Latest NCAAF News and Notes - August 20, 2021

The first games of the 2021 College Football Season are just a week away, with Nebraska taking on Illinois at 1:00 PM Eastern on August 28 to kick off the action. Here are some of the top stories you need to know before Opening Day.

Rattler, Hall Highlight Preseason All-American Lists

ESPN and CBS Sports both released their preseason All-American Lists, with a significant number of players appearing on both lists. Headlining both teams are Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler and Iowa State running back Breece Hall.

Rattler, a redshirt sophomore, threw for 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns against seven interceptions in 11 games last season. He led the conference in touchdowns, passing yards, and completion percentage. Rattler also guided Oklahoma to a 27-21 win over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship and a 55-20 dismantling of the Florida Gators in the Cotton Bowl.

Like Rattler, Hall led the Big 12 in rushing yards with 1,572 - more than 500 yards ahead of the second-place rusher on the list (West Virginia's Leddie Brown with 1,010). Hall's 21 rushing touchdowns were best in the conference as well, with more than twice as many as anyone else in the Big 12.

Both Hall and Rattler are projected first-round picks in April's draft class, with Rattler the likely No. 1 overall selection.

This is Hall's second career appearance on the preseason All-American list, joining LSU kicker Cade York as the only returning member of this year's class.

NCAA Investigating Nebraska, Frost

The University of Nebraska announced Wednesday the NCAA is investigating the football program after reports of improper use of analysts and consultants, with head coach Scott Frost's knowledge. Nebraska is also accused of moving workouts off-campus last year when the pandemic prohibited such organized team activities.

"We just wanted to acknowledge that there is an NCAA investigation that is currently engaged with our athletic department and our football program specifically," Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts told reporters Wednesday. "We want you to know that we have complied 100% with the NCAA and been very collaborative with our approach with them with all of their investigation."

According to Frost, "Everything we did through COVID was in the best interest and health of our players in mind, and everything we did was approved by athletic department administration and campus administration."

The Huskers have a 12-20 record in Frost's three seasons as head coach.

Six Kentucky Players Facing Burglary Charges

Six members of the University of Kentucky football team are facing burglary charges after an investigation into an incident at a private party last March. In a release on Thursday, the Lexington Police Department said offensive lineman Reuben Adams, receiver Earnest Sanders IV, running back JuTahn McClain, safety Vito Tisdale, and defensive backs Andru Phillips and Joel Williams were charged with first-degree burglary. Tisdale faces an additional charge of wanton endangerment for allegedly pointing a gun at the burglary victims.

"I am aware of the situation that arose today," Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said in a statement released to local media. "Out of respect for the legal process, I cannot comment on the charges."

"We have been aware of this matter since March, as we withheld the players from team activities while a student conduct review was held," Stoops continued. "Based on the outcome of the review, the players returned to activity in June. We are evaluating the current situation as we receive more information."

Kentucky begins its season on September 4 against the University of Louisiana-Monroe.

Make sure to also check out NCAAF rankings!