Well, it’s official.
As first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Nebraska has reached an agreement with senior quarterback Anthony Colandrea to return to Lincoln for his final season of eligibility in 2027. This has since been confirmed by reporters at the Omaha World-Herald.
The timing of the news is a bit surprising, but the decision makes sense for both parties. Through seven games with the scarlet and cream, Colandrea accounted for over 63 percent of Nebraska’s total offense while helping the Huskers to a 5-2 record (2-2 Big Ten) heading into November.
Colandrea arrived at Nebraska after totaling 8,693 all-purpose yards and 61 total touchdowns in his first three seasons of college football. A little more than halfway through the 2026 campaign, he’s already added 1,904 all-purpose yards and 18 scores to that total.
As effective as he has been with his arm, what really sets Colandrea apart from his peers is his ability to make plays with his legs. He ranks second on Nebraska in rushing with 334 yards and four touchdowns, despite having 14 sacks this fall.
His ability to extend plays and, at times, drive the Cornhuskers down the field has been a significant step forward for NU’s offense in 2026. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine the Huskers having the same record at this point without their QB1.
Colandrea’s decision to return gives Nebraska valuable recruiting ground when it comes to retaining other offensive playmakers. Most notably, receivers Kwazi Gilmer, Jacory Barney and Nyziah Hunter all have the option to return to Lincoln next season. Additionally, each of the Huskers’ top three running backs, Jamal Rule, Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee, have several years of eligibility remaining.
The only position on NU’s offense that will be absolutely different in 2027 is tight end. Luke Lindenmeyer is in his final season of college football before likely pursuing the NFL.
On the offensive line, starting left tackle Elijah Pritchett and starting center Justin Evans are the only current starters who will not have the option to return. Other members of the protection unit, such as Gunnar Gottula, Brendan Black, Tree Babalade and Paul Mubenga, could re-sign.
During the bye week, I wrote about this very possibility, knowing that a decision might be coming soon. Although Colandrea’s salary for 2027 has not been disclosed, there is no doubt that he will earn millions.
The Cornhuskers will also welcome five-star quarterback Trae Taylor to campus as an early enrollee in January, provided he remains committed and signs with the Big Red in December. The No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2027 recruiting class appears poised to compete with Colandrea for the starting job while learning from the fifth-year quarterback before potentially taking over the offense in 2028.
Taylor posted this on social media after Colandrea’s signing was announced:
“I love that he’s coming back and I hope TJ (Lateef) stays. I can learn a lot from both of them. I respect every QB in this room because they’ve all been helpful to me before. It doesn’t change my commitment at all and I’m locked in 100%. I can’t wait to come in, compete and learn.”
In today’s college football landscape, nothing is guaranteed. For now, though, NU appears to have one of the most stable quarterback rooms in the country heading into next fall.
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