Nebraska’s 2024 recruiting class continues to grow. The Huskers are at 24 commitments after Preston Taumua’s decision on in the wee central timezone hours of Monday morning. NCAA rules no longer cap classes at just 25 pledges. With the Huskers still pursuing several recruits, how large could the recruiting class actually be?
It’s worth breaking down. The staff wanted to be aggressive in the camp season, head coach Matt Rhule said after spring ball. Hopefully, he said, the Huskers could put a competitive, exciting enough team on the field this fall to make recruits double take. Considering Rhule’s history of recruiting, that means potential flips aren’t at all off the table. So let’s take a look at where Nebraska stands with some high-profile uncommitted recruits in the 2024 class.
Brandon Baker, offensive line: The No. 1 offensive line recruit in the country is seemingly postponing his commitment until he sees Nebraska one more time. The Mater Dei senior, top-20 overall recruit in the composite, is eyeing a third visit to Lincoln this fall. Mater Dei has a bye the weekend of September 16, the weekend of Nebraska’s home opener against Northern Illinois. The timing works out well for Baker to give Nebraska a closer look on an official visit. Baker previously visited Nebraska in March and April.
Gatlin Bair, wide receiver: Idaho’s speedy 4-star receiver may return to Lincoln this fall. He told Idaho Sports Talk Radio this summer he wanted to visit all five of his finalists before committing. He visited Michigan, TCU and Oregon in June. That leaves Boise State and Nebraska as top-five schools he hasn’t taken official visits to yet. Bair also told KTIK Radio Boise State would be right there in the top two when he made his decision. If that’s an indication, Nebraska could be high on his list after they reached out in January.
Nathaniel Frazier, running back: The No. 15 recruit in the country hasn’t closed the door on Nebraska. He included Nebraska in his top eight, which was announced last week. The Mater Dei standout is said to be nearing a decision because he wants to commit before his senior season begins. He visited Nebraska back in March and it left a big enough impact for the program to make his shortlist months later. Frazier is already committed to playing in the All-American Bowl.
Grant Brix, offensive line: One of the nation’s top-ranked interior offensive lineman is still a top priority for Nebraska. And, seemingly, Nebraska is still a priority for him. Brix, a standout at Logan-Magnolia High, just over the Missouri River, has visited Nebraska five times. One of those was an official visit the weekend of June 23. Brix hasn’t released a timeline for his announcement. He could commit before his senior season begins or he could drag the decision into the season after a late recruiting charge from Alabama.
Jayshawn Ross, edge: Nebraska is among Ross’ top five schools. The consensus 4-star recruit from Liberty North in Kansas City is heavily linked with Oklahoma because his only official visit this summer was to Norman. But he took an unofficial visit to Lincoln just before that and maintains an official visit date if he were to visit Lincoln on a game weekend. He’s not yet announced a timetable for his commitment.
Recruit Watch
Williams Nwaneri, the 5-star defensive lineman from Lee’s Summit North, is said to be on the “backend of his recruiting process.” Nwaneri included Nebraska in his list of top 12 schools but doesn’t seem to be on his shortlist at this point.
The Houston Chronicle released its Fab 50, a list of the top 50 football 2024 recruits in the greater Houston area. That list includes three Nebraska commits—Ian Flynt (No. 27), Gibson Pyle (No. 34) and Braylen Prude (No. 47).
ICYMI
>> The NBA Summer League has come to a close, which means the end of summer action for five former Huskers. Hail Varsity staff writer Jacob Padilla took a deeper look at how each of those former Huskers did and what that means for their futures.
>> This past weekend brought the attempted 11th running of the Nebraska Road Race and the championship day of the first youth flag football season at Nebraska. A few Huskers spoke with Hail Varsity about coaching and officiating in the short season.
>> Several members of the Nebraska football coaching and support staffs went to Texas this past weekend. Houston hosted the annual Texas High School Coaches Association Coaching School, where Matt Rhule spoke briefly on Monday. Rhule also spoke to the football general assembly Monday morning.
