Recruiting never stops and it’s easy to miss the top stories day-to-day. Hail Varsity recaps all things Nebraska recruiting news, analysis and more so you never miss a thing.
We are only a couple of days way from the start of fall camp for Nebraska, which means things will begin to shift on the recruiting trail for the Huskers. However, Nebraska is in a pretty solid spot heading into fall with its 2023 recruiting class and won’t be looking to add too many between now and the early signing period in December.
The Huskers’ class currently sits at 14 commitments but it could end up around 18 by the time it’s all said and done. There isn’t a lot of wiggle room left at this point though, as Nebraska has most of its position needs filled already for the 2023 class.
At quarterback, Nebraska already has William “Pop” Watson III committed to the program. He fills the one need at the spot for 2023.
As for running back, this is one where Nebraska could go without a commitment for the 2023 class but likely would prefer not to (unless the coaches can’t find the right fit and then they may turn to the portal). We’ve discussed it before, and it’s one to keep an eye on. The departure of Markese Stepp adds another layer here too. While the Huskers are still more than fine at the running back spot right now, it’s one where depth could take a hit quickly if there are more transfers after the season. This is a spot where it seems likely Nebraska will try to add at least one player, either through a commitment for the 2023 class or through the transfer portal.
The wide receiver spot is fine, especially with the potential commitment of Malachi Coleman in October. He would be the fourth wide receiver in the class if he picks Nebraska, alongside Jaidyn Doss, Barry Jackson and Omarion Miller. At tight end, Benjamin Brahmer is committed and that’s all the Huskers need for now.
One area where Nebraska could look to add another commitment or two is on the offensive line. The Huskers have three commitments for the 2023 class so far—Sam Sledge, Gunnar Gottula and Brock Knutson—but another one or two should be expected. A name to keep an eye on is Jr Sia, who visited Nebraska in June. He’s expected to commit to a program in August.
Riley Van Poppel is Nebraska’s one defensive line commitment for 2023, and he could be it. However, Nebraska could add another to the class depending on how things shake out. At EDGE, the Huskers currently have two committed in Maverick Noonan and Ashley Williams. Nebraska also wants Cameron Lenhardt—and it seems the Huskers are the favorite for his commitment any day now—but that takes things one over the expected need at the spot for the class. Could that mean someone like Williams de-commits and looks elsewhere? It’s possible, but Nebraska could take three EDGE players if it had to. It’s probably just not the preferred option.
Linebacker is set with the commitments of Hayden Moore and Dylan Rogers, and defensive back seems to be in a good spot with Dwight Bootle. There is some buzz about Ryan Robinson Jr. as a defensive back for the Huskers’ 2023 class. It’s worth keeping an eye on because Nebraska could support one more defensive back in the class.
All of that to say, anything can happen at this point. Nebraska is in a good place right now to be selective with its final spots in the 2023 class, but things can change quickly on the recruiting trail. It’ll be interesting to see how things look come December.
Recruit Watch
>> Lincoln East wide receiver—and Nebraska target—has moved his commitment date up from December to October 15th.
I will be moving my commitment date up to October 15th !! 👀 ⏰ pic.twitter.com/RZf8CrIExa
— Malachi Coleman (@ChiColeman23) July 22, 2022
>> Cornerback Braeden Marshall has narrowed his top three programs down to Wisconsin, North Carolina and Nebraska.
I’m Down To 3 Schools😁
Wisconsin 👐🏽
North Carolina 🐏
Nebraska 🌽— Braeden Marshall (@MarshallBraeden) July 24, 2022
ICYMI
>> When middle blocker Kaitlyn Hord visited Nebraska after entering the transfer portal last December, she knew it was the place for her. Hord canceled her other visits and committed to the Huskers.
>> Jacob Padilla broke down the film from Keisei Tominaga’s first season in Lincoln to see how the Huskers used him and how he can take a step forward in year two.
>> It’s the last official week of summer for the Nebraska football program. As a result, four more coaches made appearances on Sports Nightly this week. We recapped what was said.
>> Sam Foltz’s place in Nebraska Cornhusker lore was already cemented, but it is now made all the more permanent by the highway south of his hometown that bears the punter’s name.
>> Jaz Shelley was a leader in her first year with Nebraska women’s basketball last season, both statistically and in the locker room. This summer, she’s taken steps to bring that leadership off the court in preparation for a future career.
Erin is the Deputy Editor and Digital Marketing Strategist for Hail Varsity. She has covered Nebraska athletics since 2012, which has included stops at Bleacher Report, Cox Media Group’s Land of 10, and even Hail Varsity (previously from 2012-2017). She has also been featured on the Big Ten Network, NET’s Big Red Wrap-Up, and a varsity of radio shows nationwide. When not covering the Huskers, Erin is probably at Chipotle.
