August 6, 2026
Lateef challenges Colandrea for Nebraska starting QB job as camp competition intensifies
Sophomore TJ Lateef told reporters Tuesday he is competing for the starting quarterback role every day, while transfer Anthony Colandrea called Nebraska's offensive line the best he has ever played behind.
Nebraska's quarterback competition remains unsettled heading into fall camp, with sophomore TJ Lateef making clear Tuesday that he has not conceded the starting job to transfer Anthony Colandrea. Lateef, who appeared in seven games as a freshman last season, met with the media and stated he intends to compete for the position until he is told otherwise.
It's a competition every day. No matter where we're at in the facility, no matter if we lifting, no matter if we recovery, whatever we're doing, I'm trying to compete at the end of the day. No matter what we're doing.
— TJ Lateef, Nebraska sophomore quarterback
Lateef had been widely expected to serve as Colandrea's backup after the program brought in the experienced transfer. As a freshman, Lateef threw for 904 yards, five touchdowns and one interception while adding 120 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Discussions about a potential redshirt were rendered moot by the implementation of the new five-for-five rule, which eliminates that option.
Colandrea arrives with credentials — and confidence in his linemen
Colandrea joined the Cornhuskers after earning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors at UNLV in 2025, where he passed for 3,459 yards, 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions on a 65.9 completion percentage. The St. Petersburg, Florida, native previously played two seasons at Virginia, totaling 4,083 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 20 interceptions across 19 games. He transferred to Nebraska to fill a vacancy left when Dylan Raiola departed for Oregon.
They're elite. Those guys are the real deal. It's the best five I've ever been behind, so I'm super excited to play with them.
— Anthony Colandrea, Nebraska quarterback
The Nebraska quarterback room also includes Daniel Kaelin, who spent one season at Virginia before returning to the program. Nebraska opens the 2026 season on Sept. 5 when Ohio visits Memorial Stadium, with kickoff set for 11 a.m. CT on FS1.
