While there's plenty to worry about with Nebraska football's 2026 recruiting class, head coach Matt Rhule thinks things are going better than ever before in general. What Husker fans should take solace in is that his comments on the way recruiting is different in this era aren't simply mouth service out of self-defense.
Chief among the reasons Rhule is optimistic is that he's got ways to reach out to prospects that NU hasn't taken advantage of in the past.
Nebraska football's recruiting is very 21st century
"I think the reaction to seeing Nebraska on the road was significantly different than it had been previously," Rhule said during his weekly press conference on Monday. "I think the national TV games, I think the night games, I think the style of play, I think seeing what our players are doing, I think the presence we’ve been able to have – you know, I’m grateful to Pat McAfee for having us on every week – I think we’ve done a great job of getting kids to come to the games and really cool to see the respect and the excitement around the program."
While some fans don't love the Husker head coach doing his own podcast, House Rhules has brought even more eyes to the program since he started it. He's also doing weekly appearances on Pat McAfee's show. Some might find the ESPN personality not their cup of tea, but he does get ratings and gets Nebraska in front of those who watch.
The 2026 class is struggling mightily and is now sporting the worst ranking any Cornhuskers class has gotten in decades. On the flip side, the 2027 class is among the best in the country. Rhule's work on the airwaves might be working better for future classes than it is for the current one. It's certainly something to keep an eye on.