Nebraska football coaches hint at trouble in Ainsworth

Oct 6, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule on the sidelines during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule on the sidelines during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Nebraska football coaches paid an “all hands on deck” visit to Carter Nelson and Ainsworth on Friday and that could mean big trouble for the Huskers.

Nelson took what seems like a bit of a surprise trip to Notre Dame‘s game against USC on Saturday night. It was at least a surprise to quite a few recruiting experts.

The trip caused quite a bit of consternation on social media and message boards around Nebraska football nation. It also appears the trip caused enough problems with Matt Rhule and company that they paid a visit to Ainsworth the day before the tight end prospect went to South Bend.

KLIN radio director Kaleb Henry shared a picture of Rhule and some other coaches on Twitter, showing them attending a pep rally on Ainsworth on Friday. The visit seemed to be confirmation that the coaches know there is at least a battle of some sort brewing.

The visit came before the Ainsworth Bulldogs beat the Boyd County Spartans 40-0 to improve to 8-0 on the season.

As a reminder of just why Nebraska football wants him, Nelson completed 11 of 19 passes for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns while also running 19 times for 201 yards and 4 TDs.

Nebraska football in trouble with Carter Nelson?

Rumors around Nebraska football nation are not helping allay fears that the top prospect in the state is starting to rethink his commitment.

It appears that while Nebraska football beat out Notre Dame, Alabama, and others back in June, things have changed a bit. That includes an NIL package that has the entire Nelson family rethinking whether Lincoln was the right place for the talented tight end.

However, a flip is not anywhere near guaranteed at this point. According to The Athletic’s Mitch Sherman, Nelson met with Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman on Sunday but remains committed to Nebraska football for the moment.

What is clear is that Nebraska football coaches shouldn’t take Carter Nelson for granted. This looks like a fight until signing day in December.