Recruiting never stops and it’s easy to miss the top stories day-to-day. Recruiting analyst Greg Smith recaps all things Nebraska recruiting news, analysis and more so you never miss a thing.
The Huskers hosted over 60 visitors on campus for the matchup with Michigan. It was the second consecutive night game for Nebraska. The program took full advantage of the ability to get several priority targets in town to witness a night game at Memorial Stadium.
Though there were several recruits on hand for the game there was one glaring omission. The Huskers had no official visitors for the game. The 2022 class being so small this year has caused Nebraska to pull back on the number of players in that class brought in. That change is still jarring to see each week during pregame. That’s despite the last two visit weekends being good.
The result of the game was not what Nebraska wanted. It played Michigan close, giving itself a chance to win the game at the end. The Huskers came up short. Yet, reaction poured in from recruits that they enjoyed the game day experience.
Papillion-La Vista 2022 wide receiver Tyson Money was back on the sidelines. He enjoyed his visit to Lincoln.
Thank you for having me down again! @SeanDillonNU @coachwilhite me and the guys had a blast☠️ #GBR pic.twitter.com/hvMPHtLJlf
— 𝓣𝔂𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓮𝔂 ⚡️ (@TysonMoney3) October 11, 2021
Class of 2024 Iowa athlete Preston Ries got his first taste of Nebraska football in person. The 6-foot-2, 200 pound three-sport athlete loved what he saw in Lincoln on Saturday.
Thanks to @CoachChinander @SeanDillonNU @TheStrengthU for a great game. I had a great time! #GoBigRed #blackshirts ☠️⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/Ny2Z6e7QNY
— Preston Ries (@PrestonRies21) October 10, 2021
Millard South 2023 inside linebacker Lance Rucker was also at the Michigan game. Rucker enjoyed his time on campus.
Had a great time down in lincoln yesterday, thanks for the invite @SeanDillonNU #GoBigRed pic.twitter.com/oHBK6aQVVo
— Lance Rucker (@Lance68350195) October 10, 2021
Florida defensive back Braeden Marshall made the trip to Lincoln last weekend. The 2023 defender had a talk with defensive backs coach Travis Fisher that made a big impact on him.
“It was great talking with Coach Fisher,” Marshall said. “We were just talking about the things that they have going on here. Also, what he’s done with defensive backs in his past. My defensive back coach was his former player, so my coach has been telling me good things about Coach Fisher, too. Otherwise we were just talking about the University of Nebraska and what I could possibly do there.”
Nebraska’s top quarterback target for the 2023 cycle Reese Mooney also had a great visit. The Huskers told him he is their guy for the 2023 class which made him feel good.
“It feels great,” Mooney said. “It makes me work even harder. I have coaches that really trust me. I don’t want to let people down.”
Texas outside linebacker Kennedy McDowell had a “surreal” first trip to Lincoln. There was a lot about the visit that stood out to him but one aspect will stick with him for quite a while.
“The sea of red. I can’t not think about the sea of red,” McDowell said. “I’ve heard stories and it’s almost like an urban legend. I got to see it myself. I absolutely adored it and it gave me goosebumps. You won’t see that anywhere else. The fact that the fans are just so devoted to that team. It’s honestly out of this world. It’s something that you really just don’t see anywhere else.”
Despite the 3-4 record this season, the Huskers are showing improvement on the field. Recruits are noticing that while enjoying the game day environment at Nebraska. The finish to the 2021 season will be interesting to track as Nebraska hopes to pile up more wins.
Recruit Watch
>> The Huskers offered 2022 New Jersey defensive back Davison Igbinosun on Tuesday. He recently decommitted from Rutgers.
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Nebraska #GBR 🌽 pic.twitter.com/BmbPxwLm7Z
— Davison Igbinosun (@DaveIgbinosun) October 12, 2021
>> Michigan game 2023 offensive line visitor Zak Yamauchi was offered by the team on Monday night.
After an Amazing Conversation with @GregAustin2717, I’m blessed and humbled to receive an offer from the University of Nebraska! #GBR #JURY @BishopGormanFB @JakeTaylor_79 @BwireJJ @NEB_Recruiting @SeanDillonNU @CoachTuioti92 @TeitumT pic.twitter.com/jWVqiQV3VH
— Zak Yamauchi (@ZakYamauchi) October 12, 2021
ICYMI
>> In the latest Straight Up Breakdown podcast, I was joined by Derek Peterson to discuss how Nebraska meets the eye test but continues to fall short.
>> Nebraska coordinators Matt Lubick and Erik Chinander discussed the Minnesota matchup on Tuesday.
>> Patience and steady improvement (Premium) helped Quinton Newsome earn a Blackshirt.
>> As Steve Marik writes, Rahmir Johnson is showing that he can be a ‘complete back’ (Premium) at Nebraska.
>> Underclassman defenders are carving out roles (Premium) while waiting their turn behind super seniors as Jacob Padilla writes.

Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.