Deal or no deal?

That's the decision that awaits Bubba Starling Monday, as the quarterback and outfielder from Gardner, Kan., chooses between Nebraska and professional baseball. The deadline: 11 p.m.

The Kansas City Royals, who drafted Starling in June with their No. 1 pick, are expected to present a multimillion-dollar contract offer to the 6-foot-4, 190-pounder. Starling's adviser, noted baseball agent Scott Boras, can't negotiate directly with the Royals, but he's known for commanding top dollar for rookies.

If Starling signs, he gets the money and starts a pro career somewhere in the Royals' minor league system.

If he doesn't, he plays quarterback for Bo Pelini's football team and center fielder for Darin Erstad's baseball team for at least three years before he can re-enter the MLB draft.

While Starling spent more than a month at NU working out with his fellow freshmen in football, he chose not to participate in football practice. After finishing summer classes Aug. 11, he went home to Gardner, Pelini said Saturday. He is expected to make his decision there.

Pelini said he has a "plan" with the Starling family to find out the decision.

— Sam McKewon