Full Breakdown
Anthony Colandrea Ranked No. 3 Big Ten Quarterback for 2026
7/21/2026, 12:55:53 PM
Core Ranking and Immediate Implications
Pro Football Focus (PFF) placed Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea as the No. 3 quarterback in the Big Ten entering the 2026 season, behind Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Oregon’s Dante Moore. The rating gives Colandrea an 89.9 overall grade, positioning him as one of the conference’s top signal-callers as he prepares for his first season under center in Lincoln. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has highlighted the transfer’s dual-threat ability, suggesting the Huskers could see a significant offensive upgrade if the quarterback adapts to Big Ten competition.
Background & Recent Performance
Colandrea’s trajectory began at Virginia in 2023, where he amassed 2,183 yards of offense and 13 touchdowns as a true freshman in the ACC. After a 3-9 season for the Cavaliers, he transferred to UNLV for the 2025 campaign. At UNLV he earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors, completing 275 of 417 passes for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns, while also rushing for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns. His production eclipsed the previous Nebraska single-season passing record set by Joe Ganz (3,568 yards, 2008).
Data & Statistics
- Passing: 275/417 completions, 3,459 yards, 23 TDs (?250 yd/game) – 2025 season.
- Rushing: 649 yards, 10 TDs, >5 yd per carry – 2025 season.
- PFF Grade: 89.9 overall (through 13 games).
- Career Starts: 31 starts over four collegiate seasons.
- 2026 Spring Game: 12-of-19 completions for 80 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT in four drives.
Official Statements & Responses
Nebraska’s coaching staff has repeatedly emphasized Colandrea’s mobility. Matt Rhule noted that the quarterback’s ability to run “adds a dimension the Huskers have been missing,” echoing college-football analyst Phil Steele, who praised the player’s dual-threat skill set. Recruiting director Keith Williams used his X post to generate excitement about upcoming commitments, underscoring the broader optimism surrounding the offseason roster.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts caution that Colandrea’s PFF grade reflects performance against Mountain West opponents, not the higher-caliber defenses typical of the Big Ten. One commentator observed, “Nobody is expecting Colandrea to do that in the Big Ten,” highlighting the uncertainty over whether his production will translate to a tougher conference.
Verbatim Quotes
- “3 quarterback in the Big Ten entering 2026, trailing only Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Oregon's Dante Moore.” — Pro Football Focus
- “In his lone year with the Rebels, Colandrea completed 275 of 417 passes for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging nearly 250 passing yards per game.” — Article text
- “He also rushed for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging more than five yards per carry.” — Article text
- “Husker fans got their first and really only glimpse of Colandrea during the 2026 Red-White Scrimmage , where he completed 12 of 19 passes for 80 yards, including two touchdowns and one interception in four offensive drives.” — Article text
What’s Next
Nebraska will evaluate Colandrea during the 2026 Red-White Spring Game and a two-week fall camp slated to begin in late August. The quarterback’s performance will shape the Huskers’ offensive strategy for the upcoming season, with the first regular-season game expected in early September. Continued monitoring of his adaptation to Big Ten defenses will determine whether the high PFF ranking translates into on-field success for Nebraska.
