Rhule Admits a "Good QB" Costs Millions in Transfer Portal

Nebraska head coach says going rate for transfer signal caller is $1 to $2 million

Last transfer portal season with a new hire in head coach Matt Rhule, Nebraska brought in quarterback Jeff Sims from Georgia Tech to lead the Huskers. However, after a disappointing 5-7 season - including a quarterback change after three games and a four-game losing streak to end the year - the transfer portal buzz in Lincoln is starting to heat up once again. 

Nebraska - like all of big programs - will look to be active in the portal when it opens on December 4. While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rhule shared how much he thought a good quarterback cost, which made waves across the country.

“Make no mistake: a good quarterback in the portal costs $1 million to $1.5 million to $2 million right now. So just so we’re on the same page, right? Let’s make sure we all understand what’s happening. There are some teams that have $6-7 million players playing for them.”

Although the portal is not open yet, a few big-name quarterbackes have already entered their names, including Grayson McCall of Coastal Carolina, Riley Leonard of Duke, and Max Johnson, among others. 

In his press conference, Rhule thanked the Husker's 1890 Initiative for their support and looked to the future in Lincoln.

“We’re going to play under the rules that are here now, so NIL is here to stay — which it is — then I think we’re blessed to have 1890,” Rhule added. “They do things the right way and helping us go get players. But Georgia’s been recruiting well for a long time. Alabama’s been recruiting well for a long time. And we should recruit well. And we will.”

If Nebraska wants to return to greatness and compete with the likes of Georgia and Alabama, then he's right: a good quarterback will cost a pretty penny and a premier quarterback will cost even more. 

Sims didn't turn out as Rhule hoped and now Nebraska enters the offseason with that position as one of the top priorities with pressure to improve on his first season in Lincoln.