'They're the Best Part of Our Team': Anthony Colandrea Praises Nebraska's O-Line

A retooled offensive line was a major emphasis over the offseason, and Nebraska's QB1 is confident in the group up front.

Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea looks for a receiver during the 2026 Red-White Spring Game. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Per Anthony Colandrea, Geep Wade's unit is off to a hot start.

After 15 practices during the spring, the Huskers' new-look protection unit has grown. Surrendering just 1 sack during the final scrimmage until fall camp, NU appears to have addressed a major issue on its roster heading into 2026.

With the Big Red's QB1 confident in the group, here's everything he had to say on the sideline during Nebraska's Red-White scrimmage with Jessica Coody of the Husker Radio Network.

"I love it here. This place is awesome."

Anthony Colandrea on his first experience playing in Memorial Stadium and Spring Football w/ @HuskerFootball. pic.twitter.com/xMDXlS81zN

— Huskers Radio Network (@HuskersRadio) March 28, 2026

Colandrea's Confidence in the Protection Unit

The Huskers added three (projected) starters on the offensive line during the offseason, and all three come to Lincoln with extensive experience up front. Arguably, the biggest area of concern heading into 2026, Colandrea silenced the doubt.

"They're awesome," he said. "I feel like, as an offense, they're the best part of our team. Everyone's really good. Those guys are elite up front."

NU also retained Elijah Pritchett and Justin Evans for 2025. Pritchett played in all 13 games with nine starts at left tackle, and Evans started every game at center for the Big Red. With the duo heading into their final season of college football, they also seemed to have improved.

How the Offense Progressed Since the Start of Spring

Spring ball began on Feb. 21, significantly earlier than in years past. Even so, Nebraska was still awarded the same 15 practices they always have. Per Colandrea, the offense, regardless of all the new players, managed to find its groove during that time.

"I feel like, as an offense, we did a great job picking up everything," he said. "Especially for the new guys coming in, picking up everything at a high level. We had a great spring, and it was awesome coming out here and playing today."

Though the UNLV and Virginia transfer's role was condensed within the scrimmage, having only played in the first half, two of Colandrea's four drives resulted in touchdown passes. Another resulted in a pick. Still, he and the guys around him in NU's top group mostly looked the part.

Colandrea's Comfort Level as a Husker

The rising senior committed to Nebraska out of the transfer portal on Jan. 7 of this year. Now, less than three months later, his spring ball is wrapped up. With the process being expedited in 2026, the starting quarterback made it clear he feels right at home.

"It's honestly crazy," he said. "When I came in, we got so comfortable just playing ball, right? In the first three practices, we were connecting at a high level. I've been here for what, three months? And we're just connecting at a high level, it's been awesome."

Colandrea went 12-for-19 on passing attempts for 80 yards in Saturday's scrimmage. He also threw two touchdown passes and an interception. For the sample size, he still produced, and Husker Nation also got to see his legs with their own eyes.

Dana Holgorsen | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

His Connection with Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen

For the Huskers' offense, it heads into its second full season with Dana Holgorsen calling plays. Per Colandrea, the unit is doing well under his guidance.

"Coach Holgorsen does a great job with everyone," Colandrea said. "With receivers, with running backs, with the offensive line, he holds everyone to a high standard. And shoot, that holds me to a high standard, too. So, I love that."

NU finished the 2025 season ranked 81st nationally in total offense. Colandrea was the starting signal-caller for a UNLV Rebels offense that ranked 20th last fall. In 2026, it would do both sides well to meet somewhere in the middle of those ranks.

Importance of Post-Spring for Nebraska's Offense

The spring practice period is over, but that doesn't mean the Huskers are done with football until the fall. Instead, Colandrea suggested the Big Red will continue to iron out its offensive game plan throughout the next couple of months.

"It's big," Colandrea said. "We're still doing football in the next couple of months. Even though we're not in spring ball, we're going to be running plays and going through everything. But it's super important to get the details down."

Nebraska added six offensive transfers over the offseason and another six high school recruits, which means the depth chart needs an opportunity to gel. According to Colandrea, the time ahead could be just as important as spring ball itself.

Colandrea's Handshake Phenomenon

His playmaking skills offer enough excitement for fans, but so too has his emphasis on creating a unique handshake with seemingly every teammate on the field. For Colandrea, it's more about forming a bond than anything else.

It's crazy," he said. "When I meet [teammates], I'm just like, 'Hey, let's make a handshake,' and they'll be like, 'What? I just met you.' But it's crazy, though. I think handshakes are connections for guys and build relationships that you need."

His leadership is already on full display. Still, the question remains of how many handshakes he's had to remember in his career. With Nebraska being his third collegiate team, and the habit dating back to his middle school days, the number may simply be too many to count.

Additional Notes

*Colandrea's stat line: 12-for-19 passing for 80 yards, 2 passing touchdowns to 1 interception. 3 carries for 14 yards, including a long of 12.

*Husker head coach Matt Rhule's Thoughts on Colandrea's Rushing Performance in the Red-White scrimmage: "He's done that all spring," Rhule said. "As has TJ [Lateef], as has Danny [Kaelin]. I think when you see one guy doing it, it kind of becomes contagious. He's got a unique gift."

*Colandrea's Opinion on His Performance in Saturday's Scrimmage from the Hawks Championship Center: "It was good," he said. "It was a little sloppy on the second drive. Didn't really want to throw that pick. I should've settled [Kwazi Gilmer] down. But I feel like overall it was good."