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Where Nebraska Football Stands with Top 2026 Recruits: Defense

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Where Nebraska Football Stands with Top 2026 Recruits: Defense


With the NCAA recruiting dead period now in effect following a three-week stretch of official visits, Nebraska sits firmly among the top schools still in contention for a number of its top 2026 targets. June offered programs across the country their final window to make in-person impressions before the summer slow-down, and Matt Rhule’s staff made the most of it.

After three straight weeks of boots on the ground in Lincoln, the Huskers are closing in on the foundation of their 2026 class. With dozens of high-profile visitors spanning both sides of the ball, and nearly every position in between, Nebraska is positioned to make a splash. Here’s a look at where things stand coming out of a pivotal stretch in June.

2026 Edge prospect Kamron Wilson on his official visit to Nebraska.

2026 Edge prospect Kamron Wilson on his official visit to Nebraska. / behumble_.kam/Instagram

Though smaller in number, Nebraska’s defensive line visitors in June packed serious potential.

First up was four-star edge rusher Kamron Wilson, a top-40 prospect at his position and current Syracuse commit. Wilson has long been on Nebraska’s radar, dating back to Tony White’s tenure as defensive coordinator. Interestingly, 247Sports lists Wilson as a 50-50 crystal ball between Nebraska and Florida State, where White now calls plays.

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The following weekend brought four-star defensive lineman Valdin Sone to campus. A top-25 player at his position and ranked No. 183 nationally, Sone is a raw but intriguing talent. Originally from Denmark, he’s only played American football for a few years but shows major upside, making him an absolute priority for this staff.

While Nebraska only hosted two official defensive line visitors, the coaching staff appears to be in a wait-and-see mode, likely due to a young core already in place for 2025. Still, Wilson and Sone are high-impact prospects who would instantly elevate Nebraska’s 2026 class if they chose to call Lincoln home for the next couple of years.

Danny Odem

Danny Odem dressed out in his high school uniform / @uofi_zone/Instagram

Odem committed to Nebraska on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Moving onto a secondary group under new position coach Addison Williams, Nebraska hosted six defensive back prospects in June, though scholarship limitations (105 total) likely mean room for only two or three.

The biggest shake-up came earlier this month when four-star cornerback CJ Bronaugh decommitted, leaving a sizable hole in the 2026 class at a premium position.

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However, last weekend, Nebraska hosted a key duo from Florida: safety Devin Jackson and cornerback Danny Odem, who are high school teammates. Just yesterday, Odem committed to the Huskers. With Odem’s pledge to Nebraska, it could pave the way for Jackson to follow suit, given they are the only school currently pursuing both players.

In-state target Darion Jones, the younger brother of current Husker Donovan Jones, also made an official visit in June. Jones is currently viewed as an Iowa lean, but Nebraska remains firmly in the mix. His decision, along with the potential Odem-Jackson tandem, could make or break how this cycle shapes up for Nebraska’s secondary.

Nebraska commit Jase Reynolds with Nebraska director of player personnel Keith Williams and head coach Matt Rhule.

Nebraska commit Jase Reynolds with Nebraska director of player personnel Keith Williams and head coach Matt Rhule. / @jasereynoldss on X

Reynolds’ committed to Nebraska on May 5, 2025.

Rounding out Nebraska’s June official visits is the linebacker group, which featured two intriguing prospects who could eventually call Lincoln home.

Three-star Kasen Thomas out of Sioux City, Iowa, seemed like the type of prospect that could become a versatile piece in new defensive coordinator John Butler’s scheme. Instead, Thomas recently committed to Iowa, so look for Nebraska to potentially expand their board.

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Also making a trip to Lincoln was Calvin Thomas, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound backer and composite four-star prospect, currently ranked as the No. 18 linebacker in the 2026 class. With offers from several playoff-contending programs, Thomas is a nationally sought-after defender. Even with a 2025 linebacker group that includes both veteran transfers and promising youth, Thomas would bring immediate athleticism and versatility to both run support and pass coverage if he chooses Nebraska.

