For good measure, Fong's article on our Junior Day
Nebraska junior day hits the mark with coveted 2025 and 2026 prospects
Matt Rhule and his staff continue to make many of the nation's top recruits feel at home in Lincoln as they aim for another Top 20 class.
STEVE WILTFONG14 hrsVIP20
Nebraska sits on
247Sports No. 18 recruiting class in the 2024 cycle and they’re aiming for another Top 20 haul in 2025, coming out strong
at No. 21 here in January heading into what was a big junior day in Lincoln on Saturday.
Second-year head coach
Matt Rhule and his staff host several top targets, many of whom could possibly give them returns at some point down the road.
“It was great,” Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North Top247 2025 receiver
Isaiah Mozee said. He is the No. 1 prospect in his state, No. 10 receiver in the country and No. 87 prospect overall. “They were very transparent, they were very open-ended, learning what they’re going to do, getting Dylan (Raiola), and how this year will look.
“They’re hard working, the coaches, are very transparent, very real, what you see is what you get. You don’t get certain recruiting pitches. It’s you want to be here or you don’t and I like that. And they’re rebuilding it. It’s a chance to get in the program and make your mark. The fans, even the little things, we went to the basketball game and even if they’re good or bad the fans pop out to everything. The support you ave in the city of Lincoln was crazy.”
The Mozee camp brought a couple carloads for this visit and his father/head coach Jamar liked what he saw as well.
“It went really well, the elder Mozee said. “I enjoyed it. Brought the family. Everybody really enjoyed it. The people. Coach Rhule has been very consistent every time we come. Getting to sit and talk with him was very good. Very genuine person and I think it trickled down through his staff. Real good people across the board. And you can tell where they’re trying to go. There is definitely a vision there in what they’re trying to accomplish.”
Others on campus felt it as well.
“It was very good,” Omaha (Neb.) Westside Top247 linebacker linebacker
Christian Jones said. He is the No. 1 recruit in the state, No. 13 linebacker in the land and NO. 85 prospect overall. “From all the past couple of years of going to the Nebraska junior days this one was by far the best one with how it was running and how they set everything up. It was very hands-on and relationship-based. The best part was everyone got to cook their own meal (Jones did spaghetti and meatballs) for an activity and it was real fun. The new facilities are almost done and looking very top-tier and I'd say that is what caught my eye. What continues to make Nebraska a fit would be I’ve got a good relationship with them.”
Shawnee (Kan.) Mill Valley Top247 edge rusher
Jayden Woods was another Top100 prospect on campus, checking in as the country's No. 11 edge rusher and No. 84 prospect overall.
"It was great," Woods said. "Had a great time learning about a variety of different things and walking through their defense."
Rhule and company hosted over 30 prospects and many raved about their experience with the staff.
“My experience at Nebraska was very great,” Homestead (Fla.) High Top247 receiver
Cortez Mills said. “The environment was outstanding and what catches my eye about Nebraska is they show me how bad they want me in this recruiting process.”
“The experience was incredible!” Algono (Cockeye) High edge
Jack Limbaugh said. “My family and I got to truly experience what Nebraska football is becoming under Coach Rhule’s staff and the coaches were all very welcoming. I really was impressed how close-knit the defense is. They really care about each other and Coach (Tony) White makes it feel like family. I also see got a first-hand look at their brand-new., top-notch facilities, which are probably the best in the country.”
“The visit was great and I got to spend a bunch of time around the staff,” Maize (Kan.) High receiver
Bryson Hayes said. “The atmosphere there is incredible between players and coaches. It was definitely amazing to be back.Nebraksa is definitely at the top right now. Today justified that for me. They showed I’m a priority.”
"It was a lot of fun," Lincoln (Neb.) Southwest receiver/athlete
Jackson Carpenter said. "It was a great experience and nice to see all the coaches. I like the staff a lot. They all have a ton of energy and they’re fun to be around. I definitely believe the Huskers are heading in the right direction and I’m excited to see what they can accomplish this upcoming season."
“My Lincoln experience was lit!” Jefferson City (Mo.) Helias offensive tackle
Will Kemna said. “The coaches continue to impress me as well as make me feel at home and I got to experience the opportunity to be a Husker fan. Overall great atmosphere and great visit.”
“I had a great time and what caught my eye was definitely the facilities,” Omaha (Neb.) Millard South tight end
Chase Loftin said. “One of the best in the country. It’s definitely in the top five and will be a place that I will take an official visit to!”
"The new facilities were unreal, can’t wait for the rest of it to be finished to see what it’s like fully done," Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley Northwest offensive lineman
Brock Heath said. "The staff did a great job keeping us interacting throughout the whole day, and met every need I had."
Nebraska hosted several high-profile sophomores as well.
“I had a great time learning about Nebraska and how their program works, and getting to catch up with all of the coaches,” Nixa (Mo.) High 247Sports Composite five-star offensive tackle
Jackson Cantwell said. He is the No. 2 overall player in America and top offensive tackle. “Their coaching staff, general culture in the program, and proximity is very eye-catching.”
“ I really liked the coaches, facilities and the overall culture of the program,” 247Sports’ No. 3 running back
DeZephen Walker said. “I would have to say the communication, player engagement, academic program, and the graduation rate caught my eye the most.”
“My experience in Lincoln was outstanding,” IMG Academy offensive lineman
Breck Kolojay said. “I left very impressed, What continues to catch my eye is what they are doing with the program, it’s on the right track, also seeing the new facility which is still under construction had me amazed. Also Coach Rhule, (Donovan) Raiola, and (Marcus) Satt(erfield) let me know that I’m a huge priority for them and how maybe one day I could be blocking for Dylan! After visiting, it definitely made me more interested, I want to see how these next couple seasons go and see Nebraska start winning a bunch of games”
Stay tuned to 247Sports and Huskers247 as more reaction comes in.
