Nov 11, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Jeff Sims (7) runs against Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Donnell Brown (19) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Former Nebraska Quarterbacks Falter for Starting Spots With New Teams

Originally posted on Nebraska Cornhuskers on SI
By Austin Jacobsen | Last updated Aug 19, 2024 5:36 PM ET

Two starting quarterbacks from Nebraska's 2023 season will serve as backups to begin the year at their new teams, according to multiple reports Monday.

Jeff Sims and Chubba Purdy, both quarterbacks who started at least two games for the Big Red last season, were reported to have lost their starting signal-caller spots at their respective teams.

Sims, a former Georgia Tech transfer, arrived at Arizona State after entering the transfer portal at the conclusion of Matt Rhule's first season in Lincoln. The former Husker started the first two games of the season at Minnesota and Colorado before an injury allowed Heinrich Haarberg to take over the starting role. The Sun Devils named Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt their starting quarterback Monday.

Sources: Sam Leavitt has been named the starting quarterback at Arizona State for the opener against Wyoming. He beat out transfer Jeff Sims (Georgia Tech/Nebraska), and both have been informed of the decision. pic.twitter.com/sfFzEMMFZJ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 19, 2024

Purdy, the younger brother of NFL quarterback Brock, originally transferred to San Jose State before flipping his choice to Nevada after a coaching change. Chubba had dealt with shoulder soreness in the spring and was limited into fall camp. The Wolfpack elected to instead hand the reins to Brendon Lewis, last year's starter for 10 of Nevada's 12 games.

Purdy started the final two games of the season for Nebraska in 2023, replacing Haarberg when the Kearney native went down with a season-ending injury during the Maryland contest. The former Florida State transfer has been unable to participate in practices since the second week of the fall preseason.

Arizona State begins its season Aug. 31, welcoming Wyoming for a night contest in Tempe, while Nevada opens play this week, hosting SMU on Saturday..