Nebraska makes portal offer to veteran DII defensive lineman

Nebraska has joined a crowd of suitors pursuing an accomplished defensive lineman in the transfer portal.

Jay’viar Suggs — formerly a defender at Division II Grand Valley State in Michigan — reported a Huskers offer on social media Friday afternoon. The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder appeared in a combined 22 games the last two seasons with 42 tackles including 14.5 for loss (eight sacks), two forced fumbles and nine pass deflections.

Suggs, once an unrated 2019 prospect from Flint, Michigan, posted that he has two years of eligibility remaining though he redshirted as a true freshman and was with GVSU in 2021.

Nebraska became the 30th school acknowledged by Suggs to offer since the lineman entered the portal Monday. A 24-hour span into Friday saw him announce tenders from at least 11 schools including Iowa, Wisconsin, Louisville, Minnesota, Miami and Kansas State.

Suggs is reportedly considering a visit to Wisconsin, where former GVSU head coach Matt Mitchell is entering his second season as Badgers outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator.

Suggs is a first-generation college graduate set to walk Friday night.

The Huskers have already added North Platte graduate and former Montana linebacker Vince Genatone out of the portal and are also reportedly in the mix for former Colorado running back Dylan Edwards. NU enjoys plenty of quality depth along its defensive line for the upcoming season, though coach Matt Rhule has said he’ll always look to add quality pieces at that position.

The transfer portal closes Tuesday for players to enter but they can commit to a new school at any time.