Nebraska's five most important transfer portal additions for 2023

This offseason’s NCAA Transfer Portal cycle has both giveth and taketh away for Nebraska. But while the Huskers lost some notable players, they also picked up some significant additions.

Here are five transfers poised to make the biggest impact for new head coach Matt Rhule this season…

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1. Jeff Sims, QB

When Jeff Sims committed to Nebraska as a transfer from Georgia Tech, it looked like he’d be in for an offseason-long battle with incumbent Casey Thompson for the starting job.

Well, Thompson missed nearly all of spring ball while recovering from surgery and then hit the portal shortly after the Red-White game.

Meanwhile, Sims did about everything Rhule and Co. had hoped during his first 15 practices as a Husker. That included a solid unofficial debut in the spring game. 

Now he’s the unquestioned frontrunner to be NU’s starting quarterback in 2023. Sims needs to stay healthy, especially with the now significant drop-off in depth behind him after Thompson’s departure. 

But the keys to Nebraska’s offense will be his as long as he stays on his current course.

RELATED: Where do Nebraska’s 2023 transfers rank?

2. Ben Scott, C

It was unclear where Ben Scott would even play on Nebraska’s offensive line when he arrived from Arizona State. By the end of spring ball, he’d solidified himself as the clear No. 1 at center.

After starting 17 games at right tackle for the Sun Devils, Scott moved to center in 2022, where he started all 11 appearances. Per PFF, he allowed just four sacks and nine quarterback hits over 1,776 career snaps at ASU, with 704 of those at center.

There are plenty of questions remaining about the Huskers’ offensive line going into this season. But the 6-foot-5, 305-pound junior seems like one of the few sure things for NU.

Scott chose Nebraska over other transfer options such as Auburn, Florida State, Miami, and UCLA. It certainly looks like the Huskers landed a good one.

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3. MJ Sherman, LB

On the heels of back-to-back national championships at Georgia, expectations were soaring when MJ Sherman arrived at Nebraska. He’s lived up to those hopes thus far.

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound junior quickly became a leader of NU’s defense both on and off the field. That included a strong spring game performance with four tackles and a TFL.

Sherman spent most of the spring working at the Jack linebacker position. But with his size, speed, and athleticism, he could line up at linebacker or defensive end in NU’s versatile 3-3-5 scheme.

Beyond his play on the field, Sherman has also emerged as one of the strongest voices on Nebraska’s defense. Part of that is from his experience and past success. But he’s also prioritized doing all he can to make everyone around him better.

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4. Billy Kemp, WR

Billy Kemp left Virginia as one of the program’s all-time leading receivers. It only took him a few months to solidify himself as Nebraska’s projected No. 1 wideout going into the 2023 season.

The sixth-year senior caught 192 passes for 1,774 yards with the Cavaliers, ranking fourth and 10th, respectively, in school history. He also became the first UVa player to lead the team in punt return yards for four straight years.

While he played 431 of his 572 snaps last season in the slot, the Huskers will use Kemp in a variety of ways. The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder will line up inside, outside, and even in the backfield, according to NU offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield.

That will also likely include punt return duties, as he was the frontrunner for that role coming out of spring ball.

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5. Elijah Jeudy, DL

One of Nebraska’s highest-rated transfer additions this offseason, Elijah Jeudy came to Lincoln expected to make an immediate impact.

He only played in three games over two seasons at Texas A&M. But the sophomore is a former four-star recruit who still ranked among On3’s Top 300 transfers in 2023.

Despite missing some time this spring with a minor injury, Jeudy showcased that potential with five tackles and a forced fumble in the Huskers’ spring game.

The 6-3, 300-pounder can play end or tackle, and his versatility should bode well in defensive coordinator Tony White’s system. Nebraska was desperate for immediate d-line help this portal cycle, and Jeudy could be exactly what it needed.

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