I think you are grossly oversimplifying this situation. For perspective I normally live in Boston, but have been in Lincoln for the past few months. My biggest pet peeve of being in Lincoln is people not wanting to wear masks (fuck you if that's you). But even with a large number of morons, I still feel safer than being in Boston just from a number of interactions perspective. I interact with more people walking my dog once in Boston than I have in total while walking her in Lincoln. Plenty of students are from areas where they would interact with more, not less people, and with more people at risk (elderly family etc.).
Also, if I was a student right now, I think I'd still want to be on campus. For starters being home was never great. Additionally, I got health care through the university, and it literally did not cover me when I was at home. I wasn't even an athlete and my ability to get care was directly related to being at UNL. I am sure there are plenty of athletes that are in similar situations where going home is significantly worse for them than being on campus and with the team.
Also, I should mention that I think the season should be cancelled, I just think you're oversimplifying the issue.