For the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the final year of the Scott Frost era felt like it could have gone so much different had Casey Thompson not gotten injured. Many have speculated that if Thompson had remained, that the team would have gone bowling this year. Among a myriad of cryptic social media posts, and uncertainty within the quarterback room, Nebraska Cornhuskers are asking themselves, can someone just make an announcement already so that we can focus on the volleyball championship game!?
Nebraska Cornhuskers Former Signal Caller
For Casey Thompson, his time in Lincoln showed his upside, and why he was so highly recruited. Unfortunately for him, after taking so many hits, he never quite looked the same, and suffered a similar fate at FAU. With a year of eligibility remaining, some are wondering what a return of Thompson could mean for the program, and what it would even look like.
While there has not been anything officially reported as of now, this staff and group of Nebraska Cornhuskers are doing a good job of keeping fans on edge, as an anticipated announcement looms over the fanbase.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Engagement
A couple of days ago a video of Casey Thompson and Gabe Ervin made its’ rounds of the two meeting in Lincoln.
This Sunday a story from one of Thompson’s close friends only story on Instagram depicted him in Nebraska gear with the bold caption of “RUN IT BACK”.
https://twitter.com/HuskersX/status/1736467194341380109
The timing is really only adding to the speculation with all of the unknown pieces at the moment.
👀 🌽 Here we go again‼️#GBR
— Gibson Pyle (@PyleGibson) December 17, 2023
Matt Rhule emerged from a brief social media hiatus to post the following on twitter (X):
Can’t wait until people hear what I’ve heard see what I’ve seen and know what I know #GBR No edges lol
Sunday afternoon, Ed Foley posted the eyes emoji. The staff has been working hard, hitting the recruiting trail, and meeting with athletes in person. With the list of prominent names that have been projected to come to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and names that are now known that will not be a part of the picture, what are the realistic possibilities if Casey Thompson indeed comes back to Nebraska?
Nebraska Cornhuskers Playing Scenario
One possibility would be a QB room of Dylan Raiola, Casey Thompson, and Daniel Kaelin as “new” quarterbacks for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2024.
While Raiola is a likely day one starter, a competition would be healthy, and could only make him better. If it’s closer than anticipated, Raiola would get the nod. If he’s not quite ready yet, watching how Thompson prepares and being ready to step in, could prove beneficial for the young talent. For Kaelin, the scenario would be the same, only it’s likely the leash would be a little longer in that instance for Thompson.
With how much evaluation Thompson has received, it is also possible that his NFL scouting reports, and his injury history have led him to a decision to not look to pursue playing professionally after graduation. Wanting to end on a high note in his collegiate career, it could be that he wants to help mentor young QB prospects, and give advice from his experience of adversity, serving as an emergency quarterback if needed and look to then getting into coaching.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Comes Back As Grad Assistant
A possibility that cannot be dismissed out of hand, would be an injury riddled Thompson coming back as a grad assistant. Because of his wealth of recent playing experience, and overall demeanor and passion for the game, he may be looking to enter into the coaching ranks right away.
When he says “run it back” he is looking to win as a member of the team, with many teammates that he already played with from his year as a member of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Regardless in what capacity, Thompson is the exact type of person that Coach Rhule wants to have around his program. Whether as a player or a coach, the rumors of Thompson coming back to Lincoln appear to have more of a leg to stand on than originally anticipated.