Nebraska’s 2026 recruiting class is extremely small. It seems that Matt Rhule searched for quality over quantity this cycle. However, that doesn’t mean that the program doesn’t have incoming talent. Let’s break down the Cornhuskers’ top commits.
Danny Odem
Fresh off of CJ Bronaugh’s decommitment from the program, Addison Williams landed four-star cornerback Danny Odem. The Orlando product reached headline status in Nebraska’s recruiting class by earning his fifth star in late November. Can he use this momentum to earn playing time as a true freshman in Lincoln? It’s very likely. The Huskers lose both Ceyair Wright and Deshon Singleton next year to graduation. This allows players such as Andrew Marshall and Jamir Conn to assume their roles in 2026. However, we shouldn’t count Odem out of the room. The five-star prospect showed off his playmaking ability in his junior year with 45 tackles, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Plus, Odem will play in the Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio. These two aspects will make it hard for Williams to not put him on the field immediately.
Lockdown. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️@DannyOdem3 is the latest addition to the Blackshirts. ☠️ pic.twitter.com/tm7jP4bwX7
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) December 3, 2025
Claude Mpouma
The Huskers held off schools like Michigan, Ohio State, and Auburn to secure Mpouma’s signature in Nebraska’s recruiting class. This is a big recruiting win for offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. This is partially because he has the weight and size to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten at 6-7 and 302 pounds. Plus, Mpouma is light on his feet. This is an extremely valuable trait for the Huskers’ offensive line to have, especially since the program struggled in pass protection this year. A total of 30 sacks were given up by the Cornhuskers, including nine in one game to Minnesota. The only question for Raiola is if he’ll start at left or right tackle. The Huskers lose Turner Corcoran at the left tackle spot, and Elijah Pritchett will be a senior in 2026.
Jamal Rule
The three-star back from North Carolina draws comparisons to the Huskers’ running back Emmett Johnson. This is likely because of his high school tape. In his junior season at Charlotte Christian, Rule rushed for 1,236 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also has a similar build to Johnson at six feet and 205 pounds. This allows him to run with a physical style and invite contact while he runs. The only problem with Rule is that he was under-recruited out of high school. His only offers were from Michigan State, Virginia Tech, and Syracuse. Because of this, Rule has a chip on his shoulder before he comes to Lincoln. It will be interesting to see if he can use this to vault up the depth chart.
Larry Miles
The Flobraska pipeline is humming under wide receivers coach Daikiel Shorts. Current redshirt freshman Cortez Mills was a big win for Nebraska’s recruiting class in 2025. And it also helps that Jacory Barney has had a spectacular season on special teams. The sophomore finished in the top 15 nationally with almost 13 yards per punt. Now, Miles will join these players in Lincoln. The path is set up for him to make a similar impact. He certainly has the speed and playmaking ability. In his junior season at Jones High, he caught 68 passes for a little more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. Plus, he also has big hands. This attribute will serve him well against some of the Huskers’ foes next season in Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana.
Michael Sarikizis
On the eve of the early signing period for Nebraska, Mike Ekeler secured another Australian specialist in Sarikizis. The Melbourne product followed a similar path to Lincoln to current sophomore punter Archie Wilson. This should excite Husker fans. In 2025, Wilson placed a little less than half of his punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. And only four of his punts were returned. Sarikizis should be able to generate the same type of impact at the kicking spot. However, he’ll have to beat out Kyle Cunanan for the starting job. The former Charlotte transfer was excellent for the Cornhuskers in 2025. He made 16 out of his 19 field goal attempts, and Cunanan made all of his extra point tries. It will be hard for Sarikizis to replicate this production immediately. However, we should expect him to reach those levels eventually. He has multiple years of eligibility remaining.
Main Image: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
