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QB competition continues at Nebraska, Scott Frost not quite ready to name starter just yet
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Nebraska has a two-year starting quarterback returning for the 2020 season in Adrian Martinez. Most years, that would be good enough to eliminate the preseason quarterback competition and get as many fall camp reps as possible.
When the backup is Luke McCaffrey, though, the situation is a little bit different.
Even though Nebraska’s first game of the season against Ohio State is less than two weeks away, head coach Scott Frost isn’t quite ready to name a starter just yet. The battle in fall camp has been highly intriguing between Martinez and McCaffrey, but the Huskers are going to wait a touch longer before naming their QB1.
“I wouldn’t say it’s clear yet,” Husker head coach Scott Frost said Tuesday of the quarterback battle between Adrian Martinez and Luke McCaffrey. “Adrian’s certainly playing well. Luke’s certainly playing well. We feel like we’ve got two guys at the top of that heap that are playing well enough to help us win games. Every position is a competition. We’re going to have to make those decisions pretty quickly, but I’ve been really impressed with both guys.”
After winning the starting job in Lincoln as a true freshman in 2018, the offense appeared to be Martinez’s for at least the next two seasons. A strong showing that year, throwing for 2,617 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 629 yards and scoring an additional 8 times, seemed to solidify his spot under center.
But Martinez last season, seeing declining numbers in all facets of the game. Part of that was due to injuries, as well as a tough year for the offseason. But it cracked the door opened for McCaffrey to challenge for the starting job.
We’ll know what the Huskers’ QB situation looks before too long.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB