Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule addressed the media at his end-of-season news conference on Wednesday, shedding light on the team’s approach to the upcoming transfer portal opening on December 4.
While acknowledging the possibility of adding a quarterback through the portal, Rhule emphasized the financial considerations involved.
“Make no mistake – a good quarterback in the portal costs $1 million to $1.5 million to $2 million, just so we’re on the same page,” Rhule stated.
“Let’s all understand what’s happening … There’s some teams that have $6 or $7 million players playing for them.”
Matt Rhule on how much a portal QB actually costs
— Barstool ‘Skers (@BarstoolHusker) November 29, 2023
Rhule did not rule out the Huskers paying such a hefty price for a quarterback but indicated it was not his preferred option.
He stressed the team’s commitment to the traditional approach of building through hard work.
“We just kind of believe in doing things the old-school way, the hard way – building … But that doesn’t mean we won’t look at people in the portal,” he said.
Should be higher.
— Skrap777 (@GFifdeeP) November 30, 2023
Reflecting on the team’s experience with Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Sims last year, Rhule expressed mixed sentiments.
“I don’t regret taking Jeff,” he said. “He’s been an amazing teammate. I’ve loved having him here. He can do a lot of things to help a football team. I wish we had done a better job by him in some ways, helped him more.”
For the first time in at least 50 years, the Huskers had three quarterbacks start multiple games in 2023, prompting Rhule to express a desire for stability in the quarterback position.
“I’d love to have a year where we only play one quarterback and we don’t start three,” he said.
Doesn’t it take a lot more than that to land a coach?😂
— NKY Bracket Guy (@BracketNky) November 29, 2023
While Rhule expressed confidence in the potential of current quarterbacks Chubba Purdy and Heinrich Haarberg, he didn’t rule out exploring options in the transfer portal.
“I think Chubba has a high ceiling,” Rhule said, referring to Purdy’s performance in the face of injuries.
“When I look at Heinrich, he wasn’t even allowed in quarterback meetings last year. I’m really proud of him. I just think with further development – those guys have two years left – I think they’re going to be good players.”
Despite his optimism, Rhule acknowledged the ongoing evaluation of potential portal additions.
“But I’m not stupid … It doesn’t mean I’m not looking for everything. I’m trying to be very diligent about the process and making sure that we always think long-term unless someone is a huge, impact player,” he said.
What are your thoughts on the price-tag of top-level quarterbacks?
In the bigger picture, what is your take on this wild world of NIL and the transfer portal???