UNK faces off against Central Oklahoma, (Jordan Neben, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — The University of Nebraska – Kearney football program has been placed on probation for the next two years by the National Collegiate Athletic Association due to recruitment infractions.
The probation runs through Jan. 28, 2027, and does not affect post season play.
The punishment includes a $3,744 fine and a reduction of official paid recruiting visits. UNK must also vacate all wins and records from the games in which the ineligible players participated. There were eight wins in 2022 and three in 2023 which were vacated.
UNK will also participate in various NCAA reviews and education programs. That includes a comprehensive audit of all policies and procedures.
The NCAA’s investigation reported that the infractions took place in August 2021 and July and August 2022 when the Loper program was under the direction of head coach Josh Lynn.
Lynn, now at West Texas A&M, and two former assistant coaches face a two-year show-cause order.
The infractions were investigated following West Texas A&M self-reporting similar violations in 2023 and UNK was informed that similar infections occurred at their institution.
Assistant coaches used university funds to pay for airfare for six football recruits, provided or paid for transportation and hotel stays for several of the recruits.
The NCAA requires recruits who are making an official visit to return directly home afterward. Some of the recruits never returned home and participated in preseason practice soon after their arrival.
The NCAA report notes that UNK’s compliance office approval hotel stays for two recruits. The coaches did not submit the required paperwork for the purchases regarding the six recruits.
