The Transfer Portal Opens: Nebraska Football's Big Red Targets
The 2026 transfer portal window has officially begun, and Nebraska football is already making its moves. With the opening hours of this new recruitment period, the Huskers are setting their sights on some exciting prospects, and one of them is Iowa State's offensive lineman, Brendan Black.
But here's where it gets controversial... Black, a talented 6'4", 320-pound interior lineman, is set to visit Nebraska on January 2nd and 3rd, according to reports. This visit comes after a successful stint at Iowa State, where he started as a true freshman and made a significant impact on the team's offensive line. Black's presence could be a game-changer for the Huskers, especially with the potential loss of their starting guard, Rocco Spindler, to the NFL draft.
Black's journey began as a three-star prospect out of Yulee, Florida, in the 2023 recruitment cycle. He quickly rose to prominence, earning a four-star rating when he announced his transfer intentions in December 2026. During his time at Iowa State, Black started 30 contests and played in 36 games, logging an impressive 2,153 snaps. He even tried his hand at center and tight end, showcasing his versatility.
In his most recent season, Black's performance was graded at an impressive 67.8 overall by PFF, his highest single-season rating yet. His skill as a run blocker earned him a 69.6 grade, solidifying his reputation as a key asset for any offensive line.
Nebraska isn't the only team interested in Black's talents. He is also scheduled to visit South Carolina shortly after his Nebraska trip. With the transfer portal's new, shorter window, teams are moving quickly to secure their desired players.
And this is the part most people miss... Nebraska has already made some strategic moves to bolster its offensive line. They hired Geep Wade, formerly of Georgia Tech, to replace Donovan Raiola as the offensive line coach. Interestingly, Wade was part of the 2022 Appalachian State staff that initially offered Black during the 2023 recruitment cycle. It seems Nebraska is determined to make up for any past oversights.
The transfer portal window closes on January 16th, so the race is on for teams to secure their top targets. Will Nebraska's efforts pay off? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the college football landscape is about to get even more exciting with these transfer portal moves.
What do you think? Are the Huskers making the right moves? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!