Snake-bit ex-Nebraska football QB loses starting job battle with third team

It was short-lived, but there really was a time when Chubba Purdy-mania gripped Nebraska football nation. Then Dylan Raiola signed with the Huskers and it became apparent that there wasn’t really room for the former Florida State transfer and off he went.

Purdy transferred first to San Jose State, but the coach that recruited him left for Arizona just a few days after the quarterback arrived. So off he went again, this time to Nevada. And it was here where most Husker fans thought he’d win the starting job.

As it turns out, there may not be a more hard-luck quarterback to come through Lincoln. Not even Adrian Martinez can argue he’s more snake-bit. While it was thought that Purdy would be the starter for the Wolfpack, he’s not even on the two-deep as they face off on Saturday night against new ACC team SMU.

Former Nebraska football quarterback misses out on starting job once again

What’s really heartbreaking for Purdy, who has been plagued by injuries through most of his career, is that it’s unclear if he was beaten out for the starting job, or didn’t get to compete again because of yet another injury.

The former Husker is officially out because he suffered a shoulder injury that has limited his availability in practice, according to SI.com. 

That means that the guy who was the fifth true freshman in Florida State program history to start a game, started a grand total of two games since. His 57 passing attempts last year for the Cornhuskers were easily a career high.

And now, as a redshirt-senior, one has to wonder if he’s going to have a chance to start in his final year in college football. Purdy does have one thing that might keep him going. Nevada is not expected to be good at all. 

Following a 2-10 season, it’s possible head coach Jeff Choate will need to find ways to keep things fresh in 2024. Maybe the quarterback who starts on Saturday, Colorado transfer Brendon Lewis, will struggle enough that should the former Nebraska football signal-caller get healthy, he’ll get a chance. Or maybe, this will be another lost season.