'I Want to be a Husker, That's Why I'm Here': TJ Lateef on Nebraska QB Competition

After starting four games as a true freshman for Nebraska in 2025, TJ Lateef says he's embracing the competition this spring instead of running from it.

TJ Lateef isn't interested in going back to a backup role in 2026. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

They say it's hard to let go of power after having it, and quarterback TJ Lateef isn't interested in doing so after tasting the starting role as a true freshman in the final four games of 2025.

He'll fight an uphill battle to emerge as the Huskers' QB1 this fall, but he's focused on doing whatever it takes to win the job. During his time at the mic Wednesday after the Huskers' latest spring practice, Lateef embraced the challenge ahead.

Here's what the sophomore had to say in his first appearance since NU's bowl loss to Utah on New Year's Eve.

During his time in the starting role, NU finished 1-3 and struggled to move the ball consistently. Lateef realizes where he needs to get better.

“Being able to play the next play,” he said. “It’s football. There are going to be some good plays. There’s going to be some bad plays, but [not letting] the bad play affect the next play” is where he's set his focus this spring.

Lateef totaled 1,024 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns in his first season in Lincoln. Now, he's tasted what it's like to be the starting quarterback at a Big Ten school and understands that his best attribute as a playmaker is being just that.

The mobile signal-caller does more than just move the ball through the air. In fact, arguably his best plays during the 2025 season came as improvisations when his protection broke down. Leaning into that this spring, Lateef's center of attention has shifted back toward what makes him the dynamic athlete he is.

“Being less mechanical,” he said. “One of the things I’m good at is making plays off-schedule. So, if I need to make a play off-schedule, make the play off-schedule, instead of being mechanical and sitting in the pocket”.

It's clear he knows where he threatens a defense the most. Recovered from injury and with a chip on his shoulder, the second-year quarterback is looking to prove to his coaching staff he's the right man for the job.

After two transfer portal players joined Glenn Thomas' room over the offseason, Lateef knows he'll have his work cut out for him. But instead of taking the easy way out and finding a school with less competition, the California native says it was never a thought.

“No,” he said. “No decisions. I’m here. It was nothing to think about. I wanted to compete for the starting job, so that’s what I’m doing”.

He doubled down when a reporter asked him a follow-up question about his reaction to the additions made. “No reaction,” Lateef said. “It just makes it more fun. I feel like people shy away from that stuff. I don’t shy away from it, I embrace it.  I want to be a Husker, so that’s why I’m here”.

With senior transfer Anthony Colandrea hot on his tail, Lateef didn't take a stab at his new teammate. Instead, he suggested that the former Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year has helped him raise his game. While Thomas also stated the signal-callers are doing well at supporting each other this spring, they know that only one man can play at a time.

Lateef is enjoying the challenge.

“It’s been fun,” he said. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. We’ve got good quarterbacks. A big thing that I like is iron sharpens iron. So, every time we go out on that field, we’re making each other better.” 

Lateef also shed light on the development of Nebraska's retooled offensive line room after the hiring of offensive line coach Geep Wade and run game coordinator Lonnie Teasley.

"It's a great offensive line," Lateef said. "That's where it starts. It starts up front. I can't be who I am, the running backs can't be who they are, the receivers can't go get the ball unless the line is right. And the line is right".

Nebraska quarterbacks Dylan Raiola and TJ Lateef during the USC game. | Cory Edmondson, KFGE

For a team that surrendered 33 sacks in 13 games in 2025, improvements up front are paramount to success this fall, regardless of who's taking the snaps from center — Lateef, Colandrea or Daniel Kaelin.

With those three on the roster, NU's re-kitted quarterback group heads into the 2026 season with as much apparent depth as it's ever had under head coach Matt Rhule.

The Huskers' spring game takes place March 28. By then, we should have a clearer picture of who has the inside track on being Nebraska's QB1 come September.