When looking at the history of Barrett Kitrell’s family, it would seem like Nebraska shouldn’t have much of a fight on its hands for the offensive lineman’s commitment. Unfortunately, not only are the Huskers finding themselves on uneven ground, but the fight they’ve got is against Iowa, a school that’s been a thorn in the side of Matt Rhule and the coaches that came before him for over a decade. The annoyance the school across the border causes NU isn’t just about football.
While Iowa basketball has caused plenty of problems for the Cornhuskers, most recently in the NCAA Tournament, it’s football where the rivalry feels very one-sided. Because of that, Kitrell scheduling an official visit to Iowa City before he takes one to Lincoln is likely making some coaches uneasy.
As On3’s Greg Smith reported earlier this week, it doesn’t appear that Kitrell looking towards the Hawkeyes is just about scheduling as many visits as possible. Instead, the analyst believes Kirk Ferentz has genuinely made his program a problem for the in-state player whose family has a long history of playing for Nebraska.
It’s felt that the interior offensive lineman, who is the No. 37 player at his position and No. 4 player in the state for the 2027 class according to the 247Sports Composite, is nearing a commitment date. At the moment, it stands to reason he’ll wait until after his official visit to Lincoln on June 12. However, with a trip to Iowa on June 5, it’s not out of the question that the school that gets the first bite gets final say.
Barrett Kitrell gives Nebraska football a legacy recruiting fight Iowa could spoil
Kitrell has a deep connection to Nebraska. His father, Barry, was a fullback with the program from 1984 to 1988. His brother Bo played for NU from 2014 to 2018. Interestingly enough, two of Barrett’s other brothers went to Ohio to play under former Husker coach Frank Solich. Finally, his oldest brother, Blake, played for Tulsa. Not a one of them played for the Cornhuskers’ most bitter modern rival.
And yet, Iowa seems to have a real chance at reeling in the Ashland-Greenwood star. It’s not really hard to see why he might be looking next door rather than towards the state’s capital city. The Hawkeyes have been a better program. They’ve especially been a factory when it comes to generating NFL offensive linemen. Now that Geep Wade is here, it’s possible the fortunes will turn, but as of today, Nebraska has had issues getting any players to the pros, let alone members of a position group that were the pride and joy of the Tom Osborne years.
Kitrell’s profile might still be growing, and it’s possible more schools will get into the fight as the 2027 cycle approaches signing day. The IOL, who is also one of the state’s best Track & Field athletes at discus, recently got an offer from the Tennessee Volunteers. It’s not clear if the SEC power has made enough of an impression. But Nebraska will need to keep an eye on Rocky Top as well.
Add us as a preferred source on Google