Anthony Colandrea: the frontrunner

Colandrea arrived as the most NFL-seasoned option on paper, and spring reps have backed that up. He’s taken the bulk of first-team snaps, commanding the huddle and showing clean mechanics in Holgorsen’s tempo-based offense. Colandrea’s strengths are timing and anticipation — quick reads on shallow and intermediate concepts that keep drives moving — and a low turnover profile. Coaches appreciate his cadence control and pocket awareness when the pass rush is simulated. The biggest questions: consistent deep-ball accuracy and how he handles defined pressure packages from new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich.

T.J. Lateef: continuity and mobility

Lateef represents institutional knowledge and mobility. As a returning player, he’s comfortable with the offense’s terminology and has a rapport with the skill group built over the last few starts of the 2025 season. Spring has highlighted Lateef’s escape ability and downfield improvisation, which can flip stalled drives into chunk plays. His path to the starting job hinges on improving timing with first-team receivers, tightening ball placement on intermediate throws, and reducing decision-making lapses under scripted pressure. If the staff values dual-threat wrinkle plays and in-system chemistry, Lateef remains a credible alternative.

Daniel Kaelin: arm strength and fresh competition

Kaelin, a returning transfer with prototypical arm strength, offers a different look: power to push the field and the ability to drive the ball into tight windows. In spring, he’s been the most clearly projectable “big-arm” option, often flashing the downfield throws that can change a defense’s cover call. The trade-offs are consistency and processing speed against complex coverage shells. Kaelin’s spring aim is to show he can operate the tempo offense, hold up in blitz pickups and limit ill-timed turnovers that would stall rhythm.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said of Kaelin, “When Danny was away, I think some of his best friends were still on the team, and every time he was home, he was always around these guys. So I don’t think there was a person in the building that wasn’t glad to see Danny back here. To me, he’s the true definition of a Cornhusker. He grew up loving the state and program and it’s almost like he never left, to be quite honest with you.”.

What the staff is watching

Rhule and offensive coaches have been blunt: the job won’t be decided purely on spring practice reps. They’re measuring command of the huddle, third-down efficiency, red-zone decision-making, handling of two-minute scenarios, and protection-aware play under pressure. With Aurich’s defense installing aggressive blitzes and disguise, the QB who processes checks faster and keeps the offense on schedule will earn early-season trust. Leadership traits and minimizing negative plays (turnovers, penalties on the offense) are equal tiebreakers.

Spring game and fall projection

The March 28 spring game will be the first public barometer; it won’t settle everything but will reveal who can lead a game plan and sustain drives under semi-live conditions. If Colandrea maintains his current momentum — clean reads, quick releases, limited turnovers — he’s likely to open fall as the starter. Lateef can force a change by showing refined timing with the top receivers and consistent pocket decisions. Kaelin’s path is to demonstrate reliability running the system while continuing to showcase the big-play potential that could win coaches over.

Bottom line

Nebraska’s quarterback battle is less about a single immediate star and more about matching skills to Dana Holgorsen’s offensive identity. The staff will favor the QB who combines processing speed against complex coverage, ball security, and the ability to lead in-game tempo. Expect an evolving competition: a likely early nod to experience and minimize risk for Colandrea, but plenty of runway for Lateef or Kaelin to alter the depth chart before the season opener.

The post Nebraska’s Quarterback Battle Is An Early 2026 Spring Football Storyline appeared first on Saturday Glory.

The Penn State Cyclones & The UCLA Dukes

With new coaching staffs in place at both Penn State and UCLA, it was understandable that these coaching staffs would seek to take advantage of preexisting relationships. Penn State brought in 21 players who played for Matt Campbell at Iowa State, while UCLA brought in 9 players who played for Bob Chesney at James Madison. There is an old saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – considering the success that Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has had with bringing in former players from James Madison, it appears that both Matt Campbell and Bob Chesney are borrowing a play from Cignetti’s successful playbook.

Penn State Progression

Speaking of Penn State, the Nittany Lions had the most turnover of their roster, with 47 players leaving. As written up above, Matt Campbell supplemented his new team with players from Iowa State, but the roster will have dramatically changed and shifted from the team that last took the field in Happy Valley in 2025. As of this writing, Penn State will have added 36 new players.

Ducks Not Deviating?

