The Nebraska football team is on one heck of a hot streak as it hits a bit of a pause period in the Transfer Portal window. Because the NCAA doesn't pay close enough attention to its own calendar, the sport is now in a three-day "quiet" period where contact between players and coaches is forbidden. Great timing, eh? The good news is that the Huskers made the most of their time before this quiet period began.
As the pause takes effect, Nebraska has landed 13 portal targets and one JUCO commit. Even better than that, Matt Rhule and company have convinced Willis McGahee IV, Braylen Prude, Larry Tarver, and Dylan Parrot to return from the Transfer Portal and stick with the Huskers.
Prude and Tarver announced they were sticking with Nebraska late last week. Both players are Class of 2024 members who have seen only reserve action so far. However, coaches believe both could see more time on the field in the coming years. Both are defensive backs who could flourish in new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich's 4-2-5 scheme.
Nebraska keeps Willis McGahee IV, Braylen Prude and others out of the portal
On Sunday, the Huskers completed the quartet of returning defenders in McGahee and Parrot.
McGahee, a sophomore linebacker, has shown flashes of being an impact player. During his true freshman campaign, he appeared in 12 games, recorded 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and a pass breakup. He also had 2 forced fumbles. However, his playing time dropped off in John Butler's only season as DC. McGahee appeared in just 5 games, recording 4 tackles.
Parrot hasn't put up eye-popping numbers. Still, he's been a significant special teams contributor. He could see more of an impact on the Huskers' defensive line with new defensive line coaches and a new coordinator.
All four defenders returning to Nebraska indicate they believe the new staff and Matt Rhule have a vision for them that could lead to more action in 2026 and beyond. It also helps the Huskers avoid having to spend time and attention trying to fill their spots on the roster with players not familiar with the Cornhusker culture.