Hayden Ainsworth (Biloxi, MI), a three-star OT (247Sport), committed to the Cornhuskers on Monday morning. His final decision came down between NC State and Nebraska, with the Huskers edging out NC State for the commitment. Ainsworth is 6-5, 305 pounds, already at great size for the next level.
Ainsworth was on campus in Lincoln earlier this June, and shortly after announced on social media that he was shutting down his recruitment.
Ainsworth took the Josh Allen approach initially sending film to multiple teams, including the Huskers who would ultimately make him a top target for the class. He joins Rex Waterman as the second offensive tackle in this 2026 class, as the Huskers look to build depth and the future of the offensive line, that needs to improve going forward.
The Huskers offensive line ranked 78th nationally in sacks allowed last year, and 98th in yards per carry, both rankings that need to see improvement in order for the Huskers to truly be competitive in the BIG10. Matt Rhule will continue to target prospects he thinks can give the offensive line room an edge in the BIG10, and with Ainsworth and Waterman both already having impressive size before undergoing transformation on campus, its clear he is looking for big guys who can compete at the level needed in the BIG10.
Go Big Red.