2027 five-star quarterback Trae Taylor committed to Nebraska back in May of 2025 over some powerhouse programs like Michigan, Notre Dame, and LSU, among many others. Taylor is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the class, and he is 247Sports’ No. 8 player overall.
Despite rumors of Matt Rhule being on the hot seat, along with Rhule potentially leaving the Cornhuskers, Taylor wasn’t concerned. Rhule was in communication with Taylor the entire time and there were a variety of reasons why he picked Nebraska — including Rhule’s role.
“There were multiple things that told me they were a fit,” Taylor told The Big Lead. “Whatever Nebraska told me they were going to do, they did it. [QB] Coach [Glenn] Thomas when I sat with him, he challenged me. And Nebraska made sure to get me on the board anytime I was in town, so they could see my mind processes things. The whole program recruited me not just the coaches. This was most important to me; the head coach was involved the whole time. Not just at the end.”
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Taylor can succeed in any offense and wants to start Year 1
The 6’3″, 200 pound signal caller out of Omaha (NE) Millard South, is the top-ranked quarterback for a reason. He has a massive arm, can layer throws, and has the ability to run when needed. Taylor threw for over 3,300 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, with only five interceptions.
Taylor has one more season of high school football, and he’s excited to see what offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen will do this season as he enters his second season at Nebraska.
“I think I can fit in any offensive scheme,” said Taylor. “The one thing I don’t want is to be running QB power 15 times a game. But I think we are going to see more from coach this year having a mobile QB. Which I think fits me perfect. And I think we will see them push the ball down the field more again, something that I love to do.”
What makes Nebraska’s offense even more intriguing this season is the addition of quarterback Anthony Colandrea. The Huskers lost their prized quarterback when former five-star Dylan Raiola opted to transfer after his second season at Nebraska.
Colandrea comes in after starring at UNLV this season. He threw for nearly 3,500 yards and ran for 649 yards. The dual-threat signal caller would have one more season of eligibility, but that’s not stopping the top-rated quarterback from gearing up to start as a true freshman.
“All they are telling me is be ready to come in and compete,” Taylor said. “My goal is to start next season. But if get beat out, no biggie; I’ll keep grinding to get better. What I love about the room right now is everyone is grinding together, and feels like everyone wants whoever is in to be great.”
‘I’m a Husker’
What exactly is Nebraska getting with Taylor? Clearly, the talent is there. He is a five-star prospect and a must-land recruit. But there is more to Taylor than just what he can accomplish on the football field.
I asked Taylor what fans need to know about him, and he wants fans to know he is going to get to work, and most importantly, he is here to stay.
“I’m going to work,” Taylor said about his game. “I’m not going to take this school, fan base, or state for granted. I’m going to be a good citizen of Nebraska. This is most important to me. I want to be at Nebraska, I want corn, and have the proud men and women who grow that corn to be proud of the Huskers. I want to be in those trenches with the guys who want to be Lincoln. Give me less talent but more heart and work ethic and we will figure it out. I’m a Husker.”
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