Overview of the 2026 NCAA Football Transfer Portal

The 2026 NCAA football transfer portal window has officially closed. It ran from January 2 to January 16. While players may still be reported as entrants after the 16th, colleges have 48 business hours to submit player names into the transfer portal. The NCAA changed the college football calendar to eliminate the spring window in April and operate one open period for FBS and FCS players, which will last from January 2 to January 16.

We are tracking all of Nebraska’s 2026 transfer portal and roster activity below.

Key Events from January 17

On Saturday, January 17, several notable developments occurred. Former Nebraska running back and kickoff return specialist Kenneth Williams announced his commitment to Michigan State. Nebraska also announced the signing of Boston College defensive lineman transfer Owen Stoudmire.

January 16: Transfer Portal Closes

On Friday, January 16, Boston College defensive lineman transfer Owen Stoudmire announced his commitment to Nebraska. Stoudmire was limited to just three games and five tackles last season, but compiled 30 with 3.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks as a junior in 2024. He had three tackles against the Huskers in the Pinstripe Bowl that year.

January 15: Player Returns

On Thursday, January 15, sophomore wide receiver Nyziah Hunter announced his return to the Huskers for his junior season in 2026. In his one season at Nebraska after transferring from Cal last year, Hunter hauled in 43 catches for 617 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games.

January 14: New Commitment

On Wednesday, January 14, Nebraska added a high school quarterback commitment in the 2026 class from Tanner Vibabul out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, Vibabul is a three-star recruit and replaces former quarterback commit Dayton Raiola in the Huskers’ 2026 class. He had other reported scholarship offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Army and Temple.

January 13: Returning Players

On Tuesday, January 13, junior cornerback Andrew Marshall confirmed he is returning to the Huskers for his senior season. Nebraska also announced the signing of LSU offensive lineman transfer Paul Mubenga and Pittsburgh defensive lineman transfer Jahsear Whittington. Sophomore defensive lineman Keona Davis announced that he is officially in the transfer portal, after confirming his intention to enter back on Jan. 4. Former Nebraska and Purdue quarterback Marcos Davila re-posted a graphic to his personal social media indicating he has committed to Abilene Christian.

January 12: Multiple Signings

On Monday, January 12, Pittsburgh defensive lineman transfer Jahsear Whittington announced his commitment to Nebraska. He played in 11 games last season and finished with 11 tackles and 3.5 for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery. Nebraska also announced the signing of Michigan State long snapper transfer Jack Wills and Virginia transfer quarterback, Omaha native and former Husker Daniel Kaelin. Former Nebraska offensive lineman Houston Ka’aha’aina Torres announced his commitment to Michigan. Former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola shared photos on his Instagram page at Autzen Stadium, confirming his transfer commitment to Oregon. Former Nebraska kicker and Omaha native Tristan Alvano announced his commitment to South Dakota State. According to a report from On3, sophomore linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr. is staying with the Huskers in 2026 and has re-signed a new deal. Former Nebraska defensive lineman Maverick Noonan announced his commitment to Fresno State, joining fellow Husker transfer Preston Okafor as Bulldog commits.

January 11: New Additions

On Sunday, January 11, junior college defensive lineman Andy Burburija out of Iowa Western has committed to Nebraska, according to a report from 247Sports. Burburija is ranked as a three-star recruit in the 2026 class and spent two seasons with the Reivers. This past year, he helped lead Iowa Western to a JUCO national championship and played in all 13 games with 45 tackles and 18.5 for loss, 11 sacks en route to All-American honors. Virginia transfer quarterback and former Husker Daniel Kaelin announced his commitment to rejoin Nebraska. Michigan State longsnapper transfer Jack Wills announced his commitment to Nebraska. He played in seven games as a true freshman for the Spartans last season. Nebraska also announced the signing of Florida International transfer defensive back Victor Evans III and Towson defensive back transfer Jasin Shiggs. A two-year starter with 24 career appearances for the Tigers, Shiggs completed his sophomore season with 72 tackles with 0.5 for loss, one interception and three passes defensed. Junior defensive lineman Dylan Parrott is withdrawing from the transfer portal to return to Nebraska, according to a report from On3. Redshirt freshman linebacker Willis McGahee IV announced that he is withdrawing from the transfer portal and returning to the Huskers for his sophomore season in 2026.

