UNL students and staff give their thoughts on college football

Students and staff on campus give their take on the fate of college football this fall.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln students and staff expressed their thoughts about the potential of no college football this fall. The Big Ten has not made an official statement whether or not there will be a season, or if it could be delayed. Big Ten presidents held a meeting on Saturday to discuss the future of college football.

“If they think shutting down the season is the best call,  they have to have a really good reason behind it,” said senior Noah Floersch.

The University is set to begin classes online on August 17. In-person classes will start a week after on August 24. All students will be required to wear masks, and practice social distancing in the classroom. There are some students who feel that going to class is no different than suiting up on the field.

“If I’m allowed to go and interact with 100 plus others in class, why can they not play football on the field when those student-athletes are already going to be tested?” first-year law student Liam Wakeman asked.

Wakeman also highlighted how college athletes are monitored and tested daily for coronavirus. He said student-athletes are some of the healthiest people in the country. Many students suggested college football adopt a plan that resembles the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB). The NBA has not had a single player test positive for the coronavirus in three weeks.

Brittany Meiners works for Student Affairs on campus. She thinks it comes down to what is in the best interest of the campus and the community.

“I will follow every policy I can to keep everyone safe,” she said.

For the students, nothing beats Memorial Stadium and cheering on the Huskers.

“As Nebraskans and especially as a student here at the University, it’s something I look forward to every year,” Wakeman said.