nebraska's aspirations in the upcoming season.
