Nebraska transfer portal team breakdown

The Matt Rhule Era is officially underway for Nebraska and there is optimism abound in Lincoln. No one is rushing to crown the Cornhuskers as Big Ten or even division champs, but there’s reason to believe the collection of talent Nebraska has is better than recent records indicate.

Plus, with some help from the transfer portal, Rhule and Co. have gotten a relatively quick infusion of talent at some key spots. On top of bringing in a talented quarterback, Nebraska shored things up along the lines and hauled in the No. 29 ranked transfer class according to the On3 2023 College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings.

Plus, if a few of the offensive playmakers hit, this transfer class could help supercharge the rebuild Rhule is undertaking.

Breaking down the 2023 Nebraska transfer portal class

National rank: No. 29

Transfers in: 11 (T-15th)

Transfers out: 12 (T-34th)

Biggest loss: LB Ernest Hausmann transferred to Michigan

This could’ve gone to wideout Decoldest Crawford (now at Louisiana Tech), but Hausmann was emerging as a potential multi-year contributor for the Cornhuskers after a strong close to his true freshman campaign. Instead, he not only went to the portal but stayed in conference, joining the Wolverines.

Biggest arrival: QB Jeff Sims, Georgia Tech

How Nebraska handles the quarterback position in Year 1 under Rhule with Casey Thompson returning as the incumbent starter and Sims, a top-shelf physical talent, arriving from Georgia Tech. Thompson presumably enters spring with the upperhand by virtue of already being in place, but Sims likely wasn’t brought to Lincoln without some chance to win the starting job.

Other notable Nebraska transfers in

TE Arik Gilbert, Georgia: Gilbert easily could’ve been counted as the biggest get for Nebraska, but that all depends on what Nebraska will really be getting from Gilbert. A former five-star prospect — and an especially coveted one at that — Gilbert originally started his career at LSU before bouncing around to Florida (very briefly) before Georgia and now Nebraska. The physical ability Gilbert has is unparalleled, but he has yet to harness it for a full season. If he can, Nebraska has one of the best offensive weapons in college football.

LB MJ Sherman, Georgia: Sherman, another five-star high school prospect out of the DMV, spent three seasons at Georgia before transferring to Lincoln. Sherman most likely projects to be an edge rusher and, after struggling to grab hold of a consistent role with the Bulldogs, has a chance to become a defensive stalwart for the Cornhuskers. He’s also got a fascinating family history.

OL Jacob Hood, Georgia: The third Georgia transfer on this list, Hood could be a plug-and-play tackle for Nebraska. He was rated three-stars coming out of high school and as a transfer, but at 6-foot-8 and north of 300 pounds, Hood fits the physical mold. For a Nebraska offensive line that needs some help, he is a welcome addition.

DL Elijah Jeudy, Texas A&M: Much like the offensive line, the Cornhuskers defensive line was in need of a talent infusion. Enter Jeudy (no relation to the former Alabama receiver), a four-star prospect from the Class of 2021 who joins the Cornhuskers after two seasons in College Station.

OL Ben Scott, Arizona State: Much like Hood, Scott isn’t the flashiest or even most important signing for Nebraska, but offensive line depth will be key for Rhule and Co. as they seek to get competitive in the Big Ten. Having to annually face the likes of Iowa, Wisconsin and now a rejuvenated Illinois program that loves be physical along the lines, the Cornhuskers will do well to keep stocked on the offensive line.