Nebraska football fans might be breathing a sigh of relief on Monday morning after one commit’s father tried to tamp down rumors of a flip.
However, there are some questions when reading into his comments as to whether or not the chances that Carter Nelson could go to Notre Dame are really dead. At least for the moment, it appears the weekend red alert was a fire drill more than an actual fire.
The top commit in Nebraska football’s 2024 class‘s father spoke to the Omaha World-Herald and tried to tamp down the talk that his son is headed anywhere but Lincoln for college.
“(Notre Dame) told him, ‘You’re still somebody that we want. If anything ever changes, let us know,’” Jake Nelson said. “It was reiterating that. Them and some other schools have been trying to keep in contact with Carter. But he’s steadfast for Nebraska right now.”
There is that “right now” that should probably still rattle around the skulls of Nebraska football fans. It’s innocent enough. Jake isn’t going to make any promises for his sone about the possibility that he might change his mind.
But it’s still clear that even if the younger Nelson is steadfast right now, Nebraska football needs to keep up the pressure.
Nebraska football red alert called off
Carter Nelson’s father explained the reason they went on the trip to South Bend is because they wanted to see an “awesome” game with a friend who is a lifelong Notre Dame fan. However, it’s clear that the Fighting Irish believe they still have an outside shot.
“(Notre Dame) told him, ‘You’re still somebody that we want. If anything ever changes, let us know. It was reiterating that. Them and some other schools have been trying to keep in contact with Carter. But he’s steadfast for Nebraska right now.”
While the “right now” still sets off alarm bells in my head, the fact that Jake felt the need to say his son is “steadfast” twice in a relatively small update should bring a level of hope.
It’s also good to see that Nebraska football coaches aren’t resting on their laurels. Matt Rhule and company were in Ainsworth just ahead of Nelson’s trip to South Bend. While the Huskers remain the solid front runners, it appears this could still be one to watch right up until December.