Roger Gradney's planned departure from the Nebraska football program might not exactly be an Achilles Heel kind of departure. Still, it does mark one of the more "what could have been" sort of losses to the transfer portal when it opens on January 2.
Gradney, a defensive back who transitioned to linebacker with NU, was a 4-star prospect in the 2024 class. Unfortunately, early injuries as well as an inability to get on the field when he was healthy led to him appearing in just two games during his time with the Huskers.
Gradney was one of four four-star recruits the Huskers signed in the 2024 class. Joining him were tight end Carter Nelson, tackle Grant Brix, and guard Preston Taumua. Of the 33 players Nebraska signed in that class, more than 10 of them have since left, or are planning to leave the program once the transfer portal opens up in January.
Roger Gradney becomes another ‘what could have been’ for Nebraska football
Gradney is also part of a small flood of Nebraska players planning on departing next month. Sunday night, edge rusher Maverick Noonan announced his intention to leave after the bowl game. Monday, kicker Tristan Alvano and quarterback Marcus Davila announced their departure from the program. All were reserves with the program.
So far, the only starters who have announced their intention to leave the program are quarterback Dylan Raiola and defensive back Malcolm Hartzog.
With the announcement comes a likely reworking of the Huskers' linebacker room, which was already slated to have new faces in it next fall. Nebraska will need to replace four linebackers following its Las Vegas Bowl showdown with Utah on the 31st, including Javin Wright, Dasan McCullough, and Marques Watson-Trent. All three of those players started multiple games for Nebraska this fall.