As of this writing, and I want to emphasize that players can still be added, Oregon has brought in a surprising low number of new commitments, with only 7 players. The Ducks did add some high profile names, with now former Minnesota defensive back Koi Perich and now former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola heading to Eugene.

The post The Big Ten & The 2026 Transfer Portal appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Buckeyes Took Care Of Business

Ohio State defeated Penn State 38-14, as the Buckeyes delighted in ruining any type of homecoming by former Ohio State defensive coordinator and current Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin had a spectacular game, completing 20 of 23 passes for 316 yards and 4 touchdowns. Penn State has now lost 5 straight games and sits at 3-5 for the season and winless in The Big Ten.

Hoosiers Handle The Terps

Indiana went on the road at Maryland, easily defeating the Terrapins 55-10. Heisman Trophy hopeful Fernando Mendoza threw for 1 touchdown, while also running for 1 touchdown, and the Hoosiers are keeping pace with the Buckeyes as both are undefeated. Maryland is 1-4 in Big Ten play, with a 4-4 overall record.

Still Fight Left In The Fighting Illini

Coming off two disappointing Big Ten losses to Ohio State and at Washington, Illinois defeated Rutgers 35-13. Illinois now sits at 6-3 overall, with a 3-3 Big Ten record. While playing for The Big Ten conference championship is probably not going to happen, Illinois may still be able to qualify for a College Football Playoff berth. Rutgers fell to 1-5 in Big Ten play, and now has a 4-5 record. The Scarlet Knights need to win two more games to qualify for bowl eligibility.

An Overtime Battle In Minnesota

Minnesota held a 10-0 halftime lead over the visiting Michigan State Spartans, then saw Michigan State claw back to take the lead in the second half. Minnesota forced the game into overtime, and Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey scored the winning touchdown on a 3 yard touchdown run to win 23-20. Like Illinois, Minnesota may not be in The Big Ten Championship Game, but may still be able to qualify for a College Football Playoff spot, as the Golden Gophers now sit at 4-2 in Big Ten play and 6-3 overall. Michigan State fell to 3-6 for the season, and are now 0-6 in Big Ten play. The Spartans will need to win their remaining three games of the regular season to qualify for a bowl game.

USC Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

The Trojans went on the road to Lincoln, Nebraska, and defeated the Cornhuskers 21-17. USC still holds Big Ten championship hopes with a 4-1 conference record and a 6-2 record. The defeat was even more painful for Nebraska, as starting quarterback Dylan Raiola sustained an injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season. Nebraska now is at 3-3 in Big Ten play, with a 6-3 overall record.

The Wolverines Are Running Into November Contention

Michigan defeated the visiting Purdue Boilermakers 21-16, behind an impressive rushing performance by Jordan Marshall (25 carries for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns). Michigan has a 7-2 overall record, with a 5-1 conference record. Purdue fell to 2-7, and are now 0-6 in Big Ten play.

Ohio State and Indiana sit atop the conference standings as the only undefeated teams in The Big Ten, with Iowa, Michigan, Oregon, and USC all one game behind in The Big Ten race with one conference loss. Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue, and Wisconsin are all winless in conference play as the season begins the final month of the regular season.

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In Madison, No. 1 Ohio State overwhelmed Wisconsin 34–0, pitching a shutout and scoring 27 points in the second half. The Buckeyes’ defense stifled the Badgers’ run game, while quarterback Julian Sayin led a balanced offensive attack that kept Ohio State undefeated. Wisconsin fell to 2-5, and are now 0-4 in The Big Ten.

Michigan rebounded from its loss to USC with a 24–7 win over Washington. The Wolverines leaned on running back Jordan Marshall, whose third-quarter touchdown gave Michigan the lead for the remainder of the contest. Quarterback Bryce Underwood managed the game efficiently, helping Michigan stay in playoff contention. Michigan improved to 5-2 and are 3-1 in The Big Ten, while Washington is also 5-2 and are now 2-2 in the conference standings.

Indiana continued its surprising run with a 38–13 rout of Michigan State. The Hoosiers scored in every quarter and forced multiple turnovers, improving to 7–0 on the season. Michigan State fell to 3-4 overall, and are 0-4 in Big Ten play.

