Chubba Purdy Breakout: How Nebraska’s Surprise QB Star Could Transform the Huskers’ Season

Chubba Purdy is suddenly the hottest name in Mountain West football, and with Nevada’s season opener just days away, the dual-threat quarterback is embracing the spotlight that has followed him from Tallahassee to Lincoln and now to Reno. After two injury-marred seasons at Florida State and a stop-start stint at Nebraska, Purdy arrived on campus this spring determined to seize the Wolf Pack’s starting job. Head coach Ken Wilson confirmed last week that “the keys to Nevada’s offense are officially in Chubba Purdy’s hands,” ending a three-man competition that stretched through fall camp. Why the urgency? Nevada opens at No. 10 Penn State, a marquee road test that could vault Purdy into national conversation if he performs well. Offensive coordinator Derek Sage has installed more run-pass option concepts to capitalize on Purdy’s 4.55-second speed and live arm, a stark contrast to the pocket-centric system Nevada used during last year’s 3-9 campaign. In closed scrimmages Purdy averaged 7.8 yards per carry and completed 68 percent of his throws, according to team-supplied statistics. The younger brother of San Francisco 49ers star Brock Purdy, Chubba concedes the family name invites comparisons but says he’s motivated, not burdened. “Brock set the bar, but I’m writing my own story,” he told local reporters after Thursday’s practice. Analysts agree the narrative hinges on health: Purdy has missed time with collarbone and ankle injuries in three of the past four seasons. Nevada fans saw flashes last year. In his lone 2024 start at Hawai‘i, Purdy threw for 239 yards, rushed for 57 more and posted a 72 percent completion rate—numbers that highlight the ceiling coaches believe he can reach with a full season of reps. That upside is why Nevada Sports Net labeled him “the Wolf Pack’s most important player in 2025,” noting the program hasn’t had a quarterback eclipse 3,000 total yards since Carson Strong left campus three years ago. Purdy’s decision to withdraw from the transfer portal last December brought needed stability to a roster that lost 17 players to off-season moves. Wideouts Jamaal Bell and B.J. Casteel credit their quarterback for extra summer throwing sessions that sharpened timing on deep posts and back-shoulder fades. Scouts will track how Purdy processes Penn State’s blitz looks, but NFL draft analyst Jim Nagy already lists him among “Group of Five risers to watch” if he demonstrates consistent touch on intermediate routes. Purdy’s eligibility clock is ticking—2025 is his final season—but insiders say a productive year could earn him an invite to the Senior Bowl. Beyond the opener, Nevada’s schedule presents showcase dates against Boise State and defending champion Fresno State. A breakout campaign would not only revive the Wolf Pack but also add another chapter to the Purdy family legacy. For now, all eyes are on Beaver Stadium, where Chubba Purdy has a prime chance to convert offseason buzz into on-field proof that the hype is justified.