Nebraska struck gold on receiver transfer additions the previous two offseasons. It will have a chance to do so again after landing another veteran Power Five performer out of the portal on Monday night.
Former Virginia wideout Billy Kemp committed to the Huskers following a weekend visit to campus.
The 5-foot-9, 172-pounder piled up 1,174 receiving yards and 192 grabs — fourth most in school history — during his five college campaigns spanning 50 games (25 starts). He chose Nebraska over interest from at least half a dozen other Power Five suitors.
Kemp has one season of eligibility remaining because of a recent NCAA decision granting Virginia seniors an extra year in the wake of the November shooting deaths of three football players and subsequent cancellation of the team’s final two games. He had initially declared for the draft last month before entering the portal Dec. 30.
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NU has hit well on portal receivers of late, serving as a one-season springboard into the NFL for Samori Touré (2021) and Trey Palmer (2022). Kemp has as strong of credentials as either, with a history of lining up all over the field in the ACC and serving as Virginia’s primary punt returner for several years.
The Huskers have already added wideout/running back transfer Josh Fleeks from Baylor along with four 2023 receivers including top-100 prospect Malachi Coleman of Lincoln East. NU’s only experienced returners at the position are Marcus Washington (31 catches for 471 yards) — himself a Texas transfer a year ago — and Alante Brown (16 for 191).
National Signing Day: Meet Nebraska's 2023 class
Get a closer look at each Husker signee —rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.Â
Dwight Bootle had long wanted to follow in the footsteps of his older brother — former Husker Dicaprio Bootle — and now he will have his chance at Nebraska. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Kwinten Ives’ height lends him more toward wide receiver than running back. But there’s plenty to like about having a pass-catching running back with tremendous speed.
Rahmir Stewart may be Nebraska’s first signee from Pennsylvania in over 20 years, but he’s far from the last. Look for Matt Rhule to keep recruiting the area heavily.Â
Omaha Westside's Jaylen Lloyd has a speed and explosiveness that coaches covet. Now he's bringing those skills to Nebraska.Â
Gunnar Gottula played tackle in high school, but he could easily move to a guard or even center spot under the right circumstances. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Jaidyn Doss isn't necessarily a speedster like some receivers in Nebraska's class, but he’s polished and tough and can play relatively quickly. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Nebraska plans to take Jason Maciejczak as an offensive lineman, although he could play defensive tackle.. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Tristan Alvano's clutch performance and game-winning kick in the state final showed how much he meant to his Omaha Westside team. He could do the same for Nebraska. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Elkhorn South's Maverick Noonan never quits on a pass rush. The Husker legacy is one of Nebraska's strong pass rushing prospects in a good class of defenders. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Nebraska defensive backs coach Evan Cooper identified Syncere Safeeullah as a can’t-miss prospect, and he recruited him like it. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Omaha Creighton Prep's Sam Sledge was the first offensive lineman to commit to coach Donovan Raiola. Since then, his recruitment has been as solid as his block. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
As one of the highest-rated prospects in Nebraska's 2023 class, edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen was a recruiting win. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Capable of playing H-back on offense, Riley Van Poppel can move for his size, and will be a dynamic player on Nebraska's defensive line after some development. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
In recruiting Brice Turner, Matt Rhule and the Nebraska staff saw an athlete with game-changing speed. Now Rhule's first commit has signed with the Huskers. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Scottsbluff's Brock Knutson has an edge to him that Nebraska offensive line coach Donovan Raiola will like. And he loves the Huskers. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Dylan Rogers'Â violent closing speed on ball carriers is reminiscent of what Ernest Hausmann showed with the Huskers last season. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Gretna's Mason Goldman has been one of the state’s best offensive linemen the last two years, and he's versatile enough to play wherever Nebraska wants to utilize him on the line. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Kai Wallin should fit into Nebraska's defensive scheme easily, and the potential is there for him to be a multi-year contributor. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Malachi Coleman would be a can’t-miss prospect anywhere in the country, making it crucial that Nebraska won out over Colorado. Now the Lincoln East wide receiver will be a Husker. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
While he might not have recruiting stars, Eric Fields was a big-time linebacker during his high school career. Now he's headed to Nebraska. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Vincent Carroll-Jackson's signing day announcement of Nebraska makes him a late flip and a big addition to the Huskers' class. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Cameron Lenhardt’s highlight film shows a player with a high football IQ and the solid technique taught at a program such as IMG Academy. Now he's headed to Nebraska. Get more in our Signee Spotlight.
Episode 80 The Showdown: The 'organized chaos' of Nebraska football spring practice
