Nebraska Upgrades Conn, Gottula to Questionable
Safety Jamir Conn and offensive lineman Gunnar Gottula are listed as questionable for Nebraska's game against Illinois.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Nebraska upgraded safety Jamir Conn and offensive lineman Gunnar Gottula to questionable for Friday's game against Illinois. Both were out for Saturday's game against Washington.
Why it matters
The upgrades offer a possible return for two players who missed the last game, which could affect Nebraska's depth on the defensive and offensive lines. Their status remains uncertain until the game.
Both players were out for the Washington game, with Gottula ruled out mid-week after a head injury at Oregon and Conn sidelined since a first-half injury against Indiana. Defensive coordinator Rob Aurich said Conn has not yet completed all clearance checkmarks, leaving his availability unconfirmed.
The players
Jamir Conn
Jamir Conn is a safety for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program whose recovery from an injury sustained against Indiana has kept him out of recent games.
Gunnar Gottula
Gunnar Gottula is an offensive lineman for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program who was sidelined after a head injury suffered at Oregon.
Rob Aurich
Rob Aurich is the defensive coordinator for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program who provided an update on Conn's clearance status.
The details
Conn injured himself on the first play of the second half against Indiana and has been out since, though he was running at practice early in the week and in stretch lines on Monday. Gottula suffered a head injury at Oregon and was ruled out before the Washington game.
Timeline
Gottula suffered a head injury at Oregon in a prior game.
Gottula was ruled out mid-week before the Washington game.
Conn was injured on the first play of the second half against Indiana.
Conn was in stretch lines at practice on Monday.
Nebraska plays Illinois on Friday with both players listed as questionable.
Season Trajectory
Gottula's head injury falls under NCAA return-to-play protocols, which require medical clearance before a player resumes contact, making his availability for Illinois a matter of medical process rather than team preference. Conn's situation, with clearance steps still incomplete, reflects how Nebraska's depth decisions depend on the same protocols as the season's remaining schedule.
If Conn and Gottula are cleared, Nebraska regains a starting safety and an offensive line option, which can change weekly fantasy and betting projections for the Illinois matchup. Fans tracking the roster should check the team's official injury report closer to kickoff for the final designations.
The takeaway
Injury designations can shift quickly, so checking the final status before kickoff gives the clearest picture of a team's lineup. Upgrades to questionable mean availability is possible but still unconfirmed.
What happens next
Nebraska plays Illinois on Friday, when the final availability of Conn and Gottula will be determined.
Further reading
Track the latest Cornhuskers roster and injury news in the Football section.
