Husker I-Back Thunder Collins Reinstated by NCAA

Lincoln -- Nebraska Director of Athletics Bill Byrne announced Tuesday evening that senior I-back Thunder Collins has had his eligibility restored. Byrne was notified of Collins' status by the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Staff.

Collins played in Nebraska's season opener against Arizona State on Aug. 24, before he was suspended from the Huskers' next four games (Troy State, Utah State, Penn State, Iowa State) for failure to comply with NCAA regulations. Collins will be eligible to play in Saturday's game against McNeese State.

Collins was not listed on Nebraska's weekly depth chart as the school was awaiting word on his eligibility at the time the depth chart was released on Tuesday. Collins has been practicing on a regular basis with the second offensive unit for the last three weeks of his suspension.

"We're pleased Thunder has been reinstated," Head Coach Frank Solich said. "I talked to Thunder tonight after we received word from the NCAA, and he is excited about getting the chance to return to the field."