Malcolm Hartzog Jr. injury update: Matt Rhule reveals final status for Nebraska DB vs. Minnesota

Nebraska cornerback Malcolm Hartzog Jr. has been ruled out of Friday’s matchup against Minnesota, head coach Matt Rhule revealed on Wednesday. Hartzog has not played since the season opener with an undisclosed injury.

His final designation comes after there was some hope he’d be able to work his way back as early as last week. Before Week 7’s 34-31 win over Maryland, Rhule began the week stating that Hartzog appeared closer to a return. He recanted that statement later in the week, labeling him doubtful before ultimately sitting out entirely against the Terrapins.

That will be the case once again this weekend. He’ll be re-evaluated ahead of Week 9 against Northwestern.

While the Cornhuskers are off to a 5-1 start to the season, they’ve missed his services in the Nebraska secondary so far. In his absence, Ceyair Wright has moved into Hartzog’s spot while Donovan Jones has been given the nod for Wright’s position.

Despite playing in just one game, he has an interception and pass breakup to his credit this season. That success has carried over across the board for the Nebraska secondary this season. Through six games, the Huskers are the nation’s leading defense against the pass, giving up 118 passing yards per game on average.

Now that Hartzog will miss his sixth game in a row on Saturday, it puts into question the possibility of using his redshirt for the 2025 season. That would make him eligible for a fifth season of college football next season.

Still, it remains to be seen whether or not he can make it back before the end of the season. Nebraska recently cracked the AP Top 25 poll and if the wins keep piling up, there is some potential for a College Football Playoff bid.

Hartzog has played his whole career at Nebraska. To have his senior season cut in half this way certainly isn’t what the veteran defensive back expected during the preseason. If the Huskers make a playoff push late, Hartzog will have more opportunities to see the field down the stretch.

During the first three years of his career, Hartzog logged 107 tackles, 12 PBU’s and seven interceptions. He logged career-highs in tackles (45) and interceptions (four) as a junior in 2024.

For now he’ll continue his rehab as his team hosts a 4-2 Minnesota squad this weekend. Kickoff is slated for Friday at 8 p.m. ET live on FOX.