Portal Report: Breaking down Nebraska’s losses and what needs they might have in the portal

The transfer portal officially closed last week. What were Nebraska’s losses to the portal, and what might they need?

We break down the Husker roster’s current state less than a week after the spring portal window officially closed.

Portal Report: What did Nebraska lose?

Following the end of spring practice, Nebraska had just two scholarship players and two walk-ons enter the transfer portal.

Scholarship edge rusher Chief Borders and converted offensive lineman Ru’Quan Buckley entered last week, as did walk-on linebacker Korver Demma and quarterback Jack Woche.

On the surface, only Borders appears to be a guy who would’ve seen snaps for the Huskers in 2024, but he was not projected to play ahead of MJ Sherman and Princewill Umanmielen at the jack linebacker position.

Woche was also surprising, mainly because of the lack of overall QB numbers. It will be interesting to see what type of opportunity he is looking for.

Buckley’s portal entry was not surprising, mainly because he had previously moved to the offensive line with limited work there. You never got the sense it was a long-term solution. Both Borders and Buckley will also get their degrees this month.

QBs coach Glenn Thomas. (Photo credit: Casey Fritton/HuskerOnline)

What do the Huskers still need?

So what’s next? What exactly is head coach Matt Rhule looking for in the portal?

We know they would entertain the right quarterback if it were available, but it will be a hard sell, knowing Rhule has already said the starter for 2024 is most likely already in his QB room. That means any quarterback who joins the roster would be strictly a depth add.

Other wildcard positions are offensive tackle and running back. If a quality tackle were out there, NU would probably show interest. We already know they kicked the tires on at least one running back.

The biggest thing is that Rhule is looking for football players—guys who can improve his football team in 2024 and beyond.

Known portal targets for Nebraska

Who are some known portal targets for Nebraska thus far? We know the Big Red has offered Grand Valley State defensive lineman Jay’viar Suggs.

Today, Suggs seems like a long shot. He’s already visited Florida State, USC, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Arkansas. With the type of teams involved and the limited spring portal options, the price tag to land Suggs will be steep in terms of NIL.

We know the Huskers were also in the mix with Colorado running back Dylan Edwards, who chose to stay home and play for K-State.

Another recent name to watch is former five-star and Texas cornerback Terrance Brooks. On3’s Hayes Fawcett said the Huskers are one of 27 teams that have contacted Brooks. The 6-foot, 190-pound Brooks had 20 tackles, three interceptions, and six pass breakups in 2023.

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