Nebraska picked up its fourth commitment for the 2026 class on Monday when Jase Reynolds announced he would play for the Huskers. Reynolds, a 6’2” 210-pound linebacker plays his high school ball at Elkhorn North in Omaha. He is the first in-state player to commit to the Huskers. In three seasons he has recorded 89 solo tackles, 85 assisted tackles, and 7 tackles for a loss. He had 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries and 10 defended passes. He held offers from Kansa State, Northwestern, Iowa, Michigan State and Minnesota.
Nebraska offered Reynolds after he attended their junior camp last June. Matt Rhule has said several times that if you are truly interested in playing for Nebraska you need to attend camp. Once on campus you can be assured, you’ll get a legitimate look from Rhule and his staff. Reynolds had a good camp last June and followed that up with a really good junior season. He is one of three Nebraska players to receive an offer from Nebraska. Two other names to watch are Issacc Jensen and Darion Jones.
Jensen is a 6’6” 210-pound tight end at Millard South. In three seasons he has 63 receptions for 956 yards and 14 touchdowns. He currently holds offers from 17 schools, some of which include Texas A&M, Auburn, LSU, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas State, Colorado, Iowa State, Florida State and Notre Dame. Jensen hasn’t shown a lot of interest in staying home and is expected to commit elsewhere.
Jones is a 6’1” 170-pound cornerback at Omaha North. In 20 games he’s made 38 total tackles, 6 for a loss. He also made 9 interceptions with 98 return yards. Jones’s older brother Donavan currently plays in Nebraska’s secondary, so he’s familiar with Coach Butler and what Nebraska has to offer. He’s one Nebraska needs to get.
While there are only three offers out to in-state players there will be camps again this summer and with good junior film and a promising workout, there might be a couple more prospects. Husker fans will be watching, as there are some that are criticizing Rhule for the number of in-state players who have committed to Matt Campbell and Iowa State. Iowa State has currently received six commitments from Nebraskans. They include QB Jett Thomalla, WR Amarion Jackson, OT Leighton Burbach, LB Barry Fries, LB Keian Kaiser, S Tyrell Chatman, and ATH Kaprice Keith.
Rhule recently explained the lack of offers to Nebraska players and I agree with him. Nebraska is chasing Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan and USC for talent. To compete with the top schools in the B1G, top talent is needed. The state has several good players, but things have changed, there is no longer time for good players to develop into top-tier players. They must be able to come in and compete from day one. Rhule and his staff have done a good job of improving their talent level over the last two years. They’ve recruited over previous in-state commits, causing guys like Malachi Coleman, Daniel Kailen, Dae’Vonn Hall, and Isiah McMorris to go into the portal looking for playing time.
Nebraska’s other 2026 commits are Dayton Raiola, Dveyoun Bonwell-Witte, and CJ Bronaugh.
Dylan Raiola is a 6’1”, 205lb QB from Buford, GA. The three-star recruit is the younger brother of current Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola and the son of former Husker great Dominic Raiola. His Uncle Donavan Raiola is the offensive line coach at Nebraska as well. Dayton has never wavered in his desire to play for Nebraska and committed in September of 2024. Unlike Dylan, he is a left-handed thrower and perhaps more mobile. He had a solid junior season, passing for 1,953 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Nebraska is sure to pay close attention to his senior season.
Dveyoun Bonwell-Witte is a 6’2”, 190lb wide receiver from Sioux Fall, SD. Ranked as a three-star, he has been recruited by Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas State, and Oklahoma. He was offered by former wide receiver coach Garret McGuire after a June camp last year and committed in October. He caught 30 balls for 588 yards and 5 touchdowns as a sophomore. However, he suffered a knee injury in the beginning of his junior year and remained out for the season. One would have to think new wide receiver’s coach Daikiel Shorts will be keeping a close eye on Bonwell-Witte and his recovery.
CJ Bronaugh is a 6’1”, 166lb safety from Windermere, FL. A four-star recruit, he was recruited by Florida State, Penn State, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. Despite a quad injury that kept him out of the first four games last season, he played in the final seven games making 6 interceptions and returning 3 of them for touchdowns. Even though he committed to Nebraska last November, he is still being heavily pursued by home state schools Miami, Florida State, and Florida. He’s expected to take other visits and Nebraska’s staff will have their work cut out keeping him on board.
Several players are expected to make their commitments before their senior season starts, and most will take summer visits and attend camps. 2026 names that Nebraska has targeted, and fans should watch for include RB’s Dezephen Walker and Jamal Rule. WR’s Jayden Warren and Ryan Mosley. TE’s Lincoln Watkins and Luke Sorensen. OT’s Kelvin Obot and Claude Mpouma. IOL’s Deacon Schmitt and Ryan Miret. LB’s Jakore Smith and Tank King.
It seems to me the talent level of both players and coaches has gotten better this year under Rhule, and if this team can rack up some wins and keep the momentum going, Husker fans will have the ‘Husker – Power’ chants echoing through Memorial Stadium.
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