Elsewhere, Oregon dismantled Rutgers 56–10 in a lopsided affair that showcased the Ducks’ explosive offense. Northwestern shut out Purdue 19–0, controlling possession and tempo throughout. Oregon is 6-1 overall, and 3-1 in Big Ten play. Northwestern improved to 5-2 on the season, and are also 3-1 in conference play. Both Rutgers and Purdue are 0-4 in Big Ten play, with Rutgers sitting at 3-4 on the season and Purdue at 2-5.

Minnesota’s defense dominated Nebraska, sacking quarterback Dylan Raiola nine times en route to a 24–6 victory. Running back Darius Taylor rushed for 148 yards, anchoring the Gophers’ ground game. Minnesota improved to 3-1 in conference play, and are 5-2 overall. Nebraska is now 2-2 in Big Ten play, and 5-2 on the season.

In non-conference action, Notre Dame defeated USC 34-24 in South Bend. This game did not impact USC within The Big Ten conference race, but the Trojans are now 5-2 on the season, and have little to no wiggle room for a spot in The College Football Playoff. Talks are ongoing between the two longtime rivals, but this could be the last game in the series for the foreseeable future.

In the weekend’s closest contest, Iowa edged Penn State 25–24 in a back-and-forth battle. Special teams proved decisive, with Iowa converting a late field goal to seal the win. Iowa is 5-2 on the season, with a 3-1 conference record. Penn State, which began the season with so much promise, has fallen to 3-4 on the season, and 0-4 in Big Ten play.

UCLA held off Maryland 20–17 in a gritty, low-scoring affair. The Bruins’ defense made key stops in the fourth quarter to preserve the victory. UCLA improved to 3-4 for the season, and are 3-1 within Big Ten play. Maryland suffered its third straight close loss, falling to 4-3 for the season and are 1-3 within conference play.

Illinois was the only conference team that sat idle this past weekend with a bye. With Ohio State and Indiana still undefeated, and a logjam of seven teams with only one conference loss, the Big Ten’s playoff picture is beginning to take shape. Meanwhile, five Big Ten teams are facing tough questions heading into Week 9, as Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin are all seeking their first Big Ten win for the 2025 season.

The post Big Ten Powers Flex Muscle in Week 8 Showdowns appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Raiola will be the Huskers’ opening day starter when Nebraska takes on UTEP on Saturday August 31st to kickoff the 2024 season.

Nebraska is hoping that Raiola will help turbo-charge a passing game that finished dead last in the Big Ten a season ago.

Raiola threw for more than 8,000 yards at three different high schools during his prep career which finished at Buford High School in Georgia this past fall. After enrolling early at Nebraska, he impressed in April’s spring game, going 16-for-22 for 239 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The post Nebraska Names True Freshman Raiola Starting Quarterback appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Wednesday marks the start of the early signing period and National Signing Day around the country for the class of 2024. College programs all over are finalizing their recruitments for some prospective players, while others will wait until the spring to sign their national letters of intent.

READ: Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer named AP coach of the year

The top player, according to Rivals and 247 Sports rankings, to sign his national letter of intent is wide receiver Jeremiah Smith from Opa Locka, Florida.

Smith brought hype to the final moments of his recruiting. He’d been verbally committed to Ohio State for a year, and Smith showed up to his signing day ceremony with a black bag, possibly a sign of a flip in his commitment.

But, that flip didn’t come and Smith honored his verbal commitment to the Buckeyes. Ohio State has landed one of the top wide receivers in the class of 2024, and head coach Ryan Day revealed his relief after Smith inked his national letter of intent.

Widely considered the top quarterback in the class, Dylan Raiola from Buford, Georgia, is a legacy football player with family ties to Nebraska.

Raiola made it official and signed with Nebraska, but it didn’t come without drama.

READ: Reports: Troy hires Gerad Parker as next head coach

Raiola had committed to Ohio State in 2022, but decommitted and switched his pledge to in-state Georgia.

Then, on Monday, Raiola posted a commitment graphic indicating he’d choose Nebraska.

Georgia appears in position to secure the No. 1 team ranking according to major recruiting services.

The Bulldogs have reportedly 28 commits in their class, and more than a dozen of them are ranked four stars or higher.

On3’s top player is edge rusher Williams Nwaneri from Lee’s Summitt, Missouri. Nwaneri is signed with Missouri.

The top player according to the ESPN300 is Ellis Robinson IV, a cornerback from Bradenton, Florida, and he signed with Georgia.

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