What started as a promise to build a metaphorical wall around Nebraska’s borders, an effort aimed at securing the best in-state talent Nebraska had to offer, looks dramatically different four recruiting classes later. Matt Rhule arrived emphasizing local relationships, statewide camps, and the idea that Nebraska kids would form the backbone of his rebuild. But as the 2026 cycle closes with just one in-state signee, the Huskers’ approach to recruiting at home has undergone a clear shift.
Instead of casting a wide net across the state, Rhule and his staff have moved toward a far stricter standard, and one he described plainly on Wednesday. The in-state prospects must be good enough to help Nebraska beat the Big Ten’s elite. And if they’re not? The staff isn’t forcing the take anymore, even if that means Nebraska signs only a single local prospect.
With that framework in mind, it’s worth looking back at how Nebraska’s previous in-state hauls have actually panned out under Rhule. The results paint a clearer picture of why the staff has shifted its approach. Here’s a breakdown of the hits, misses, and overall impact from each class, and what an increased emphasis on national recruiting means for the Huskers moving forward.
If there was any lingering confusion about Nebraska’s shrinking in-state recruiting numbers, Matt Rhule cleared it up on Wednesday during his Early National Signing Day address. When discussing the program’s approach, he explained that every evaluation, whether local or national, begins with a single question:…