The NCAA football transfer portal is set to open on January 2, and there are a lot of big names already planning to enter. For Nebraska, the biggest one is by far quarterback Dylan Raiola; however, the signs were there that he would.
The Nebraska defense has taken a big hit now, as well as cornerback Malcolm Hartzog Jr. announced he intends to enter the transfer portal. Hartzog was huge for the Cornhuskers on defense throughout his career, but a groin injury ended his season just two games in, and he chose to use his redshirt.
In the 2025 season-opener, Hartzog sealed the win against Cincinnati with a game-ending interception in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. In nearly four years in Lincoln, Hartzog totalled 108 tackles, 73 solo tackles, 13 passes defended, and eight interceptions.
Nebraska has now hired new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich from San Diego State. He will now be tasked with filling a bit hole on the defensive side of the ball.
Reports: #Huskers CB Malcolm Hartzog Jr. will enter the transfer portal
— Mason Kern (@MasonKernMedia) December 19, 2025
Three-year starter, redshirted this season after two games due to injury
108 career tackles, 13 PBUs and eight interceptions
Fun memories, including a 2022 blocked punt TD ⬇️pic.twitter.com/ZOJffmamA1
Nebraska football updated transfer portal numbers
Luckily, Nebraska has not lost too many players to the transfer portal, but the news of Raiola and Hartzog certainly is not easy news to get. So far, only four players have decided to enter the portal, two of them being freshmen who have a lot of eligibility ahead of them.
Here is the list of Nebraska players currently planning to enter the transfer portal:
- DB Malcolm Hartzog Jr.
- RB Jamarion Parker
- QB Dylan Raiola
- S Caden VerMaas
That is not a bad list this far since the Cornhuskers have concluded the regular season. Granted, more could come out after Nebraska plays in the Vegas Bowl, but right now, Matt Rhule is doing pretty well.