Top 5 quarterback targets for Nebraska football in transfer portal

LINCOLN, NE - APRIL 22: Head coach Matt Rhule of Nebraska Cornhuskers answers questions at the press conference following the game at Memorial Stadium on April 22, 2023 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - APRIL 22: Head coach Matt Rhule of Nebraska Cornhuskers answers questions at the press conference following the game at Memorial Stadium on April 22, 2023 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State’s Sam Leavitt throws a pass before the football game against Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Michigan State’s Sam Leavitt throws a pass before the football game against Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. /

2. Sam Leavitt

Another quarterback Nebraska has been in contact with is Sam Leavitt formerly of Michigan State. The former four-star quarterback and top-ranked player in the state of Oregon, played in limited fashion in the Spartans last season and has four years of eligibility.

There are plenty of things to like about Leavitt. Yet, he’s still a raw prospect. Leavitt has only attempted 23 passes in his career with Michigan State after a season in which he played on four games.

The good news is that he would be a redshirt freshman. Yet, Leavitt wouldn’t be the proven starter that Nebraska clearly wants in the portal.

Jeff Sims, last year’s addition, has entered the portal again. Chubba Purdy started the last two gams and could stick around to compete for the job as well.

A competition between Leavitt and Purdy would be interesting. But it wouldn’t necessarily mean that the Huskers have upgraded their QB room. They would still be betting on development.

It could work out or it could lead to another 5-7 season. Purdy has struggled to stay healthy for one thing, while Leavitt is talented, he would need to take a big leap to start next season.

I can see the Huskers landing him, but Arizona State and other programs are interested, so they’ll need to act if they want him as part of the quarterback room.