Nebraska
Nebraska Prepares for QB Grayson James and Boston College in Pinstripe Bowl
As Nebraska prepares for its matchup against Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl, the Huskers will be facing a different challenge under center than they would have a little over a month ago. With former starter Thomas Castellanos entering the transfer portal in November, Boston College has turned to junior quarterback Grayson James to lead its offense.
James, a transfer from FIU, has taken on a much larger role for the Eagles after Castellanos’ departure. While he doesn’t possess the dynamic rushing ability of Castellanos, James brings a steadier presence in the passing game. At 6-foot-3, James is more of a traditional pocket passer, relying on quick reads and efficient decision-making rather than scrambling to create plays.
James had limited opportunities this season before November, but he made the most of his starts once he took over the job. He stepped in earlier this year against Western Kentucky when Castellanos was unavailable, leading Boston College to a 21-20 comeback victory. James was calm under pressure, throwing a game-winning 8-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter and adding a critical 1-yard rushing score to spark the Eagles’ rally. He finished that game 19-of-32 for 168 yards while showing his ability to manage a close contest.
In early November, James provided a spark off the bench in Boston College’s win over Syracuse. With the Eagles trailing, James replaced an inconsistent Castellanos in the third quarter and immediately steadied the offense. He went 5-of-6 for 51 yards and a touchdown, helping Boston College score on three straight possessions to complete the comeback. He then started the last three games of the season and went 2-1 in those games, with the only loss coming to SMU.
For Nebraska’s defense, James represents a different kind of test. While Castellanos was known for his ability to create chaos with his legs, James is more comfortable staying in the pocket and delivering accurate throws. This gives Nebraska’s defensive line an opportunity to focus on pressuring James without worrying as much about the quarterback escaping for big gains. However, Boston College’s offense has shown it can rally behind James when he’s in rhythm, so generating pressure early will be key for the Huskers.
Nebraska’s defense, one of the team’s strengths this season, will look to disrupt James’ timing and force him into difficult throws. If the Huskers can collapse the pocket and limit Boston College’s passing game, they’ll put themselves in a strong position to control the game.
The Pinstripe Bowl presents an opportunity for Nebraska to close the season on a high note, but James and Boston College will provide a worthy challenge. While the Eagles have had to adjust since benching their former starter, James has shown he’s more than ready to lead the offense. Nebraska’s preparation and ability to adapt to this newer-look Boston College attack will be crucial as the Huskers look to finish strong in New York.
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Nebraska has picked up a third linebacker commitment from Oregon State transfer Dexter Foster, a sophomore with three seasons of eligibility remaining, including a redshirt year.
The 6-foot-3, 236lb linebacker started in seven games this fall for the Beavers, totaling 52 tackles with 3.0 tackles for loss, four quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. As a true freshman in 2024, he appeared in 12 games, totaling 43 tackles with two tackles for loss, a sack and two quarterback hurries.
Foster held just two offers coming out of high school prior to committing to Oregon State, but was at one point a target for new Nebraska defensive coordinator Rob Aurich, when Aurich was the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Idaho in 2022-2023.
The sophomore joins a linebacker room that has seen a bit of a facelift through transfer portal additions. San Diego State linebacker Owen Chambliss led the Aztecs in tackles this season and has now signed with the Huskers, following Rob Aurich to Lincoln. Iowa State freshman linebacker Will Hawthorne committed to the Huskers on Tuesday. Nebraska fell just short of Iowa State when Hawthorne was coming out of Gilbert (Ia.) in the 2025 cycle.
Foster is the seventh transfer portal addition for the Huskers this cycle and the fourth defensive addition. The Huskers are expected to be done with linebacker portal recruiting at this point and will turn attention to needs up front, both at defensive tackle and edge rusher.
Quick look at what Nebraska is getting in Foster
Standing 6-foot-3, and north of 235lbs, Foster is rangy and athletic in space. Has the versatility to play true strong-side or weak-side linebacker and could even spin down to edge rusher if needed. Possesses the athletic and physical range to track down ball-carriers in space, arm length to keep would-be-blockers at bay. Shows good eye discipline working through traffic, quick to react and trigger downhill, with the fluidity to change directions quickly. Still more read-and-react than anticipatory at this point in his development, but gets to his spots quickly. Has the athleticism to stick in coverage against running backs, tight ends and even slot receivers.
Has the experience, size and play-style to factor into Nebraska’s linebacker rotation immediately, and could even push to start alongside San Diego State linebacker transfer Owen Chambliss. Has the versatility to be a chess piece of sorts for Aurich and stick on the field regardless of personnel.
QUEEN CREEK, AZ — A slice of the Midwest is coming to the East Valley! Godfather’s Pizza from Omaha, Nebraska, is set to open a new location this month in Queen Creek.
Bruce Cannon, who owns and operates two Godfather’s Pizza locations in Lincoln and Norfolk, Nebraska, will also own and operate the new Queen Creek restaurant.
“This marks the brand’s first traditional Godfather’s Pizza restaurant in Arizona since 2009, signaling an exciting return to the Phoenix metro area,” read the news release sent to ABC15.
The restaurant will open near Queen Creek Rd and Signal Butte Rd.
The restaurant will provide dine-in, carryout, and third-party delivery options, featuring its classic pizza lineup alongside favorites like breadsticks, streusels, and specialty pies.
IF YOU GO
- Opening date: January 19, 2026.
- Address: 22485 Queen Creek Road, Suite 101
More Things to Do stories:
The quarterback position has been one of the most intriguing to follow early on into the transfer portal period, as schools across the country make offers to some of the best available arms. Nebraska thought they managed to bring aboard one of the best quarterbacks in the portal on Sunday when they received a commitment from Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey.
That commitment ended up being rather short lived, however.
On Monday, reports emerged saying that Minchey was flipping his commitment from Nebraska to Kentucky just one day after declaring he’d be joining the Cornhuskers for the 2026 season.
Instead, Minchey now appears set to join the Wildcats under new head coach Will Stein, who is finishing up his duties as the offensive coordinator for Oregon.
Minchey is entering his redshirt junior season and will have two years of eligibility remaining. He’s spent the last three years as a backup at Notre Dame. He completed 20 of 26 passes this season for 196 yards, but did not have a passing touchdown or interception.
Now, he’ll get the chance to start for Kentucky, replacing former Wildcats quarterback Cutter Boley, who transferred to Arizona State.
As for Nebraska, this is a big blow for the program. It’s not yet clear what direction they’ll turn as the program hunts down its next quarterback after Dylan Raiola entered the transfer portal at the end of the season.
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