From burnt orange to Big Red: Former Texas QB Casey Thompson commits to Nebraska
AUSTIN, Texas — Casey Thompson is trading burnt orange for Big Red.
The former Texas quarterback announced on Instagram on Friday that he’s committed to Nebraska.
Thompson posted a quote on Instagram that said, “Always got an ace up my sleeve for whatever was dealt.” He then wrote, “Bet on yourself! Nebraska, let’s get it.”
The Cornhuskers are getting a durable ready-made starter. Thompson played at Texas the last four seasons, serving as Sam Ehlinger’s backup in 2019 and 2020 before battling for the starting job last season.
Thompson took over the starting duties from Hudson Card in week three and threw six touchdown passes against Texas Tech and TCU. But Thompson suffered a right thumb injury against Oklahoma and was noticeably different.
In November, Thompson said has struggled to even grip the ball and didn’t even hold a football outside of practice. Images of Thompson swollen hand were posted on Twitter shortly after the season.
Still, Thompson finished the season with 2,113 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He would also throw a school record-tying six touchdowns in a loss to Kansas.
Even though Thompson was in line to remain the starter for 2022, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian announced he was reopening the quarterback battle this offseason. Then, the Horns landed a commitment from Ohio State transfer Quinn Ewers and signed high school recruit Maalik Murphy.
One source close to Thompson told the Austin American-Statesman the quarterback felt there was “too much politics” involved in the quarterback race. Ewers is widely perceived to be the odds-on favorite to start the 2022 season, even over Card.
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ANALYSIS: By leaving Texas, Thompson yields to Horns' younger yet unproven talent
Thompson needed to make his final decision soon. The Huskers begin winter offseason conditioning on Monday. The spring semester officially begins on Jan. 18 in Lincoln, Neb.
Nebraska also needs a veteran quarterback in what is considered a make-or-break year for coach Scott Frost. The Lincoln Journal Star reported that Nebraska coaches were recruiting Thompson and Missouri transfer Connor Bazelak, who committed to Indiana last week.
Email Brian Davis at bdavis@statesman.com. Follow on Twitter @BDavisAAS.