January 10: Additional Signings

On Saturday, January 10, Florida International cornerback transfer Victor Evans III has committed to Nebraska, according to an On3 report. He played in 12 games for the Panthers last season, finishing with 42 tackles with one for loss, one interception and five passes defensed. Evans III played three seasons at FIU and has one year of eligibility, plus a redshirt available. Nebraska also announced the signing of UCLA wide receiver transfer Kwazi Gilmer. Former Nebraska cornerback Malcolm Hartzog Jr. announced his commitment to Arizona, with the Wildcats confirming he has signed with the program. Per On3, former Nebraska quarterback turned Virginia transfer Daniel Kaelin is expected to return to the Huskers in 2026. The Bellevue West alum — fondly nicknamed “Danny Dimes” — played in seven games for the Cavaliers last season throwing for 339 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

January 9: New Commitments

On Friday, January 9, according to a report from On3’s Tim Verghese, freshman offensive lineman Brian Tapu has entered the transfer portal. The New Zealand native redshirted with no appearances in his first year with the Huskers. UCLA transfer wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer has committed to Nebraska, confirming an On3 report by sharing to his personal social media. Gilmer started all 12 games as a sophomore for the Bruins last season, leading the Bruins in receiving yards (535), receptions (50) and receiving touchdowns (4). Omaha native and former Nebraska defensive back Preston Okafor announced his commitment to Fresno State. Omaha native and former Nebraska defensive back Caden VerMaas announced his commitment to Rice.

January 8: New Additions

On Thursday, January 8, UCLA transfer defensive lineman Anthony Jones announced his commitment to Nebraska. In one season with the Bruins, Jones finished with 20 tackles with 2.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass defensed. The Huskers will be the fifth Big Ten school he has played for after stints at Oregon, Indiana, Michigan State and UCLA. Nebraska also announced the signing of Jones. Sophomore running back and kickoff returner Kenneth Williams has entered the transfer portal. After beginning the season as a walk-on, Williams was put on scholarship after Nebraska’s win at Maryland, where he had an 85-yard kickoff return that set up a touchdown drive. Williams returned his first career kickoff return touchdown against Northwestern. A Detroit, Michigan, native who spent his senior year of high school at Lincoln High in Nebraska, Williams earned All-Big Ten Second-Team honors by the media and Third Team from the coaches as a return specialist. His 395 kickoff return yards are the most by a Husker since the 2017 season.

January 7: Multiple Signings

On Wednesday, January 7, UNLV quarterback transfer Anthony Colandrea publicly announced his commitment to Nebraska on Wednesday and multiple reports say he has signed with the Huskers. Nebraska also announced the signing of San Diego State defensive back transfer Dwayne McDougle III. Nebraska also announced the signing of Oregon State linebacker transfer Dexter Foster. Nebraska also announced the signing of South Carolina offensive lineman transfer Oluwatosin “Tree” Babalade. Nebraska also announced the signing of Iowa State offensive lineman transfer Brendan Black. Two Nebraska redshirt freshmen defensive backs have reportedly withdrawn from the transfer portal and will return to the Huskers in 2026: Larry Tarver Jr. and Braylen Prude.

January 6: New Additions

On Tuesday, January 6, Nebraska announced the signing of San Diego State linebacker transfer Owen Chambliss. Nebraska also announced the signing of Iowa State linebacker transfer Will Hawthorne. Oregon State linebacker transfer Dexter Foster announced his commitment to Nebraska Tuesday night. A sophomore for the Beavers last season, Foster played in just seven games, but increased his tackle output to 52 compared to 43 in 12 games as a true freshman. He also added three tackles for loss and one pass defensed in 2025. San Diego State safety Dwayne McDougle III announced his intention to transfer to Nebraska on Tuesday. The defensive back put up 29 tackles, four interceptions and one forced fumble for the Aztecs as a junior last season. UNLV transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea has committed to Nebraska, according to a report from Pete Thamel. One of his agents, Noah Reisenfeld, confirmed the development by reposting that report to his social media. Colandrea threw for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns against nine interceptions last year for the Rebels, and added 649 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Iowa State transfer linebacker Will Hawthorne has committed to Nebraska. A four-star prospect in the 2025 class out of Gilbert, Iowa, Hawthorne redshirted this past season without playing in a game. He brings four years of eligibility to the Huskers. South Carolina transfer offensive lineman Oluwatosin “Tree” Babalade announced his commitment to Nebraska on Tuesday. He started in five games last season after beginning the year as a backup, and has made 22 career appearances with 15 starts. Babalade follows former Gamecocks offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, who joined the Huskers as run game coordinator ahead of the Las Vegas Bowl.

