Trajectory of Nebraska's football program impresses the weekend's blue-chip visitors
VIP
BySTEVE WILTFONG 2 hours ago
6
Nebraska head coach
Matt Rhule hosted many of the nation’s top prospects this weekend as the first-year Huskers staff showcased the vision they and the administration have for the historic program.
247Sports No. 1 prospect
Dylan Raiola returned for the weekend arriving Friday and staying into Sunday. Their experience included a Huskers baseball game, time around the staff and of course conversation with athletic director Turd Alberts.
The Raiola family has raved in the past about the relationships they have in Lincoln, have talked highly of the vision Rhule has for restoring the program to prominence, and what the support of the fanbase has meant during this recruiting process.
Raiola was one of several five-stars and Top247 prospects taking in the atmosphere in Lincoln, one oozing of excitement as this new era dawns on Huskers football.
“Everybody has nice facilities and stuff like that, but they have something in the works that looks like it’s going to be pretty crazy,” St. Louis (Mo.) University School five-star receiver
Ryan Wingo said. He arrived Friday and flew out early Saturday to get home for a track meet. “They have a new facility that’s being built and you’re like woah, that’s a huge thing they have going. That stood out the biggest.
“Also you feel at home when you’re there,” Wingo continued. “You feel like that at other places too, but the Nebraska coaches, that was my first time up there and the coaches made me feel like I’ve been there a whole bunch of times and I was real comfortable. It was a good trip. Obviously me and Dylan keep getting that connection and bond. It was a fun place.”
247Sports No. 1 defensive lineman and No. 1 offensive tackle were also on campus in Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North five-star
Williams Nwaneri and Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei five-star
Brandon Baker.
“I had a great time,” Nwaneri said. “I enjoyed myself. Meeting the Nebraska coaches and seeing the new facility also being built, that was an awesome highlight of the visit. I think they’ll be a successful program. Talking to all the coaches and talking to Coach Rhule especially, he has a great vision for what he wants to do. They definitely made a good push.”
“It was great, the environment was great,” Baker said. “It is exciting to see what they are building, they have all the resources to restore the great program!”
Nebraska is in the thick of it for many of these blue-chippers moving forward.
“The people there are as good as anywhere and the fans are unlike any other,” Burley (Idaho) Senior Top247 receiver
Gatlin Bair said. “There’s a different energy there right now everyone in the building is on the same page and trying to get the program turned around. I think that Nebraska is very similar to Idaho and the people and place really just felt similar. The new facility and how devoted they are to improving development and recovery was super impressive”
“The atmosphere was incredible,” Cheshire Academy Top247 defensive lineman
Jerod Smith said. He was joined by his brother and fellow Top247 edge recruit
Jacob Smith. “The fans really love the football program. What excites me most is the potential they have with their new head coach, and he’s a great head coach, and he’s gonna do really good things for the program. The new facility they’re building is going to be a game-changer.”
“Lincoln was crazy,” Katy (Texas) Taylor tight end
Ian Flynt said. “There were so many great players around me that I was able to connect with. I loved being able to sit in on meetings this weekend it gave me a great look at how the coaches coach. I also loved being able to watch their practice it allowed me to see a lot about the offense they run. I’m excited at how enthusiastic these coaches are to be here, I’ve never seen anyone want to be in the building more than this coaching staff.”
“The atmosphere in Lincoln was great this weekend,” Sioux Falls (SD) Jefferson linebacker
Thomas Heiberger said. “I can’t imagine what it’s like on game day. Everyone in the program seems excited for the future of Nebraska football. I think that the vision they have for the team and the culture Coach Rhule has set in such a short amount of time is exciting. I was able to talk with some players too and they’re having a good time. I’m definitely looking forward to being back.”
Other prospects on campus over the last few days included Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei Top247 running back
Nate Frazier, Peculiar (Mo.) Raymore-Peculiar Top247 tight end Jaden Redell, Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst Top247 offensive tackle
Andrew Sprague and Logan (Cockeye) Magnolia Top247 offensive tackle
Grant Brix.
6COMMENTS
Rhule and company also hosted some top targets in the 2025 class.
“It was a great atmosphere,” Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North Top247 receiver
Isaiah Mozee said. “I feel like the Huskers are on the rise to be like their past. The head coach seems like a good dude.”
