Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule announced Saturday that transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea has been named the team's starter for Week 1 against Ohio. Colandrea transferred to Nebraska after one season with UNLV and two with Virginia.
During his time at UNLV, Colandrea led the Rebels to a 10-4 overall record and a 6-2 Mountain West Conference record. He finished the season with 3,459 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, earning Mountain West Player of the Year honors. He also contributed significantly with 649 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
Rhule expressed confidence in Colandrea's competitive drive and ability to make smart decisions. "Anthony, I think the biggest thing is he’s very competitive, very fiery. He expects to win every play," Rhule told reporters. "He does a nice job disciplining himself to also take what’s there and makes nice checks in the run/pass game, and can throw the ball deep."
The addition of Colandrea comes after Nebraska lost starting quarterback Dylan Raiola to the Oregon Ducks. While Colandrea competed with quarterbacks T.J. Lateef and Daniel Kaelin, Rhule indicated Colandrea was the clear choice for the starting position.
Last season, Lateef took over for an injured Raiola in Week 9 against USC, finishing with a 1-3 record as the starting quarterback. The Cornhuskers also lost running back Emmett Johnson to the NFL Draft, making Colandrea's dual-threat capabilities a key asset.
Nebraska finished the previous season with a 7-6 overall record and a 4-5 record in conference play. The team has also added wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer from UCLA, who recorded 50 receptions for 535 yards and four touchdowns last season for the Bruins.
The Cornhuskers' season opener against Ohio is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5, at home.