Maverick Noonan, a Nebraska legacy and promising edge rusher, announced he’ll be entering the transfer portal following the Huskers’ upcoming bowl game. The former Elkhorn South standout made the news official with a heartfelt message, thanking the Nebraska program for its role in his growth both on and off the field.
“After a lot of thought and conversations, I've decided that following our bowl game, I will be entering the transfer portal,” Noonan wrote. “I'm grateful for my time at Nebraska.
The coaches, teammates and fans have played a huge role in my development on and off the field. I'll always appreciate the relationships and lessons from these past years.”
Noonan’s decision marks a significant moment in his journey. As the son of former Husker defensive lineman Danny Noonan, Maverick’s commitment to Nebraska was more than just a football decision-it was a continuation of a family legacy. He chose the Huskers over a strong list of offers, including Stanford, Iowa, and Michigan State, signaling just how highly regarded he was coming out of high school.
But his college career hasn’t followed a straight line. A knee injury during his first year on campus stalled his momentum early, forcing him to the sideline and delaying his development. He made his return in 2024, seeing limited action in three games against UTEP, Northern Iowa, and Wisconsin.
This past season, Noonan was utilized in the Huskers’ JACK position-a hybrid edge role in their defensive scheme. He saw the field in matchups against Akron, Houston Christian, and UCLA, logging a total of 15 snaps and recording one tackle, per Pro Football Focus. While the stat sheet may not jump off the page, those limited reps gave him valuable experience and a taste of live-action at the college level.
Now, with the NCAA’s revised transfer portal calendar in place-eliminating the spring window and shifting the winter period to January 2-16-Noonan joins a growing list of players publicly declaring their intent to enter the portal ahead of its official opening. While no official contact with other programs is allowed until a player is in the portal, these announcements are becoming more common as athletes prepare for their next move.
For Noonan, that next step is about finding the right fit-a program where he can continue to develop and make an impact.
"I'm looking forward to finding a program where I can continue to develop and contribute to winning," he said. "Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way."
It’s clear Noonan leaves Nebraska with respect and gratitude, and while his time in Lincoln may not have unfolded exactly as planned, he’s still got plenty of football ahead of him. The tools are there: a high football IQ, a strong pedigree, and the kind of frame and athleticism that programs covet on the edge. Wherever he lands next, Noonan will be looking to turn potential into production-and do it in a system that fits his skill set.
For Nebraska, it’s another reminder of how fluid rosters have become in the transfer portal era. And for Noonan, it’s a fresh start, one that could unlock the next chapter of a career that’s still very much in front of him.