From two big offensive lineman to a movie star. Let’s take a look at the Huskers’ most recent commits!
Houston Kaahaaina-Torres, a three-star offensive lineman from St. Louis High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, recently committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers over the weekend. Standing at 6’3 and weighing 290 pounds, Kaahaaina-Torres is ranked as the top player in Hawaii and the 23rd overall offensive lineman for the 2025 class.
Kaahaaina-Torres has demonstrated impressive agility and quickness, making him a versatile player capable of performing well at both guard and tackle positions, making his nearly a positionless player on the offensive line, fitting Rhule’s mold perfectly. His large frame and excellent lateral mobility allow him to effectively control opposing edge rushers. Pair that with his ability to punish opposing linemen in the run game and reach the second level showcases his strength and technique. I do see Kaahaaina-Torres fitting into a guard position in this offense, utilizing his size and great body position to greatly benefit the Huskers in the near future.
Staying in the Polynesian Pipeline the Husker’s picked up a commit from Brian Tapu, a promising offensive lineman from Salt Lake City West High School in Utah. At 6’5 300 pounds, Tapu’s physical attributes make him a formidable presence on the field. Despite being relatively new to football, having transitioned from basketball, Tapu has quickly made a name for himself with his raw talent and potential.
Tapu’s agility and footwork, honed from his basketball background, are standout qualities that contribute to his effectiveness as an offensive tackle. His ability to move laterally and maintain balance against edge rushers is particularly noteworthy. However, there is still room for growth, especially in terms of developing a more aggressive playing style and refining his technique. But this is the type of player that Matt Rhule is known for developing into an All-Conference type of player. A very talented but raw football talent with a high ceiling.
Both Kaahaaina-Torres and Tapu hold impressive skill sets while coming across in film as raw. Having this has room for growth, particularly in refining their technique and consistency. If Kaahaaina-Torres continues to utilize the weight room and Rhule can instill that fighter mentality in Tapu these two pick-ups could become cornerstones of Nebraska’s offensive line in the next couple of years.
Finally we get to the USC transfer cornerback Ceyair Wright. I came across a publication this weekend that was titled “Nebraska doesnt look gift horse in its mouth” and, well I believe Nebraska did check it out and may be floating its teeth to give this new defensive back a second life. Ceyair Wright, known for his role as Darius James in “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and appearances in “American Skin” and “Grown-ish,” has made a significant transition from Hollywood to the football field. As a four-star recruit, Wright was highly sought after, ranked as the 77th overall prospect and the sixth-best cornerback in the 2021 class.
During his time at USC, Wright played in 23 games, starting 15 of them. He recorded 39 tackles, six pass breakups, and one interception. However, his tenure at USC was marked by challenges, including balancing his acting career with football and inconsistent playing time. These distractions affected his performance, leading to limited appearances and eventually his decision to enter the transfer portal.
Wright’s move to Nebraska under head coach Matt Rhule presents a fresh start. Rhule’s family oriented approach and the supportive environment at Nebraska could provide Wright with the stability he needs to focus on his football career. Being away from the Hollywood spotlight may help Wright concentrate on his development as an athlete, allowing him to refine his skills and reach his full potential as an NFL caliber player.
At 6’ 1, 175 pounds, Wright has the physical attributes and athleticism to excel as a cornerback. With Nebraska’s support system and Rhule’s emphasis on personal growth, Wright has the opportunity to overcome past challenges and become a key player for the Cornhuskers. This new chapter could be exactly what Wright needs to thrive both on and off the field.
As Nebraska continues to bolster its recruiting status, it seems to keep landing players that have high ceilings, but as we all know, with possibility of high reward there is always some risk. Lets see if Rhule can stick the landing and turn these potential standout players into the starters they have the potential to be.
