The 2026 recruiting class for Nebraska Cornhuskers is certainly nothing too great. It is now ranked as the No. 99 class in the nation after two decommits over the week. However, a new five-star has emerged, and well, about the class being No. 99, Nebraska couldn’t care less. The team is incredibly young and has put quality over quantity until; 2027, which will see a ton of talent join the Huskers roster.
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Dayton Raiola and Leon Noil Jr. Decommit from Nebraska as Fears Mount
Dayton Raiola, younger brother of Dylan Raiola, has decommited from Nebraska. However, fears of a Raiola exodus from Nebraska feel a little bit unreasonable. Instead, it feels as if Raiola was likely never going to start for the Huskers and wants to prove himself someplace. In 2026, Raiola is likely to be the starter barring a transfer or crazy performance form TJ Lateef. In 2027, Lateef would’ve probably started, while he will be probably followed by near 5 star Trae Taylor.
The reality was that with his older brother, Lateef, and Taylor, Raiola had a massive uphill climb to even sniff a chance to start. As for Leon Noil Jr., he flipped his commitment to Mississippi State. However, that doesn’t hurt Nebraska very much, since he wasn’t a very highly touted recruit.
Massive Progress Made By CB who Jumps to 5-star, as O-Lineman Also Makes Good Progress
According to 247, Huskers fans can still be excited about some talent coming out of the class. Danny Odem, who came into 2025 as a 3-star, jumped all the way to a 5-star cornerback. Odem has shut down is recruiting, and is now the No. 2 cornerback in the 2026 class. For the Huskers, this is wonderful news considering they have arguably had the best secondary in the country this season. Nebraska fans can also like that Clade Mpouma, who actually comes from the same high school (Mount Carmel) as Trae Taylor.
Now, Mpouma is ranked as the No. 15 OT in his class, which Nebraska probably loves to see. The class overall only has a few recruits joining the team, meaning that the transfer will be very important
This Season’s Transfer Portal Is VERY, VERY Important
That being said, it is very important for the Huskers that there is not a mass exodus from the school. Most positions with all the freshmen and current players are set, such as the wide receiver position, which will have Nyziah Hunter, Jacory Barney Jr., Cortez Mills Jr, and others in it. The position is a great example of just how good Nebraska can be next season, as those 3 make Nebraska a very dangerous team on the offensive side of ball.
Nebraska cannot take massive hits from the portal this season. In fact, Nebraska needs to use it in order to get even better, in case they need help with specific positions like the O-Line and D-Line. Regardless of anything, if Nebraska loses a lot of young talent, it isn’t a very good thing.
As for Recruiting, the 2027 Class is Ranked No. 5
For those wondering why Nebraska has dragged it’s feet in 2026 recruiting class, well, it’s because the Huskers will seek an elite class in 2027. It is already ranked No. 5, but will likely get better. At the moment, the Huskers have 5-star Tory Pittman III and 4-stars Trae Taylor, Tay Ellis, Jabari Watkins, and Matt Erickson as well. Nebraska is probably leading the No. 1 TE in the nation Ahmad Hudson, and is definitely predicted to get a commitment from 4-star Amir Brown. Simply put, Nebraska is trying to make it’s class the best it’s ever had. It is far from doing that. Nebraska is in the mix for a ton of a other five stars as well.
Overall, Nebraska fans really don’t need to worry about the future state of the Huskers. Matt Rhule has done wonders recruiting for the team, and will continue to secure very important pieces for the Huskers. The main concern is the portal, which combined with a small 26′ class could be dangerous. But for now, Nebraska and’s recruiting is trending upwards.
Main Image: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
