Matt Rhule and Nebraska Cornhuskers offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield may not have been involved in the 2023 College Football National Championship but received a massive boost during halftime with the commitment of former Virginia standout Billy Kemp IV.
Billy Kemp IV Transfers to Nebraska
One of the leading receivers in Virginia football history is heading to Nebraska. Kemp announced — via social media — at halftime of the 2023 College Football National Championship that he’s committed to the Cornhuskers for the final year of his college eligibility. The impactful offensive weapon has a sixth year of eligibility following the tragic events that curtailed the 2022 college football season for the Cavaliers.
Kemp exits Virginia with the fourth-most receptions in program history. With those, he leaves with the 10th-most career receiving yards for the program. He’s more than simply a pass catcher, however.
If you’re looking for an example of the type of all-purpose weapon that Nebraska has snagged out of the transfer portal, Kemp is the first ever Cavalier to lead the program in punt returns and punt return yardage in four straight seasons.
Nebraska has seen an exodus of pass-catching talent following the end of the season. Three of their top four receivers from the disappointing campaign that forced the departure of Scott Frost won’t suit up in red and white next fall.
Trey Palmer — the school record holder for receiving yards — will head to the 2023 NFL Draft alongside star tight end Travis Vokolek. Palmer, Vokolek, and Oliver Martin combined for 1,478 yards of offense in 2022.
MORE: Top WRs in the 2023 College Football Transfer Portal
Meanwhile, wide receivers Decoldest Crawford, Kamonte Grimes, and Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda are all in the transfer portal. There’s been an exodus of players from Nebraska following the season, with a change in coaching personnel likely the cause for some of them. However, it’s the introduction of Rhule as the new head coach that has led Kemp to Lincoln.
“(Rhule) just left from where I ultimately want to be,” Kemp told Husker Online following his commitment to the Cornhuskers. Kemp declared for the 2023 NFL Draft before being given another year of eligibility and has the NFL in his sight. “Just his experience, and his belief in me, and his vision for me is why I committed,” he continued on Rhule’s influence.
A tough pass catcher with strong hands that belie his diminutive stature, Kemp adds a versatile WR1 option to the Nebraska offense who can also contribute on special teams. His experience and leadership will be invaluable for a young WR room that also added former Baylor WR Josh Fleeks and several WR commits in the 2023 recruiting class.
Kemp Quick Facts
- Class: Sixth-Year Senior
- Height: 5’9″
- Weight: 172
- Hometown: Highland Springs, VA
- Career receptions: 192
- Career receiving yards: 1,774
- Career average yards per catch: 9.2
- Career receiving touchdowns: 10
- Career punt returns/yards: 64/369
- Career kick returns/yards: 8/158