January 5: New Commitments

On Monday, January 5, according to multiple reports, Notre Dame transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey has flipped his commitment from Nebraska to Kentucky. San Diego State linebacker transfer Owen Chambliss announced his commitment to Nebraska on Monday. He started in all 13 games for the Aztecs last season under defensive coordinator Rob Aurich, who has since joined the Huskers in the same role, and finished his sophomore season with 110 tackles, 9.5 for loss, six pass breakups, four sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery. Sophomore linebacker Willis McGahee IV announced his intention to transfer in a social media post on Monday. McGahee IV, the son of the former Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns running back Willis McGahee, redshirted this season in five appearances — including the Las Vegas Bowl, which does not count toward the four-game redshirt rule — finishing with four tackles and two for loss. In his true freshman season in 2024, McGahee IV played in 12 games and had 13 tackles, 1.5 for loss, one sack and one pass breakup. He also tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles. Iowa State transfer offensive lineman Brendan Black has committed to Nebraska, he confirmed by reposting multiple reports to his personal social media. A three-year starter for the Cyclones, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound Black played in 12 games with 10 starts at right guard during his junior season in 2025. Nebraska offensive line transfer Jason Maciejczak has committed to Wyoming.

January 4: New Additions

On Sunday, January 4, Notre Dame transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey has committed to Nebraska, his agency confirmed by reposting a report to their social media account. The sophomore played in six games last season with 196 passing yards on 20 completions, with another 84 rushing yards and a score on seven attempts. Minchey backed up freshman quarterback CJ Carr for the Fighting Irish. This is the second straight offseason the Huskers have added a Notre Dame transfer, after offensive lineman Rocco Spindler. Sophomore defensive lineman Keona Davis announced he is entering the transfer portal. The Arizona native initially considered leaving the program last offseason, but returned for another year. Davis played in every game with 11 starts, finishing with 30 tackles with 3.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass breakup. Redshirt freshman defensive back Larry Tarver Jr. is entering the transfer portal. He played in three games this season with one tackle, after playing in three games as a true freshman in 2024. Sophomore defensive back Brice Turner has entered the transfer portal. He played in every game this past season, mostly in a special teams role, and finished the year with four tackles. Turner was also the first prospect to commit to head coach Matt Rhule at Nebraska. Freshman offensive lineman Houston Ka’aha’aina-Torres has reportedly entered the transfer portal. He made two appearances against Akron and Houston Christian, while preserving his redshirt. Former Nebraska defensive lineman Jaylen George has signed with Tulsa.

January 3: New Additions

On Saturday, January 3, junior defensive lineman Dylan Parrott has reportedly entered the transfer portal. He played in every game this season, finishing with four tackles. Sophomore linebacker Rahmir Stewart has reportedly entered the transfer portal. He started his career at defensive back, recording five tackles and an interception as a redshirt freshman. This season, he played in three games with one start, but no recorded stats.

January 2: New Additions

On Friday, January 2, redshirt freshman defensive back Braylen Prude has entered the transfer portal. He made three appearances in two seasons at Nebraska, playing just one game in 2025. Sophomore offensive lineman Jason Maciejczak has entered the transfer portal, according to multiple reports. He played in 11 games as a reserve this season after joining the program as a defensive lineman in 2023 and switching positions. After one season at Nebraska, junior defensive lineman Jaylen George has reportedly entered the transfer portal. He played in seven games this season, totaling three tackles and one quarterback hurry after transferring to the Huskers from East Tennessee State. The NCAA transfer portal window has officially opened in college football and will stay open until Friday, Jan. 16.

