LINCOLN, NE — The era of the «pocket statue» is over in Lincoln, but according to national analysts, the new era might just be… average. CBS Sports recently released its 2026 Big Ten Quarterback rankings, placing Nebraska’s new signal-caller, Anthony Colandrea, at No. 11 out of 18 projected starters.
For a fan base that just watched Dylan Raiola depart for the NFL, seeing his replacement ranked in the bottom half of the conference is a bitter pill to swallow. But is CBS being realistic, or are they ignoring the statistical monster Colandrea was at UNLV?
The «Experience» Paradox
Critics of the ranking point to Colandrea’s resume. This isn’t a developmental project; it’s a veteran with 33 games under his belt. Last season, he didn’t just play in the Mountain West—he dominated it. He led the conference with 3,459 passing yards and a staggering 8.3 yards per attempt.
Yet, CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli remains cautious, ranking him behind six of the quarterbacks Nebraska will face this season. The disrespect seems to stem from the «Big Ten Tax»—the idea that gaudy numbers in the Mountain West won’t translate against the bruising defenses of Ohio State, Oregon, or the defending champion Indiana.
A Better Fit, But a Lower Ceiling?
Interestingly, Fornelli admits that Colandrea is a «better fit» for Dana Holgorsen’s offense than Raiola ever was. With Nebraska losing 76% of its rushing production from last year, Colandrea’s legs aren’t just a luxury; they are a necessity. He racked up 10 rushing touchdowns last year and could be the solution to a Nebraska offensive line that surrendered 33 sacks in 2025.
If he’s the «perfect fit,» why is he ranked 11th? It raises a burning question for Husker Nation: Is Nebraska settling for a «system fit» instead of elite talent?
The Big Unknown
The Huskers are entering a pivotal 2026 season where «average» won’t cut it. With matchups against six of the top-10 ranked QBs on the schedule, Colandrea will have to prove he can outplay his ranking every other week.
The Verdict: Ranking a reigning Conference Player of the Year at No. 11 feels like a lack of imagination from the national media. However, until Colandrea proves he can elude Big Ten pass rushers the way he did in the Mountain West, the «middle of the pack» label will haunt the Huskers.