IT IS DONE: Nebraska Cornhuskers Star Wide Receiver Jacory Barney Jr. Suspended Indefinitely After Failed Drug Test
LINCOLN, NE — In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the college football world, Nebraska Cornhuskers’ rising star wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. has been suspended indefinitely following a failed drug test, sources close to the athletic department confirmed Sunday evening.
Barney Jr., a dynamic sophomore known for his electric speed and playmaking ability, reportedly tested positive for a banned substance during routine testing conducted earlier this week. While university officials have yet to disclose the specific substance, insiders familiar with NCAA policy suggest it falls under the stimulant category—potentially a performance-enhancing drug.
This development comes just weeks before the Cornhuskers were set to begin their high-stakes summer training camp. Barney was expected to anchor Nebraska’s aerial attack this season after a stellar freshman campaign in which he recorded 42 receptions, 711 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns—earning him Big Ten Freshman All-Team honors.
“Jacory made a mistake. He’s a great young man, but we have a code, and we must uphold it,” said head coach Matt Rhule in a terse statement late Sunday. “We’re going to support him through this, but discipline is part of the process. The integrity of the program comes first.”
The indefinite suspension means Barney Jr. will not participate in team activities, practices, or games until further notice. He has also been removed from the team’s depth chart and was absent from the team’s Monday morning workout.
Barney Jr., a former four-star recruit from Miami Palmetto High School, had quickly become a fan favorite in Lincoln. Known for his flamboyant touchdown celebrations and relentless work ethic, his rise symbolized the Cornhuskers’ resurgence under Rhule’s tenure.
Barney took to social media hours after the news broke, posting a brief and cryptic message: “I own it. I’ll be back. Stronger. Better. Wiser.”
Reactions have been swift. Fans flooded Twitter and message boards with a mixture of disappointment and support. Some called for leniency given his age, while others argued that accountability must prevail.
Meanwhile, the Cornhuskers coaching staff now faces the difficult task of reconfiguring their offensive scheme without its most explosive weapon. Sophomore wideouts Jaylen Lloyd and Malachi Coleman are expected to see increased reps, though neither has yet demonstrated Barney’s level of game-breaking talenAl’s
This incident also places renewed scrutiny on Nebraska’s internal compliance protocols and raises questions about whether more extensive preventative measures are needed. NCAA regulations require random drug testing, but many programs are pushing for more holistic player support systems.
As for Barney Jr., the road back won’t be easy. He will likely undergo mandatory counseling, further testing, and a formal review process before reinstatement is even considered. Yet if his talent and determination are any indication, this may not be the last we hear of Jacory Barney Jr. on the field.
For now, though, his future—and Nebraska’s season—hangs in the balance.
