Matt Rhule and Nebraska football continue to demonstrate why they’re ahead of the curve when it comes to recruiting innovation. The Huskers are once again pioneering a new approach to get elite talent on campus, this time through the Battle in the Boneyard, a groundbreaking 7-on-7 tournament set for June 6 at Memorial Stadium.
In partnership with Adidas, Nebraska has created something truly special. While the Huskers have hosted 7-on-7 events and Adidas camps separately in the past, this tournament combines both elements into what could become an annual showcase event. At $400 per team, the tournament has already generated significant buzz, with organizers noting limited space availability despite the recent announcement.
This tournament represents far more than just another 7-on-7 event, it’s Nebraska’s golden opportunity to get elite recruits to Lincoln who might otherwise never consider making the trip. Let’s be honest: many top prospects from Florida, Georgia, Texas, and California probably think Nebraska is nothing but cornfields and small towns. They’ve never seen what Lincoln has to offer, never experienced the state of the art facilities, and never felt the energy of Memorial Stadium.
The Battle in the Boneyard changes all of that. By bringing 16 elite teams and approximately 50 four-star and higher-rated prospects to campus, Nebraska is essentially getting unofficial visits from players who would never have scheduled them otherwise. These athletes will see the impressive facilities, experience the college town atmosphere of Lincoln, and witness firsthand what Nebraska football is all about.
Teams like South Florida Express, Cali Power, Hustle Inc. from Atlanta, and Nebraska’s own Drillington Elite will compete alongside powerhouse programs, bringing some of the most exciting prospects in the country including Tristen Keys, Calvin Russell, CJ Bronaugh, Malik Henderson, Jaden Carter, and Tyrell Simmons.
Former Husker wide receiver Abdul Muhammad, who was instrumental in Nebraska’s 1994 national championship, understands the recruiting goldmine this represents. “Man, it’s a beautiful thing that Nebraska is kind of spearheading this movement,” Muhammad explained. “You’re going to start seeing this all over the place and it’s great that Nebraska has started something special bringing all these talented teams, and players, and coaches, into the state for kids to be seen by the university.”
What makes this event unprecedented isn’t just the talent level – it’s the setting and the opportunity it creates. “There have been elite 7-on-7 events going on for a while,” Muhammad noted. “But to have this many elite players at one college at the same time, no, that’s never been done.”
This is Nebraska’s chance to shatter preconceived notions. When these elite athletes walk through the doors of the Hendricks Training Complex, see the upgraded Memorial Stadium, and experience Lincoln’s vibrant college atmosphere, their perspective on Nebraska will change instantly. They’ll realize this isn’t just cornfields and small town America, this is a world class program with facilities that rival anyone in the country.
Muhammad’s involvement with DOMO National adds another layer to the tournament’s significance. The DOMO team features players from Nebraska, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and California. Their track record speaks volumes, when they first traveled to Miami with 22 players, 18 already carried Power Four offers. By the end of that tournament, 20 had offers, and now every player on the roster has Division I opportunities.
The beauty of this approach is that it’s not just about the tournament itself. These players will spend time on campus, tour the facilities, see the academic support systems, and get a real feel for what Nebraska offers. Many will leave with a completely different impression than when they arrived. Some might even start considering Nebraska as a legitimate option for their college careers.
This tournament represents more than just a single event, it’s a blueprint for sustained recruiting success. By creating an open to the public showcase in the iconic Memorial Stadium setting, the Huskers are providing elite athletes with an unforgettable experience while giving fans a preview of potential future stars.
The Battle in the Boneyard exemplifies Nebraska’s forward-thinking approach under Matt Rhule’s leadership. It’s a brilliant way to get top-tier talent on campus who might never have given Nebraska a second thought. As Muhammad put it, “Hopefully some come to Nebraska. But, yeah man, it’s an incredible list of teams coming to this university. It can’t get here fast enough.”
With Memorial Stadium as the backdrop and some of the nation’s top prospects getting their first real look at what Nebraska has to offer, this tournament could be a game changer for Husker recruiting. Sometimes all it takes is getting players to Lincoln to see that Nebraska is much more than they ever imagined.