Casey Thompson won’t return to Nebraska football, plus more Cornhuskers news

Casey Thompson is a name that’s circulated among Nebraska football fans, but he reportedly won’t return to the Huskers.

The name of former starting quarterback Casey Thompson has become popular among some Nebraska football fans after it was announced that he was going to play a seventh season in 2024.

Thompson tore his ACL last season playing for Florida Atlantic. He’s going to be able to play next season and just entered the transfer portal for the 2024 season.

It’s wild that he would still have a year of eligibility. After the departure of Chubba Purdy, some Nebraska football fans were even hoping that Thompson would make a return to Lincoln.

However, Pete Nakos of On3.com put an end to that notion on Thursday as he reported that On3.com has confirmed that Thompson will not be making a return to Nebraska.

On3 has confirmed with a source that returning to Nebraska is not an option for Casey Thompson. https://t.co/QGUCUoTRSv

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 21, 2023

In my mind, that’s great news. It wouldn’t have made sense. I understand some people are nervous about a freshman quarterback starting, but it’s not like Dylan Raiola has to do much to improve the position based on last season.

Nebraska quarterbacks turned the ball over 26 times. The Huskers threw the ball as little as any Power-5 team in college football and I don’t see that being the case in 2024.

Hell, if Raiola can simply limit the interceptions, it would be a huge upgrade from last season and Raiola threw just one interception during his senior season at Buford High School.

I get that it’s a step up, but Dylan Raiola has been training for this moment. He’s special. He’s generational and he’s going to start from game one. Wrap your head around it Nebraska football fans — the Huskers are rolling with Raiola, Daniel Kaelin, and Heinrich Haarberg.

With their scholarship situation, I see the priority in the transfer portal being running back and wide receiver — not a backup quarterback. If they can find a veteran willing to walk on — it would make sense.

But that won’t be Casey Thompson.

Transfer running back to take an official visit

Speaking of running back, the Huskers are going to host former four-star recruit Dante Dowdell for an official visit on January 5-7. That’s huge for Nebraska football.

Emmett Johnson, Gabe Ervin, Rahmir Johnson, and Kwinten Ives are all expected to be back. Ervin looked great in 2023, but he’s struggled to stay healthy. Johnson impressed me, however, the Huskers could use another blue chip in the backfield, which is why I’m watching Dowdell. That’s especially true since he’s got three years of eligibility. Nebraska didn’t sign a 2024 running back.

I’m also hoping the Huskers target Evan Stewart in the transfer portal. The former Texas A&M wideout is exactly what Nebraska football needs and he’s from Texas.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel. You can also find our podcast on Apple or Spotify.