Nebraska’s football program is buzzing with anticipation as former UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea steps onto the Cornhuskers’ roster, bringing with him a reputation forged in the Mountain West and a proven track record at Virginia.
Pro Football Focus has already taken notice, awarding him the third‑highest grade among all returning Big Ten quarterbacks for the upcoming season, a rating of 89.9 that underscores his readiness to compete at the highest level of college football.
A New Era in Lincoln
In his most recent season, Colandrea threw 275 of 417 passes for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns while also adding 649 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground, a dual‑threat performance that helped the Rebels claim the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year award.
His collegiate journey began at Virginia, where over two seasons he completed 352 of 566 passes for 4,083 yards and 26 touchdowns, and rushed for 502 yards and two more scores; as a freshman he set school records with 154 completions and 1,958 passing yards.
He now joins a Nebraska squad that will be measured against the likes of Julian Sayin and Dante Moore, who top the Big Ten rankings with grades of 92.9 and 90.2 respectively, setting the stage for a compelling quarterback battle in Lincoln.
Coaches and analysts alike see his arrival as a potential catalyst for a resurgence, hoping his blend of arm strength, mobility, and experience will translate into more wins for the Cornhuskers in the competitive Big Ten landscape.