Husker Big Red Daily: Tikey Hayes dismissed from Nebraska football, surprise starter, Jamarques Lawrence update

Just when it felt like the Nebraska football running back room was set, the Huskers subtracted a player from the room, as it was reported on Monday by Sean Callahan of Husker Online that former Penn State running back Tikey Hayes was dismissed from the team.

Hayes came to Nebraska from Iowa Western. He was expected to play there in 2026, after spending his freshman season at Penn State. There was some talk that he could be in the mix as the starting running back this season, but his Nebraska football career ended before the first snap.

A surprise starter could be emerging

There hasn’t been a ton of buzz about Caleb Benning starting in the secondary; however, Steve Sipple said on the radio Monday that the former three-star recruit is now running with the No. 1 defense.

That could put the starting job of Dwyane McDougle in jeopardy. He had four interceptions playing for Rob Aurich at San Diego State last season, but it might not be a reflection of his play and more about Benning, who had 20 tackles last season, including 13 against Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Getting snaps with the No. 1 defense and being a full-time starter are different things, but it’s something to watch with the first official depth chart coming out soon.

Jamarques Lawrence won’t return to Nebraska

Former Nebraka point guard Jamarques Lawrence is part of a lawsuit to get another season of eligibility, thanks to the 5-for-5 ruling. Lawrence is among some athletes in the 2022 class trying to get another season.

If that is successful, for Lawrence at least, that would be a good thing for him, but he won’t be returning to the Nebraska basketball program.

The Field of 68 reported on Monday that Lawrence has been in contact with Michigan, USC, Troy, and Fresno State. At this point, there probably just aren’t enough minutes to go around. If Lawrence returned, one of the transfers working out all offseason with the team could have to take a back seat.

On paper, it sounded good, and Nebraska fans should be rooting for him if he winds up getting another year of college basketball. It just won’t be in Lincoln.

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