Nebraska also secured a commitment from in-state three-star linebacker Jase Reynolds out of Elkhorn North (Omaha metro area). At 6-foot-2, 206 pounds, Reynolds brings immediate size and versatility to the defensive side of the ball. Whether dropping into coverage or coming downhill as a blitzer, he’s shown a willingness to do both effectively. Expect the Nebraska staff to add weight to his frame and potentially develop him into a hybrid chess piece within John Butler’s evolving defensive scheme.

Overall, linebacker is considered a position of strength for Nebraska heading into 2025 and beyond, and with Kasen Thomas now committed to Iowa, landing a pledge from Calvin Thomas would absolutely represent a significant win, one that would be well received by the fan base and strengthen the long-term depth of the room.

Nebraska Recruiting Board graphic.

Nebraska Recruiting Board graphic. / Trevor Tarr

As the 2026 recruiting class continues to take shape, Nebraska’s staff is working to strike a careful balance between building for the future and maintaining a “win-now” mindset.

With the newly imposed 105-man roster limit, and Nebraska currently 15+ players over that mark, the class is expected to remain small. That means every high school addition must be evaluated with both current team needs and long-term fit in mind.

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At the same time, the staff knows that instant-impact players will become available in the transfer portal next December. Like every program in college football today, Nebraska is walking a tightrope between recruiting for the future and staying competitive in the now.

Next. Husker Recruiting Central: 2026. Husker Recruiting Central: 2026. dark

But one thing is clear: Matt Rhule and his staff are trusting THEIR process. A strong 2025 campaign could lead to a late-cycle push for elite high school talent or give Nebraska the edge in securing top transfer prospects. A disappointing season, on the other hand, would likely mean another unpredictable swing in the portal to shore up immediate weaknesses.

Though the 2026 class may not turn heads just yet, Nebraska is clearly giving itself room to breathe and adjust course based on how the 2025 season unfolds. Of course, the hope is that the Huskers take a major step forward this fall, but even beyond the win column, Matt Rhule’s long-term vision deserves recognition. This class may not finish in the top 10 nationally, but if Nebraska finds success on the field in 2025, don’t be surprised to see a few high-profile commitments flip in the Huskers’ favor by signing day.

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.



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‘Best we’ve played all year.’ Trent Perry scores 20 points as UCLA routs No. 9 Nebraska

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‘Best we’ve played all year.’ Trent Perry scores 20 points as UCLA routs No. 9 Nebraska


The UCLA men’s basketball team made Senior Night one to savor Tuesday, dominating No. 9 Nebraska 72-52 at Pauley Pavilion for its 20th victory of the season and third over a top-10 ranked opponent.

The Bruins improved to 20-10 overall and 12-7 in the Big Ten with one regular season game remaining, Saturday at crosstown rival USC.

Trent Perry scored 20 points, Eric Dailey Jr. had 14 and three players — Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark and Xavier Booker — each added eight points.

“Nebraska’s got a great team,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin said. “This is the best we’ve played all year — they brought out the best in us. We went from our worst defensive effort to our best. They outhustle everyone they play, but not us. Tonight we were great, but I love the way they play. If we had their attitude we’d have their record.”

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Eric Freeny had four points, five rebounds and three steals in 18 minutes for UCLA, which got 26 points in the paint and 17 second-chance points.

“Effort is what it takes to win in March,” Freeny said. “It was our last home game. Coach keeps on pushing me to be better everyday.”

Sam Hoiberg had 12 points to lead Nebraska, but Pryce Sandfort, who began the game leading the conference in three-pointers made per game, was held to nine points.

“Sandford has been unbelievable so to hold him to nine points is amazing,” Cronin said. “Brandon Williams was the unsung hero.”

Williams had six points and three rebounds in 12 minutes off the bench.

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The Bruins were in control from the opening tip-off and never trailed the Cornhuskers (25-5, 14-5). UCLA improved to 10-3 in all-time against Nebraska and the win greatly strengthened its resume for the NCAA tournament as the Bruins also beat then-No. 4 Purdue 69-67 on Jan. 20 and then-No. 10 Illinois 95-94 in overtime on Feb. 21 on Donovan Dent’s layup with one second left.

