Matt Rhule is entering his third season as Nebraska’s football coach, having led the team to its first bowl game in nearly a decade. This offseason, he will look to capitalize on his recent recruiting success.
Last week, he fired a shot at a nearby competitor who has been invading Nebraska territory. Rhule subtly jabbed Iowa State, which has been quietly recruiting talent in the area.
“I do not think there is anything wrong at the University of Nebraska,” he said when asked about recruiting local prospects. “We carry ourselves as a Top 20 team in the country…”
“There are a lot of kids I would like to recruit. If they have committed to a Big 12 school or somewhere similar, they should come to camp. If you want to play in the Big 12 instead of the Big Ten, I have it. But make no mistake: there is a significant difference.
“I love the state. I adore the players. We have taken walk-ons and scholarship players. I just need to make sure they are good enough. “Desperate teams always lead the market.”
Matt Rhule specifically mentioned the Big Twelve. In terms of recruiting, only one school in Nebraska fits his description: Iowa State.
The coach did not address the Cyclones by name. Nonetheless, most people believe the jab was intended for Matt Campbell and company.
Matt Rhule claimed superiority over “desperate” Iowa State.
The third-year coach believes his team should be ranked among the top 20 programs. Nebraska’s history commands respect. The recent lack of success suggests a different story.
The Cornhuskers have not finished above.500 in the regular season since 2017. Rhule’s teams are a combined 12-13. They have been the furthest thing from a contender.
Iowa State, meanwhile, is coming off an 11-win season. It has used its success to attract Nebraska talent.
The Cyclones’ 2026 recruiting class includes seven (of thirteen) commitments from the state. Jett Thomalla, a four-star quarterback from Omaha, leads that group.
Nebraska has only three pledges in the ’26 cycle. It ranks 56th in the country, according to 247 Sports. No player is from Nebraska.
Matt Rhule stated that his recruiting approach is unique. His reasoning is based on his sense of superiority. It has enabled the Cyclones to recruit six of the state’s top ten players.
Last cycle, the Cornhuskers signed four of Nebraska’s top five players, ranking in the top 20 nationally. He may not be as successful with in-state prospects this year, but he does not seem concerned!