The winds of change are swirling in Lincoln, and they carry with them whispers of a gridiron resurrection. As Matt Rhule strides into his pivotal third season at the helm of Nebraska football, he’s not just building a roster — he’s orchestrating a movement. The 2026 recruiting class isn’t merely a batch of hopeful high schoolers; it’s the blueprint for the future, the seeds of a Cornhusker rebirth that die-hard fans have craved for decades.
️ A Storm Is Brewing: Rhule Reloads with Relentless Intent
With college football now a high-stakes chess match — turbocharged by the transfer portal and tight roster ceilings — recruiting has become more volatile and more vital than ever. But make no mistake: Rhule isn’t just playing the game. He’s changing it.
So far, Nebraska has locked down four early commitments — and each one brings intrigue, talent, and a tantalizing glimpse of what could be.
Meet the Next Wave of Huskers: The 2026 Commits (So Far)
| ⭐ Name | Position | Rating | High School & Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJ Bronaugh | Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Windermere HS (FL) |
| Dveyoun Bonwell-Witte | Wide Receiver | ⭐⭐⭐ | Washington HS (SD) |
| Dayton Raiola | Quarterback | ⭐⭐⭐ | Buford HS (GA) |
| Jase Reynolds | Linebacker | ⭐⭐⭐ | Elkhorn North (NE) |
CJ BRONAUGH: THE FLORIDA PHANTOM
Four-star safety CJ Bronaugh headlines the class — and he’s not just another defender. He’s a play-hawking missile from Windermere, Florida, who patrols the secondary like a heat-seeking drone. With elite speed, precise instincts, and a nose for the football, Bronaugh looks like a future NFL Combine star. Some in Florida’s recruiting circles are already calling him “the best safety no one’s talking about — yet.” If Rhule can keep him locked in, Bronaugh could be a cornerstone in Nebraska’s defensive revival.
DVEYOUN BONWELL-WITTE: THE MIDWEST MAVERICK
From Sioux Falls, South Dakota comes a name Husker fans will want to remember: Dveyoun Bonwell-Witte. A long, fluid wideout with deceptively quick acceleration and hands like magnets, Bonwell-Witte is a prototype for Rhule’s vision of a vertical offense. His route-running polish is years ahead of schedule, and his ability to stretch the field could soon make him a fan favorite under the Saturday lights of Memorial Stadium.
DAYTON RAIOLA: THE NAME, THE ARM, THE FUTURE?
Yes, you read that last name right. Dayton Raiola, a rising QB talent out of Buford, Georgia, has Husker fans buzzing. While he may not yet have the five-star shine of his more famous relative, Raiola brings savvy, composure, and a cannon for a right arm. His presence in the class is as symbolic as it is strategic — Nebraska’s quarterback room is gaining depth, competition, and perhaps a future face of the program.
️ JASE REYNOLDS: THE HOMETOWN HAMMER
No Nebraska class would be complete without a bruiser from the heartland. Enter Jase Reynolds, a three-star linebacker from Omaha’s Elkhorn North. He’s a throwback to the Blackshirt glory days — gritty, physical, and utterly fearless. Reynolds plays with a chip the size of Memorial Stadium and could become the emotional tone-setter for Rhule’s defense.
What’s Next? Eyes on Double Digits
With only four current commits, it might seem like Nebraska’s class is off to a slow burn. But insiders know better. The strategy is deliberate, the groundwork intense. Rhule and his staff are expected to reel in 10-15 total commitments when the dust settles — and many high-profile names are circling Lincoln like sharks sensing blood in the water.
As official visit season heats up and summer camps begin, expect fireworks. Look for Nebraska to make noise not only in the Midwest but across SEC territory, Texas pipelines, and even internationally (remember that rumored Aussie punter?).
Final Thought: This Is Bigger Than a Class
This 2026 class isn’t just about filling holes — it’s about building a culture. Rhule isn’t recruiting athletes. He’s recruiting believers, leaders, and warriors who want to resurrect the legend of Nebraska football.
So buckle up, Husker Nation. The Rhule era is gaining momentum — and if this class is any indication, the road back to relevance might be shorter than you think.
