The Nebraska quarterback room has now dwindled down to TJ Lateef after Dylan Raiola and Marcos Davila announced their intent to enter the transfer portal. There is no doubt that the Cornhuskers will have to hit the transfer portal for more quarterback depth, but they might choose to look for a starter.
Lateef started the final three games for Nebraska, going 1-2, and while he may not have been able to lead the Cornhuskers to victory in each game, he certainly showed he can lead this team. The news of Raiola intending to enter the transfer portal was not as surprising as it could have been, as the signs were there. It feels like the job should be Lateef's going forward, but that is not guaranteed.
Head coach Matt Rhule could choose to find his next starting quarterback in the transfer portal and create a competition with Lateef. If that is the case, the California native is ready for the challenge.
"I'm not worried about it, and if that happens, it's fine with me, I like to compete regardless," Lateef said in a recent press conference.
Husker QB TJ Lateef welcomes the competition brought by potentially adding another quarterback to the roster.
— Hurrdat Sports (@HurrdatSports) December 19, 2025
“That’s fine with me. I like to compete regardless.” pic.twitter.com/vnzMJu3Gvt
TJ Lateef's mindset on a potential QB competition at Nebraska is perfect
Many players would not have the mindset that LAteef does when asked about the potential of losing his starting role. When a starter's job is threatened, or even lost, the immediate thought is to enter the portal and find another place to play.
For Lateef, it is the opposite; he is ready to compete for that starting role, and he is hungry to win the job.
Lateef performed as well as could be expected for a freshman who has only seen the field at the end of blowout games for Nebraska. He finished the season with a 62.7% completion rate, 722 passing yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in the three games and a few extra plays he was leading Nebraska in this past season. Lateef also added three rushing touchdowns on 98 rushing yards.
It is clear that is Nebraska wants to give the keys of the kingdom to Lateef he is going to be ready for it.