LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Freshman running back and kick returner Jordan Stevenson and senior offensive lineman Matt Finnin have left the Nebraska football team.

An athletic department spokesman confirmed the players’ departures Friday.

Stevenson showed up at Nebraska at the start of preseason practice after he failed to academically qualify for admission to Wisconsin. The four-star recruit from Dallas came out of a planned redshirt year five weeks ago to return kicks. He ran back six kicks in four games and averaged 14.2 yards.

Coach Mike Riley said Thursday that Stevenson didn’t play last week against Purdue because he was sick and that he wasn’t scheduled to return kicks against Michigan State on Saturday.

Finnin appeared in four games this season and 16 over three years, all in a backup role.