The first full day of the transfer portal was a costly one for Nebraska, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, where returning starters Jimari Butler and Mikai Gbayor headlined a list of five Huskers entering the portal.
Butler, a defensive end who’d previously declared that he was returning next season, announced he’s entering the transfer portal to transfer for his sixth year of college football. Butler was second on the team with seven tackles for loss while notching 22 tackles. Butler was set to be the only returning starter on the Huskers’ defensive line with the graduation of Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher. Now, Nebraska’s entire defensive front will be new entering next season.
Gbayor stepped forward for a linebacker corps that had lost both Luke Reimer and Nick Henrich. Gbayor made 49 tackles for NU, ranking fourth on the team in stops. He also tallied six tackles for loss, a sack and three pass breakups. Gbayor has one more year of eligibility remaining.
Defensive tackle Vincent Jackson also announced he’s entering the portal. Jackson made one tackle this year while playing in 10 games as a backup. He has three years of eligibility remaining. Stefon Thompson, who played for Tony White at Syracuse before joining Nebraska, also announced his entry into the portal. The backup linebacker ranked eighth on the team with 27 tackles while playing in all but one game this year. One Husker on the offensive side announced his departure via the portal: running back Gabe Ervin Jr., who leaves as a graduate transfer after rushing for 41 yards on 14 attempts this season. The early signing day is Wednesday, and the Huskers will get their bowl destination Sunday