Three Sleepers in Nebraska Football's Transfer Portal Class

Author

TJ Birkel
March 15, 2025

As spring practice approaches for Nebraska football, there is plenty of intrigue surrounding year 3 for Head Coach Matt Rhule. After revamping the coaching staff, bringing in both a strong high school recruiting class and a top 15 transfer portal class, and upending one of the biggest spring ball traditions, Rhule’s bunch is poised to begin practice later this month. 

We recently discussed all the latest Husker football news with Husker247’s Brian Christopherson on the Common Fan Podcast. Brian provided insight on a wide range of topics, especially when it comes to Nebraska’s roster for the 2025 season. Over the last several days, we’ve looked at four true freshmen who could see the field for Nebraska football in 2025, as well as three transfers to watch as spring ball approaches. 

Today we’ll look at three sleepers in Nebraska’s transfer portal class. 

Hardley Gilmore IV

When offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen brought in his protege Daikiel Shorts Jr. to be the Huskers’ new wide receivers coach, Shorts went right to work. Coming to Nebraska from Kentucky, he brought not one but two Wildcat receivers with him to Lincoln. Senior Dane Key might be the bigger name, having compiled 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons at Kentucky. But Hardley Gilmore IV has tons of promise, and importantly, still has three years of eligibility left.  

As Brian put it: “I don't know that Hardley Gilmore is considered a sleeper at receiver. But he might have the highest ceiling, I think, of anybody. And if you paid attention to how Kentucky reacted when he left there…