Nebraska looking into waiver for Marcus Washington, per Matt Rhule

Nebraska is hoping to receive a waiver that would allow receiver Marcus Washington to return for another season. Washington was a fifth-year player this past year but saw his season cut short by a torn ACL, appearing in only six games.

That is above the maximum four games that players are allowed to play in and still qualify for a redshirt season. Obviously, the injury makes this a different circumstance than most, and Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule revealed Tuesday the school has reached out to the NCAA about a medical redshirt.

“Marcus has asked us to look into that,” he said. “It would be a very complicated waiver, but they’re working through it. So I can’t give any idea of whether that would happen or not. He, like a lot of the older guys, would like to come back. It’s just a matter of if he can.”

Washington transferred to Nebraska in 2022 after playing three seasons at Texas. He stepped into a big role in his first year, finishing second on the team with 31 catches for 471 yards and a touchdown. He had eight catches for 176 yards prior to his injury this season.

Washington ranked as the No. 37 receiver according to On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings in the 2022 season, so he’s clearly a talented player. He was also a four-star recruit coming out of Trinity Catholic High School in Saint Louis in 2019.

In three seasons with Texas, Washington never lived up to his potential with just 25 catches for 366 yards and three touchdowns. He sought out a new opportunity with the Cornhuskers and it ended up being a good move for both sides.

Nebraska’s leading receiver from this season, Billy Kemp IV, is set to graduate so Marcus Washington would certainly play a big role if he is allowed back. Ultimately, we’ll have to wait and see what the NCAA’s decision ends up being.

Nebraska linebacker Nick Henrich announces retirement from football

Star Nebraska linebacker Nick Henrich will retire from the game of football, he announced on his Instagram account on Wednesday.

Heinrich suffered a season-ending ACL tear during an overtime loss at Wisconsin. It was the second straight year he’d ended with a torn ACL.

“After lots of prayer and conversations with doctors, trainers, coaches, and my parents I have come to realize that it is time to hang up the cleats,” Heinrich wrote. “This game of football has taught me endless lessons and molded me into the man I am today. I have been so blessed to meet so many incredible people and to have had an amazing career for so long.”

Nick Henrich was once again very productive as a junior in 2023, recording 42 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks and a pass defended.