I was just going to make a post about this (bolded above) but decided to piggyback on your post. Per bolded, IMO, if AM stays ( I hope he does but won't be disappointed if he leaves, he has done more than enough for Nebraska), Smothers hits the portal, unless he has himself a really sweet NIL deal. And I for one really like Smothers potential. So we could basically have AM back for another year when the schedule is a bit kinder, and, coupled with all the other returning starters next year, could be a special season. But we would then have a brand new QB in 2023 and probably no Smothers but a very inexperienced Haarberg or Masker/new QB recruit, whoever.
Again, I would like to see AM back, Smothers stay (both with great NIL deals) and see what unfolds.