Nebraska offensive lineman Nouredin Nouili fails drug test, ineligible for 2022 season

The Nebraska offensive line took a big hit on Saturday.

Nouredin Nouili, a junior for the Cornhuskers, took to Twitter Saturday to announce he failed a drug test and has been ruled ineligible for the 2022 season. The former Colorado State offensive lineman transferred to Nebraska prior to the 2020 season and walked on. Last season, he earned a scholarship during the season.

Im sorry

My Statement pic.twitter.com/TLruOkIFrR

— Nouredin Nouili | ⁶³ (@NouredinNouili) June 25, 2022

“This spring I was informed by the NCAA that due to a failed drug test I am ineligible for the 2022 season,” Nouili wrote. “I would like to apologize to my family, teammates, coaches, and Husker fans for my error in judgement. It is an honor to be a part of this football program and represent this University and I do not take that responsibility lightly.

“Thanks to Coach Frost, our athletic and university administration for allowing me to continue to be part of this program in 2022. I look forward to returning to the field to represent Nebraska in 2023. Go Big Red!”

Nouili played in every game last season for Nebraska and started the last seven matchups. Prior to the Cornhuskers’ game against Ohio State in November, he received a scholarship.

Nebraska coach Scott Frost also released a statement about Nouili’s suspension, reaffirming his support for him and confirming he’ll participate in practices this season.

“We will fully support Nouredin Nouili as [he] continues his academic and athletic career at the University of Nebraska,” Frost stated. “He is an outstanding young man, who made a mistake that will force him to miss the 2022 season and forfeit a year of eligibility. Noure will be a full participant in practice this fall, and we look forward to him resuming his playing career in 2023.”

More on Scott Frost, Nebraska in 2022

Nebraska is getting ready to open the 2022 college football season in Week 0 against Northwestern in Dublin, Ireland. The Cornhuskers finished 3-9 overall and 1-8 in Big Ten play last season, leading to questions about Scott Frost’s future as head coach. But during the offseason, Nebraska announced a new contract for Frost and he got to work overhauling the staff and the roster.

One of Frost’s biggest staff additions was Mickey Joseph, who’s coming to Lincoln from LSU to serve as the associate head coach. On the field, Nebraska hit the transfer portal to replace Adrian Martinez, transferred to Kansas State. The Cornhuskers brought in Texas transfer quarterback Casey Thompson to replace him and help reinvigorate the offense.