December 22: New Additions

On Monday, December 22, redshirt freshman Roger Gradney announced his plans to enter the transfer portal. A four-star safety in the 2024 class, Gradney converted to linebacker and played in two games this season after redshirting with zero appearances the year before. Westside alum and sophomore kicker Tristan Alvano announced his plans to enter the transfer portal. He will stay with the team through the Las Vegas Bowl. Alvano appeared to lose the starting job to Kyle Cunanan this past season, taking kickoffs in two games after starting at placekicker in the first three games of 2024. He’d later redshirt after being sidelined with an injury. Redshirt freshman quarterback Marcos Davila is planning to enter the transfer portal, according to multiple reports. Davila confirmed the news with several re-posts to his personal social media. Davila transferred to Nebraska after his redshirt year at Purdue. He played in two games this season, coming in relief in wins against Akron and Houston Christian. Sophomore defensive lineman Maverick Noonan announced his plans to enter the transfer portal once it opens on Jan. 2. He said he will remain with the team through the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31. A Husker legacy — the son of All-American and first-round NFL Draft pick Danny Noonan — and an Elkhorn South alum, Maverick had one tackle and one fumble recovery in three games played this past season. He also played in three games in 2024 after missing the 2023 campaign after suffering a preseason injury.

December 19: New Additions

On Friday, December 19, redshirt freshman defensive back Preston Okafor announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal once it opens on Jan. 2. The Westside alum played in two games this season after redshirting as a true freshman without making an appearance in 2024. Rhule confirmed that senior cornerback Malcolm Hartzog Jr. plans to enter the transfer portal once it opens on Jan. 2. “In terms of anyone else that hasn’t announced the portal, Malcolm is the last one that I know of,” Rhule said Friday. A three-year starter for the Huskers, Hartzog Jr. played and started in two games this past season before suffering an injury and redshirting. He sealed the Kansas City Classic win over Cincinnati with an interception in the end zone. Hartzog Jr. ends his Nebraska career having played in 38 games with 108 tackles, 13 passes defensed and eight interceptions.

December 15: New Additions

On Monday, December 15, sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola is reportedly entering the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Raiola initially shared that report to his personal Instagram story with the caption “God’s Story,” but it has since removed. The former five-star prospect preemptively ended his sophomore season after breaking his fibula against USC in November. He completed 181 of 250 passes for 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in his nine games before injury, leading Nebraska to a 6-3 record and bowl eligibility for a second straight season. This comes after Nebraska parted ways with offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, who is also Dylan’s uncle. His younger brother, 2026 quarterback Dayton Raiola, also de-committed from the Huskers in November. In 2025, Raiola set a Nebraska season record with a 72.4 completion percentage, and he ranked 10th in school history with 18 touchdown passes prior to getting hurt. Before committing to the Huskers, Raiola was pledged to Ohio State and Georgia in high school.

December 8: New Additions

On Monday, December 8, freshman running back Jamarion Parker confirmed an On3 report that he intends to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2. A former four-star prospect in the 2025 class, Parker rehabbed an undisclosed injury this season and did not play in a game during his one year with the Huskers.

December 8: NFL Draft Declarations

On Monday, December 8, senior offensive lineman Rocco Spindler has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Michigan native started in every game at right guard for the Huskers in his lone season after transferring from Notre Dame. He suffered a “gruesome” finger injury in the loss to Minnesota, according to head coach Matt Rhule, but returned the next game against Northwestern. Rhule said Spindler will miss the Las Vegas Bowl against No. 15 Utah to have surgery for that injury.

December 7: NFL Draft Declarations

On Sunday, December 7, senior linebacker Dasan McCullough has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. In his one season with the Huskers, McCullough played in 11 games and finished with 21 tackles with five for loss and two sacks. He transferred to Nebraska following two seasons at Oklahoma after starting his career at Indiana.

December 5: NFL Draft Declarations

On Friday, December 5, junior running back Emmett Johnson has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Minnesota native had a breakout season, rushing for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns, while adding 370 receiving yards and three scores en route to being named the Big Ten Running Back of the Year. At the end of the regular season, he ranked third nationally in rushing yards and second in all-purpose yards.

December 3: New Additions

On Wednesday, December 3, freshman safety Caden VerMaas announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2. The Omaha native and Millard North alum played in two games while redshirting in his first college season, recording no stats against Akron and Houston Christian.

Rule Changes

Note: The following rule changes were made to the NCAA transfer portal process. The 30-day exception for players from programs where head coaches were fired was changed in October. Now, players have 15 days to enter the transfer portal following a five-day period after their school has announced a new hire. Additionally, players whose teams participate in the College Football Playoffs on or after Jan. 12 will receive a separate, five-day window to enter the portal after their final game concludes.