The «legacy era» in Lincoln has officially moved into the rearview mirror. Following Dylan Raiola’s stunning transfer to Oregon, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy is breaking down what the new-look Nebraska Cornhuskers will bring to the field this spring—and it’s all about a massive shift in identity.
Replacing the Face of the Program
How do you replace a cornerstone like Raiola? According to McElroy, the answer lies in the «swag» of transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea. The former UNLV star and Mountain West Player of the Year brings a «gunslinger» mentality that Nebraska has lacked.
«This kid’s a riverboat gambler in the best possible way,» McElroy noted.
With over 3,400 passing yards and 33 total touchdowns (passing and rushing) last season, Colandrea offers a dual-threat explosiveness that could make Matt Rhule’s offense more dangerous than ever in 2026.
The «Get Physical or Get Beat» Defense
On the other side of the ball, the arrival of new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich from San Diego State signals a return to brute force. After leading a top-15 defense last season, Aurich’s mission in Lincoln is simple: get bigger and more physical.
McElroy believes this spring isn’t just about finding stars; it’s about setting a «standard.» If Rhule can exit March with a solidified front seven and Colandrea locked in as the leader, the rest of the Big Ten should be on high alert. Entering his fourth season, Rhule is looking to push past the 7-6 plateau and turn Nebraska into a true physical powerhouse.