QB Colandrea returning to Nebraska for 2027 season, agent says

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Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea has signed a deal to return to the Cornhuskers in 2027 for his final year of college eligibility, his agent Noah Reisenfeld of 21 Sports & Entertainment told ESPN.

Colandrea is third in the Big Ten in total offense at 271.9 yards per game, and the signing assures that one of the conference's top quarterbacks will remain in Lincoln in 2027.

He will be entering his fifth and final season of eligibility, as he began his college career at Virginia for two seasons, thrived at UNLV in 2025 and has emerged as a reliable and productive quarterback for the Huskers in 2026.

The signing gives Nebraska clarity at a key position and a recruiting centerpiece for coach Matt Rhule and general manager Pat Stewart. Knowing Colandrea is back as the starter, Nebraska can be a magnet for potential portal targets and returning players.

Rhule said in a news conference earlier this month that other schools were already attempting to tamper with and express interest in adding Colandrea for 2027.

"He's already got SEC schools calling him," Rhule said.

Colandrea was miffed by speculation that he would transfer and wanted the focus to be on the field for the Huskers.

The Huskers also have a commitment from one of the top high school passers in the country in Trae Taylor III. The No. 3-ranked quarterback and No. 44 overall player in the 2027 SC Next 300 is playing his senior season at Millard South High School in Omaha, Nebraska.

Colandrea has thrown for 14 touchdowns with just four interceptions this season while leading Nebraska to wins over Michigan State and Maryland. He has also run for 334 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.