Nebraska's Rhule: A good QB in the transfer portal costs $1M-$2M

The price tag for a high-caliber quarterback in the transfer portal reaches into seven figures now that NIL has changed the landscape, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule estimates.

"Make no mistake: A good quarterback in the portal costs $1 million to $1.5 million to $2 million right now," Rhule told reporters Wednesday, according to HuskerOnline. "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-million, $7-million players playing for them."

The former Carolina Panthers head coach posted a 5-7 record in his first season with the Cornhuskers. Inconsistent quarterback play was one of the issues that plagued the Big Ten program this season.

The Cornhuskers could look to bring in another signal-caller via the portal after landing Jeff Sims last offseason. The Georgia Tech transfer didn't pan out in Lincoln due to injuries and turnovers. He finished the year passing for 282 yards, one touchdown, and six interceptions.

Heinrich Haarberg claimed the starting role from Sims with Chubba Purdy also earning playing time. Nebraska struggled to put points on the board regardless of who was under center, averaging 18 per game, which tied for 12th in the Big Ten.

Rhule offered some insight into what he looks for in potential transfer candidates.

"The portal, for me ... I either want to get someone, at any position, with multiple years, that's on caliber with the guys we have, or someone who's an instant impact upgrade," he said. "Someone who can make a difference."