In 'unbelievable surprise' latest Nebraska football addition is eligible right away

When Nebraska football kicks off against the UTEP Miners on Saturday it’s extremely unlikely that the newest addition, Mac Markway will see the field. But what is a bit surprising is that he could. That is to say, he’d be allowed to if he had more than a handful of practices as a Huskers under his belt.

Markway arrived on campus on Monday morning. His arrival was so sudden that when offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield addressed him joining the roster, he made it clear he didn’t know the former LSU tight end was in town before being told by someone he’d enrolled.

Satterfield also said he really didn’t know if Markway was eligible to play this season or whether he had to sit out. That was a question mainly because the former Tiger didn’t enter the transfer portal when the window was open. Instead he simply enrolled and joined the Nebraska football team just ahead of classes starting.

Nebraska football’s newest addition can play right away

Speaking about the situation on Thursday, head coach Matt Rhule shed some light on how things went down.

“Mac did all that on his own," Rhule said. "He didn't go in the portal, so you can't recruit him. He literally went through the whole admissions process on his own. Talking to him the other day, he came up here and did a school tour, similar to the one I took my son on. We didn't have any contact with him."

Rhule also admitted the fact that Markway could play this year was a surprise to him.

"He's eligible, but he hasn't been here. There's been a new interpretation from the NCAA that you can do that, but I was surprised to be quite honest with you. A great surprise.”

Rhule also made it clear that while Markway will almost certainly not play in Week 1, he might not sit out all that long. However, if he isn’t ready to get in a game soon, it’s not going to be a problem.

“We're used to getting guys up to speed. We feel really good about our tight end group — it's not like there's a hole there, but he's an excellent player and we'll do our best to get him ready."

Last season with the LSU Tigers, the then true freshman played in all 12 games for the SEC school. He ended the season with 3 receptions for 16 yards and 1 touchdown. If nothing else that demonstrates the talent Nebraska football just had fall into its lap.