Skip to main content
Join
Team Avatar
Nebraska

Report: Nebraska expected to hire Kentucky WR coach Daikiel Shorts

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•12/03/24•

grant_grubbs_

kentucky-wide-receivers-early-impressions-daikiel-shorts
UK Athletics

Nebraska is expected to hire Kentucky wide receivers coach Daikiel Shorts Jr., per CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer. The 2024 campaign was Shorts’ first season at Kentucky. Before joining the Wildcats, he spent three seasons (2021-23) as the wide receivers coach under Dana Holgorsen at Houston.

On Monday, Nebraska signed Holgorsen to a two-year deal to be its next offensive coordinator. He joined the program in November as a consultant but will step into a larger role in the upcoming season. Evidently, Holgorsen didn’t hesitate to reach out to a former colleague.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

Shorts led a talented wide receiver room this season at Kentucky, highlighted by NFL prospects such as Dane Key, Barion Brown and Ja’Mori Maclin. Unfortunately, due to a subpar offensive line and inconsistent quarterback play, Shorts was unable to fully utilize Kentucky’s talent at wide receiver.

Nonetheless, he’s proven himself more than capable in the past. In his first season as Houston’s WRs coach in 2021, Shorts mentored WR Tank Dell, who earned first-team American Athletic Conference honors and finished in the top 15 in the country in receptions (90), receiving yards (1,329) and receiving touchdowns (12).

Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW!

For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

In 2023 — Houston’s first season in the Big 12 — Shorts’ youthful wide receivers made an immediate impact. According to Pro Football Focus, five of the league’s Top 11 graded underclassmen wide receivers came from Houston. Three players – Joseph Manjack IV (74.7), Samuel Brown (72.9) and Matthew Golden (68.4) were in the Top 7.

Shorts’ experience isn’t limited to behind the clipboard. Shorts was a standout receiver under Holgorsen at West Virginia from 2013-16. The four-year letter winner led the Mountaineers in receiving in three of his four years.

As a team captain in 2016, Shorts tallied a team-high 63 receptions for 894 yards and five touchdowns. For his efforts, he received second-team All-Big 12 honors and the Iron Mountaineer Award.

Now, Daikiel Shorts Jr. will look to use his surplus of experience at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers finished the regular season 6-6 and 3-6 in conference play. With standout QB Dylan Raiola behind center next season, Shorts’ wide receivers should have no trouble racking up receptions.