LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska has hired Oregon State’s Mike Riley as its new football coach, replacing the fired Bo Pelini.

Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst announced Riley’s hiring on Thursday.

Riley has spent 14 seasons over two tenures at Oregon State, leading the Beavers to 93 wins and a 6-2 record in bowl games.

Riley is a native of Idaho and a graduate of Alabama, where he played for Paul “Bear” Bryant. Riley will be introduced at a news conference Friday. He’ll take over immediately but will not coach the Cornhuskers in their bowl game. Nebraska assistant Barney Cotton is interim head coach.

Oregon State finished this season 5-7 overall, 2-7 in the Pac-12.

FLORIDA: After working though a buyout issue, Jim McElwain is leaving Colorado State to become the Gators next head coach.

Florida announced the hiring Thursday at the same time McElwain started a team meeting with players and assistants.

McElwain accepted the job after getting his $7.5 million buyout reduced, a person familiar with the search said.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the Gators have not announced details of their coaching search.

The Denver Post reported that Florida will pay $5 million and schedule the Rams for a future game in Gainesville.

Colorado State will get $2 million for that game.

BAYLOR: Quarterback Bryce Petty is making progress in his recovery from a concussion.

Petty was a full participant in practice Thursday, but Baylor officials said he is still progressing through the concussion protocol. His status for Saturday night’s game is still undetermined.

The fifth-ranked Bears play ninth-ranked Kansas State, with the winner guaranteed at least a share of the Big 12 title. Baylor is the defending Big 12 champ.

AN OHIO STATE University official has thanked the quarterback at rival Michigan for showing “class” and “humanity” by coming to console the Buckeyes’ injured quarterback as he lay on the field.

Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett broke his ankle during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 42-28 victory over visiting Michigan. The Wolverines’ Devin Gardner knelt by Barrett’s side and gave him words of encouragement.

Ohio State development and community relations director Dave Claborn sent Gardner a letter thanking him for being an “inspiration” and calling him “an extraordinary young man.”