Early returns on Nebraska football's 2023 transfer portal class
Nebraska picked up some notable transfer portal additions in all three phases this offseason. Of the 14 transfer newcomers, many should make immediate impacts for the Huskers in 2023.
Here is a rundown of what we’ve heard about NU’s portal class so far and what we expect from each player this season…
Jeff Sims, QB
There might not have been a more significant transfer addition than former Georgia Tech quarterback Jeff Sims. Sims went from battling with Casey Thompson for the starting job going into spring ball to locking up the No. 1 job outright after Thompson bolted for Florida Atlantic. His play will largely determine Nebraska’s success in Year 1 under Matt Rhule.
Billy Kemp, WR
Like Sims, Billy Kemp arrived in Lincoln this winter and quickly staked his claim as Nebraska’s new No. 1 wide receiver. The sixth-year senior was one of the most productive pass catchers in Virginia history, and he immediately showed why with his play this spring. Not only will Kemp likely be Sims’ top receiving target, but he’s also expected to handle the Huskers’ punt returner duties this season.
MJ Sherman, LB
On the heels of back-to-back national titles at Georgia, expectations were lofty for linebacker MJ Sherman from the day he committed to Nebraska. His size, speed, and versatility looked like a perfect fit in Tony White’s interchangeable defense this spring. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound junior could line up at inside linebacker, outside linebacker, or even with his hand in the turf as an edge rusher. Sherman also established himself as one of NU’s best vocal leaders, which could lead to him being voted a team captain.
RELATED: The five most impactful opponent transfers on Nebraska’s 2023 schedule
Ben Scott, C
One of the most glaring holes on Nebraska’s offensive line going into the offseason was at center. The Huskers appeared to have landed an ideal piece for that role in Arizona State transfer Ben Scott. Even after missing some time this spring with a minor injury, Scott established himself as one of NU’s best overall offensive linemen. Some might argue that he’s already the best in the unit.
Elijah Jeudy, DL
While Elijah Jeudy didn’t play much during his two seasons at Texas A&M, the former four-star recruit has always had immense potential. Nebraska got a glimpse of what Juedy could be this spring as he quickly emerged as one of the top defensive linemen. At 6-3, 300, the sophomore could line up at either tackle or end, making him another versatile piece for White to work with.
Arik Gilbert, TE
No member of Nebraska’s 2023 transfer class, or maybe even its entire roster, boasts a better recruiting resume than Arik Gilbert. The Georgia transfer was rated the No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 tight end in the 2020 class. However, that potential remains left to be reached as he looks for a fresh start in Lincoln. The Huskers are still waiting for the NCAA to approve his eligibility waiver for this season, and he had a couple of disappointing drops in the spring game. Still, there might not be a higher ceiling on the roster than Gilbert’s.
RELATED: Nebraska’s five most important transfer portal additions for 2023
Chief Borders, LB
Chief Borders might not get the same acclaim as Nebraska’s other transfer additions, but he quietly had an impressive spring. It remains to be seen where the versatile former Florida linebacker ends up in White’s defense, but he showed NU’s staff exactly what they wanted to see. What has really stood out during his first few months in Lincoln has been his work ethic. His coaches recently named one of “The Ten” who, as Rhule put it, “best exemplified who we are.”
Corey Collier, DB
Another Florida transfer, Corey Collier was another highly-rated transfer who flew relatively under the radar this spring. However, that doesn’t mean he didn’t make a strong impression on his new coaches. One of the top-rated safety prospects in the 2021 class, Collier only played five games during his two seasons as a Gator. But NU secondary coach Evan Cooper raved about the sophomore’s football IQ and natural instincts. He was a starter in the spring game and should have an immediate role – starter or not -on the Huskers’ defense in 2023.
Josh Fleeks, WR
Josh Fleeks joined Nebraska as one of the most experienced players in the Huskers’ transfer class. It also helped that he was a former high school and college teammate of NU receivers coach Garret McGuire. The sixth-year senior was a wideout, running back, and return man in four different offenses at Baylor. It remains to be seen what his role will be at Nebraska, but Fleeks’ veteran leadership should be invaluable.
RELATED: Where do Nebraska’s 2023 transfers rank?
Jacob Hood, OL
Another transfer who saw a wealth of team success at Georgia, some thought Jacob Hood could be a plug-and-play addition at tackle for Nebraska. But it quickly became apparent this spring that the 6-8, 345-pound redshirt freshman had some work to do. That doesn’t mean Hood can’t become a fixture on the NU’s offensive line down the road, though. The Huskers’ staff remains high on his potential as a developmental piece.
Tyler Knaak, OL
Like Hood, Tyler Knaak likely won’t have much of an immediate impact for Nebraska this season. However, the redshirt freshman tackle from Utah is another long-term piece to NU’s offensive line puzzle. After redshirting this past season, the 6-foot-6, 320-pounder will have four years of remaining eligibility. A former three-star recruit, Knaak held offers from USC, Virginia, Oregon State, and Arizona State, and more coming out of high school. The Huskers are high on his potential.
Marco Ortiz, LS
As a scholarship long snapper, lists like these are hopefully the last time Nebraska fans hear about Marco Ortiz until his senior day. Rhule and Co. clearly saw value in bringing in the Florida graduate transfer. He played 16 games for the Gators, including all 13 in 2021. Rubio Long Snapping rated Ortiz the No. 6 overall snapper out of high school. He will be a Day 1 starter and a critical component to NU’s kicking game battery.
Barret Liebentritt, FB
As Nebraska looks to bring back the fullback position into its offense, Barret Liebentritt could be an interesting player to watch. The former Omaha Skutt product walked on at Notre Dame in 2021. He quickly saw playing time on special teams and possesses impressive athleticism at 6-foot, 235 pounds. Liebentritt could be the old-school fullback NU wants, and he’ll also get the chance to carve out a niche on special teams this season.
Caden Becker, FB/TE
Nebraska’s first transfer addition of the spring was former Wyoming scholarship quarterback Caden Becker. The Cowboys wanted to move the 6-4, 235-pound Becker to defensive end. Instead, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound former Omaha Skutt product returned home as a Husker walk-on. He’s expected to play a hybrid fullback/tight end role like Janiran Bonner. His experience at QB, though, makes him an intriguing weapon.
