Hardley Gilmore IV’s college football journey has already seen more twists and turns than most players experience in four years. Once hailed as one of Kentucky’s most promising young receivers, the freshman stunned fans by entering the transfer portal in late December, then shocked again by committing to Nebraska just days later. Now, after just over three months in Lincoln, Gilmore is no longer with the Cornhuskers dismissed from the program with little explanation.
Hardley Gilmore IV has been dismissed from the Nebraska program, head coach Matt Rhule announced. Gilmore is a former 4-star recruit who had transferred from Kentucky in January. pic.twitter.com/RgAU0bBzvm
— Rivals (@Rivals) April 5, 2025
A Sudden Departure from Lexington
Gilmore arrived in Lexington with significant hype as a four-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, ranked No. 367 nationally and No. 56 among wide receivers. Though injuries delayed his debut, he quickly proved his talent after returning midseason. In just five games, he recorded 153 receiving yards and a touchdown on six catches production that sparked excitement about his future.
Kentucky’s coaching staff was equally high on his potential. “He is, in my opinion, as complete of a young receiver as I’ve been around,” offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan said in August. “He’s got top-end speed, he’s a good route-runner, he’s tough, he’s physical… Every once in a while, you get these freshmen who don’t even recognize the lights. They’re just excited to be out there. He had that vibe.”…