LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Quarterback Luke McCaffrey #7 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers warms up before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)Scott Frost and the Nebraska Cornhuskers will be on the lookout for another quarterback this spring. Luke McCaffrey’s time with the program is over.
The sophomore quarterback became one of three Nebraska players to enter the transfer portal on Tuesday, marking another significant loss for Scott Frost’s program in Lincoln. McCaffrey’s decision to leave the Cornhuskers comes as a shock to the fanbase who expected him to eventually take over the starting role full-time.
During an interview with the Lincoln Journal Star last week, Frost spoke about the young quarterback’s chances to grab the reins at the position. He clearly remained high on McCaffrey right up until the moment he decided to leave the program.
“His improvement in throwing the football from Year 1 to Year 2 and his control of the offense is going to give him a chance to be a really good player, a special player around here,” Frost said. “If he continues on that path, I expect him to be an elite guy. If it ever got to the point where he wasn’t the guy, he’s a really good athlete. …
“I believe in Luke McCaffrey and that hasn’t changed. I’m excited about what he’s going to be at Nebraska.”
Despite the coaching staff’s belief in him, McCaffrey will move on, for whatever combination of reasons.
Nebraska tried to keep McCaffrey in the fold and was committed to him playing QB. Frost and Verduzco both loved the kid. It didn't work. We'll endeavor to get his side of the story.
Most of the time, there's not widespread hysteria when a backup QB transfers. Most of the time. https://t.co/dVIj8Secq2
— Parker Gabriel (@HuskerExtraPG) January 26, 2021
Nebraska is fresh off a disappointing season that saw the sophomore quarterback battle for adequate playing time. He never quite earned a full-time gig which may have pushed him to look elsewhere.
McCaffrey shared his own statement just a few hours after the news broke on Tuesday.
“After struggling with this decision for weeks, I have decided to enter the transfer portal and explore my options,” he tweeted. “I am thankful for the support Nebraska fans have shown me. I have so much love for my coaches and teammates from my time here. I am excited for the future.”
After struggling with this decision for weeks, I have decided to enter the transfer portal and explore my options. I am thankful for the support Nebraska fans have shown me. I have so much love for my coaches and teammates from my time here. I am excited for the future.
— Luke McCaffrey (@mccaffrey_luke) January 26, 2021
McCaffrey should have plenty of suitors this spring. He played in seven of Nebraska’s eight games this year and proved to be a capable dual threat in the Big Ten. He racked up 466 yards through the air and 364 more on the ground, scoring four total touchdowns.
The former four-star recruit will try to carry those skills away from Lincoln to a new program in 2021.
