FREMONT, Neb. (AP) — Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, and four other small colleges in the state are moving forward with plans to play football this fall.
Meanwhile, the Cornhuskers in Lincoln will be sitting idle because of the Big Ten decision to postpone the season until spring because of the coronavirus pandemic.
At Midland, players and staff adhere to protocols put in place to mitigate the risk of being infected.
Linebacker Theo Blum says he and his teammates are grateful to be able to play.
Tight end Austin Harris invites Huskers fans to adopt Midland as its team to cheer for in 2020.
Midland University NAIA college football linebacker Theo Blum wears a face-covering following team practice in Fremont, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Midland University is among five small colleges in the state that are pushing forward with plans to play football this fall. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, meanwhile, won’t play after Big Ten presidents voted to move back football season until after Jan. 1. Blum said he’s grateful he will get to play his senior season when so many other seniors across the country are missing out this fall. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) Midland University NAIA college football players follow drills during a team practice in Fremont, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Midland University is among five small colleges in the state that are pushing forward with plans to play football this fall. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, meanwhile, won’t play after Big Ten presidents voted to move back football season until after Jan. 1. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) Midland University NAIA college football players wear face masks during practice in Fremont, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Midland University is among five small colleges in the state that are pushing forward with plans to play football this fall. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, meanwhile, won’t play after Big Ten presidents voted to move back football season until after Jan. 1. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) Midland University NAIA college football players wear face masks during practice in Fremont, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Midland University is among five small colleges in the state that are pushing forward with plans to play football this fall. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, meanwhile, won’t play after Big Ten presidents voted to move back football season until after Jan. 1. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) Midland University NAIA college football players wear face masks during drills in Fremont, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Midland University is among five small colleges in the state that are pushing forward with plans to play football this fall. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, meanwhile, won’t play after Big Ten presidents voted to move back football season until after Jan. 1. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) Midland University NAIA college football players practice in Fremont, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Midland University is among five small colleges in the state that are pushing forward with plans to play football this fall. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, meanwhile, won’t play after Big Ten presidents voted to move back football season until after Jan. 1. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) Midland University head coach Jeff Jamrog calls a play during NAIA college football practice in Fremont, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Midland University is among five small colleges in the state that are pushing forward with plans to play football this fall. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, meanwhile, won’t play after Big Ten presidents voted to move back football season until after Jan. 1. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) Midland University NAIA college football players practice in Fremont, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Midland University is among five small colleges in the state that are pushing forward with plans to play football this fall. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, meanwhile, won’t play after Big Ten presidents voted to move back football season until after Jan. 1. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) Midland University head coach Jeff Jamrog instructs players during NAIA college football practice in Fremont, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Midland University is among five small colleges in the state that are pushing forward with plans to play football this fall. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, meanwhile, won’t play after Big Ten presidents voted to move back football season until after Jan. 1. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) Midland University tight end Austin Harris, right, chats with a teammate during NAIA college football team practice in Fremont, Neb., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Midland University is among five small colleges in the state that are pushing forward with plans to play football this fall. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, meanwhile, won’t play after Big Ten presidents voted to move back football season until after Jan. 1. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)