A trio of Huskers, including “the future”, are in the transfer portal.
Quarterback Luke McCaffrey, wide receiver Kade Warner, and offensive lineman Will Farniok have finished their careers in Lincoln.
McCaffrey pushed Adrian Martinez for the starting job much of 2020, even supplanting the incumbent as the starter twice. But the lack of downfield throwing ability hurt his ability to hold onto the job.
Despite the throwing hang-ups, and some calling for a position change, coach Scott Frost was adamant about keeping McCaffrey behind center. Last week he told the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star that the plan was to keep McCaffrey at quarterback.
In November, Frost went so far as to say the job was McCaffrey’s long term.
“There’s no doubt in my mind Luke McCaffrey is the future around here,” Frost said.
That future ended Tuesday when McCaffrey headlined the trio leaving the team. His exit means freshman Logan Smothers and recent signee Heinrich Haarberg may be in line for quicker player time should anything happen to Martinez. Also on the roster are walk-ons Matt Masker, Brayden Miller, and Jarrett Synek.
A total of 12 Husker quarterbacks have left the program since 2011.
McCaffrey has four years of eligibility remaining to use.
Warner went into 2020 not only as the most experienced wideout, having started 12 games over his first two playing seasons. He was put on scholarship ahead of the season, and voted a captain by his teammates.
But despite playing in every game, Warner only caught five passes for a total of 40 yards.
Warner’s position group has been a heavy focus for the coaching staff, bringing in taller and faster receivers through both the transfer portal and by incoming freshman.
Warner has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Farniok, the younger brother of NFL Draft bound Matt, was one of the few players on the roster to have learned to play center before arriving in Lincoln. Still, the emergence of Cam Jurgens taking over that position meant he would have to wait for playing time.
He played in just three games in 2019 and only one in 2020. When Jurgens was out, Will was not the one called upon to replace him.
Besides the center position, the rest of the offensive line has increased in size and athleticism under Frost, making playing availability a much tougher competition.
Farniok has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Feature Image Courtesy Nebraska Athletics Communications Office