“We have to take attitude we came with tonight, bottle it up and take it on the road,” Dailey Jr. said. “We’ve got so much left. The season’s not over… we’re only as good as our last game. It’s all about how you respond. I love the fight that we played with tonight.”

This is the fifth time in Cronin’s seven seasons that the Bruins have won 20 or more games. They are 17-1 at home (their only loss in overtime to Indiana on Jan. 31).

“Since I’ve been here we don’t lose much at home.” Cronin said.

UCLA went ahead by 15 points, 37-22, on Perry’s three-pointer with 2:41 left and led 37-24 at intermission. The Bruins shot 50% from the field in the first half (15 for 30) while Nebraska was only 31% (nine for 29).

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The Bruins increased their advantage to 18 points on Dailey’s dunk less than five minutes into the second half and the visitors got no closer than nine the rest of the way.

Prior to pregame introductions the Bruins honored seniors Bilodeau, Dent and Clark; fifth-year player Jamar Brown; redshirt seniors Steven Jamerson II, Jack Seidler and Anthony Peoples Jr; and redshirt junior Evan Manjikian. In a media timeout, midway through the first half, former coach Jim Harrick (who led UCLA to its 11th national championship in 1995) was honored and got a loud ovation.

“I’m happy for our seniors, I didn’t want them to lose their last game at Pauley,” said Perry, who reversed a subpar performance at Minnesota, where he was 0-for-7 from the field with one rebound and one assist in 26 minutes. “I had to come out here tonight and bounce back for my team. I play for something bigger than myself and I’m fortunate to have the type of guys I do around me.”

UCLA guard Skyy Clark looks to pass while under pressure from Nebraska guard Sam Hoiberg and forward Berke Buyuktuncel in the second half.

(William Liang / Associated Press)

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Over the last four games, Dent has 46 assists and just two turnovers.

Bilodeau has scored in double figures in 26 of 28 games played, totaling 20 points or more nine times.

Dailey moved to within five points of reaching the 1,000-career point milestone.

UCLA has now made at least one three-pointer in 887 of 888 games dating to February 2000.

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“We had one practice this week, that’s it,” Cronin said. “We watched film, had a heart-to-heart talk and a shoot around today but that’s it.”



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4.1-magnitude earthquake hits south-central Nebraska

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4.1-magnitude earthquake hits south-central Nebraska


People across Nebraska and Kansas reported feeling an earthquake Sunday afternoon.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a quake measuring 4.1 on the Richter Scale struck around 1 p.m. about 3 miles east of the Webster County village of Cowles, which is in south-central Nebraska near the Kansas border.

A quake of that magnitude is considered “light” and not likely to cause damage.

But the USGS received dozens of reports from people who said they felt the quake, some as far away as Omaha and Manhattan, Kansas. Numerous people took to social media to report feeling the quake.

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Two aftershocks of 2.6 magnitude later occurred near the original quake site, one about 90 minutes after the initial quake and one later Sunday night.

Earthquakes are relatively rare in Nebraska, but the state does usually record one or two minor ones per year. The last time Nebraska recorded a quake of a magnitude 4 or above was in December 2023, also in Webster County.



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Nebraska Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Pick 3 on March 2, 2026

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The results are in for the Nebraska Lottery’s draw games on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on March 2.

Winning Powerball numbers from March 2 drawing

02-17-18-38-62, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 2 drawing

21-28-58-65-67, Powerball: 25

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 2 drawing

7-5-8

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from March 2 drawing

03-08-09-17-25

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Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning 2 By 2 numbers from March 2 drawing

Red Balls: 14-26, White Balls: 17-18

Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning MyDay numbers from March 2 drawing

Month: 05, Day: 03, Year: 23

Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 2 drawing

28-41-42-50-55, Bonus: 02

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
  • Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
  • 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
  • MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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