Colandrea to start for Nebraska; Ohio names Poulos ahead of Sept. 5 opener

Nebraska and its season-opening opponent have each named a starting quarterback, with both announcements coming on Saturday. The Cornhuskers will start transfer Anthony Colandrea against the Ohio Bobcats on Sept. 5, while Ohio confirmed that Nick Poulos will take the first snap for the Bobcats in Lincoln. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on FS1.

Colandrea arrives in Lincoln after a standout junior season with UNLV, where he threw for 3,459 yards, 23 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 65.9 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors. The St. Petersburg, Florida, native previously spent two seasons at Virginia before transferring to UNLV. He steps into the starting role following Dylan Raiola's transfer to Oregon, with the Husker quarterback room also including sophomore T.J. Lateef and former Virginia quarterback Daniel Kaelin.

Poulos Brings Running Ability to Ohio's Spread Option

Poulos will make his first career start for Ohio after serving as a backup for the past two seasons. In 12 career games, he has completed 45.6 percent of his passes for 290 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His legs are expected to be a factor in Ohio's spread option offense; he has also rushed for 184 yards and one touchdown in his career. The Bobcats finished the 2025 season 9-4, capping the year with a Frisco Bowl victory over UNLV. Ohio was picked fourth in the MAC coaches preseason poll, receiving no votes to win the MAC Championship.

Nebraska's transfer-heavy roster has drawn encouraging reviews from preseason camp, with Colandrea's play at quarterback among the highlights. The Cornhuskers' general manager Pat Stewart has seen strong performances across the roster, including along the offensive and defensive lines, with promising early chemistry throughout the group.

Nebraska opens the season when Ohio visits Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5.