Matt Rhule and his Nebraska coaching staff are making Texas a priority. Hail Varsity has long documented those ties, especially on the recruiting trail. So let’s now take a step deeper because this rekindling comes at a time when Texan recruits are leaving the state in large numbers.
Of the top 30 recruits in the composite rankings within the state of Texas, just four are currently committed to in-state colleges. And there are a lot of programs in Texas. Having said that, high-profile recruits are trending towards Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Texas, but the trend is still established enough to warrant inspection.
Georgia is picking up a lot of those top Lone Star State recruits—being a two-time defending champion has its perks. Clemson has Bryant Wesco, the top recruit from Texas. Florida now has two of the top 10 recruits in Texas including quarterback DJ Lagway. Neighboring Oklahoma and Arkansas are both recruiting at a high level across the DFW metro and down into Central Texas. Even Ohio State went into San Antonio and gained a commitment from 4-star running back James Peoples. Then, and hold onto something sturdy, Kansas holds a commitment from 4-star edge rusher Dakyus Brinkley.
It’s no surprise most of the top talent in Texas is either headed to the Big Ten or the SEC. For these purposes, Texas and Oklahoma are classified in the SEC because 2024 recruits will play their first snaps at those schools as members of the SEC. Texas A&M continues to recruit at a high level as the first Lone Star State representative in the SEC. On the flip side of that realignment is Houston to the Big 12 to join upward-trending programs TCU and Texas Tech. Baylor, as a member of the Big 12, does not have a commitment within the top 50 recruits in the state of Texas.
This exodus from Texas could at least be partially attributed to realignment. As more big-time Texas teams go into the SEC, recruiting footprints of LSU, Alabama, Georgia and Florida expand as well. The Big Ten is overcoming geographic hurdles in proximity to Texas to recruit at a high level. It’s worth noting potential Name, Image and Likeness compensations could more easily allow families to fly from Texas into Big Ten country. In any event, the gates are open to get Texas talent and Nebraska is looking to prosper.
Recruit Watch
Nebraska recruits, some committed in the 2024 and 2025 classes while others are uncommitted, received invitations to Lincoln on Monday. The coaching staff is hosting “The Cookout” ahead of the August dead period. More on that story in a later recruiting notebook.
I will be at Nebraska this weekend! @ENHS_Football @CoachMattRhule pic.twitter.com/VQvRZk2T8Q
— Chase Loftin (@ChaseLoftin8) July 25, 2023
The Huskers are hosting a few more recruits ahead of the season. Cedar Valley, Utah, 3-star edge rusher Devoux Tuataga is scheduled to visit Nebraska this weekend. He’s been closely associated with Oregon and Tennessee up to this point. Caleb Benning (Omaha Wetside, 3 stars) and Grant Brix (Logan-Magnolia, 4 stars) are both visiting this weekend as well.
ICYMI
>> There’s a chance Fred Hoiberg didn’t realize how competitive Brice Williams is when he snagged him from the portal. The Charlotte transfer is now in Lincoln and ready to make a big impact for the Huskers.
>> Amy Williams and the Nebraska women’s basketball team added just one hooper from the portal yet again. Darian White, a four-year standout at Montana State, is now in Lincoln and talked earlier this month about her acclimation to Big Ten hoops.
>> Big man Matar Diop is a late addition to the Nebraska men’s basketball team for the upcoming season. Diop, 6-foot-9, brings his 7-foot-3 wingspan to Lincoln after spending time at Keystone Athletic Academy in Erie, Pennsylvania.
