PFF crowns Nebraska’s biggest portal prize as a top linebacker in the Big Ten

When the Nebraska football team landed Marques Watson-Trent through the transfer portal, it was considered a significant pickup. That was confirmed by PFF earlier this week.

Watson-Trent is a veteran linebacker who joined the Huskers by way of the Sun Belt's Georgia Southern. He was, in fact, present when the Golden Eagles knocked off Scott Frost and company. Now, Matt Rhule and company are hoping the defender can help them pull off some similar upsets against squads like USC and Penn State.

Nebraska football transfer Marques Watson-Trent ranks No. 2 among PFF’s top returning Big Ten linebackers

Pro Football Focus certainly thinks he's a good addition to the Nebraska football program. PFF put out a list of the best returning linebackers in the Big Ten. This list doesn't need to be players returning to their old teams, but simply returning to college football. Watson-Trent landed at No. 2 on the list behind only Oregon's Bryce Boettcher.

Watson-Trent is also expected to be a starter for the Huskers thanks to the numbers he has put up in his career. With over 360 tackles, the linebacker racked up 120 tackles in 2024 alone. He also had 4 forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks last season.

He is one of those players who could end up being one of the best transfer portal additions of the year. He could not only be one of the best returning linebackers but also one of the best defensive players in the Big Ten, if everything goes right.

The Nebraska football team is certainly hoping Marques Watson-Trent can live up to the hype. It won't need him to notch 120 tackles, but if he comes close to that, the season might be even better than most expect.