With receiving four commitments over the last five days Matt Rhule and his staff can now stop and take a deep breath and enjoy the upcoming fireworks. It doesn’t mean the work can stop, but there must be some relief as they rounded out their offensive class for 2026 by picking up players that were at the top of their wish list.
Nebraska now has 12 commitments in the 2026 cycle. Ten of those are offensive players. The Huskers have taken:
Quarterback (1) Dayton Raiola, 6’2” 205lbs, 3-Star
Running back (1) Jamal Rule, 6’0” 205lbs, 3-Star.
Tight End (1) Luke Sorensen, 6’4” 245lbs, 3-Star.
Wide Receivers (3) Nalin Scott, 6’2” 200lbs, 3-Star. Larry Miles, 5’10” 170lbs, 3-Star. Dveyoun Bonwell-Witte, 6’1” 190lbs, 3-Star.
Offensive Linemen (4) Hayden Ainsworth, 6’5, 305lbs, 3-Star. Rex Waterman, 6’5” 295lbs, 3-Star. Leon Noil Jr., 6’5” 255lbs, 3-Star. Claude Mpouma, 6’7” 308lbs, 4-Star.
Linebacker (1) Jase Reynolds, 6’2” 206bs, 3-Star.
Defensive Back (1) Danny Odem, 6’2”180lbs, 4-Star.
As you can see, there is still work to be done on the defensive side of the ball and I anticipate the Huskers will attempt to add at least three to four more bodies on that side. But overall, I can’t see them adding more than fifteen players in the 2026 cycle. This is already a young team.
I believe Nebraska has been successful in recruiting offensive players due to the QB’s already on the team, Dylan Raiola and TJ Lateef, along with the latest two commitments in Dayton Raiola and Trae Taylor. Recruits feel good about where Nebraska’s QB room is for the future and want to be a part of it. Nailing down top QB’s first may be the answer to future recruitment.
Let’s look at the offensive additions over the last four days and what they have to offer.
Nalin Scott, WR, 6’2” 200lbs, Powder springs, GA – Nalin was a key target for coach Daikel Shorts Jr. and has been compared to a Dane Key in his first year. Good outside receiver who doesn’t have great speed but is a polished route runner, good along the side lines and wins contested passes. Has the potential to contribute in year one.
Leon Noil Jr., OT, 6’5” 255lbs, New Orlenas, LA – While Noil has been recruited as a tackle and is athletic enough to play the position, measurables will determine where he plays, wingspan being one of the big ones. He moves well, has good hands, explodes well off the line and is powerful. He can be an effective puller, and his versatility allows him to move inside to guard if needed.
Claude Mpouma, OT, 6’7” 308lbs, Chicago IL – While only playing one year of football he’s potentially considered one of the best recruits at tackle this season. He has great athleticism, played on the Nike circuit in basketball and played soccer. Good mauler in the run game but has great lateral movement for pass blocking. Not seen as a starter in the first two years as he needs time for development but has excellent potential.
Larry Miles, WR, 5’10” 170lbs, Orlando. FL – Miles has been compared to Jacory Barney, someone with twitch and quick acceleration who is dangerous when in motion, bubble screens, and one on one matchups. Played on the 7 v 7 circuit with 2027 QB commit Trae Taylor. Miles recently had 15 TDs in three days of play at the OT7 tournament. He was one of wide receiver coach Daikel Shorts Jr. top priorities and will fit into Dana Holgorsen’s scheme well.
You constantly hear fans complain about Nebraska adding three-star and four-star players rather than Ohio State type five-stars. But I’m good with Nebraska’s recruiting. It isn’t a case of Nebraska not being interested in five-stars or attempting to recruit them, it’s a case of finding the right players. Individuals that want to be at Nebraska and are a good fit for the program, the culture, and give you the best bang for your buck. True Huskers.
Defensive players Nebraska is still pursuing:
Devin Jackson, 4-star S, 6’2” 195lbs, Orlando FL.
Valdin Sone, 4-star DT, 6’3” 316lbs, Dyke, VA.
Calvin Thomas, 3-star LB, 6’3” 210lbs, Cyress, TX.
Darion Jones, 3-star CB, 6’1” 170lbs, Omaha, NE.
While slots are filling up, a couple of these players may hold off committing until the season starts. There is also the possibility of them committing to a school and then flipping once they see what the Huskers do on the field. Or commit to Nebraska and then decommit if the Huskers don’t have the season anticipated. While Nebraska currently has 12 commitments, keeping them on board until signing day will be a priority. Winning will play a big role in that happening.
People point to big games on the schedule, but for me Cincinnati is one of the biggest games to be played. Nebraska must come out strong and win that game convincingly. If they stumble or God forbid lose, momentum from the bowl game is lost and convincing recruits that Nebraska is on the right track becomes difficult. Too many people will say, “Another 7-5 team, same old Nebraska.”
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