One of the things that has been clear in this period of Nebraska football recruiting the 2026 class is that Matt Rhule and company are aiming high. They’re going for the best of the best. They’re acting as though they have a shot with kids who are looking hard at some of the best programs in the country.
Certainly, defensive lineman McHale Blade fits that bill. In that spirit, Huskers’ head coach Matt Rhule met up with four-star EDGE rusher McHale Blade. Blade currently holds offers from the Georgia Bulldogs, the Michigan Wolverines, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, among many, many others.
Blade is coming off his junior season at Simeon High School after playing for Hillcrest High. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound edge rusher ranks second in Illinois and is 8th in the nation as a defensive lineman according to On3. The Nebraska football target is also a Top 100 player in the country according to that site.
#GBR🌽🔴 #gobigred @CoachMattRhule @CoachEJbarthel @HuskerFootball @HuskerFBRecruit @SinqueTurner @ChadSimmons_ @SWiltfong_ @GregSmithRivals @AllenTrieu @EDGYTIM pic.twitter.com/uysyT3J6NP
— McHale Blade (@McHaleBlade) January 24, 2025
Nebraska football recruiting one of the best defensive linemen in the country
It’s possible the Huskers are trying to “buy” in bulk when it comes to Blade’s high school team. Sophomore Brian DeMoss received an offer from the Huskers in December. He stands at 6-feet-5, and 210 pounds.
The Nebraska football team has quite the task ahead of it if it wants to pull in Blade. At the moment, most recruiting services think he’s a fairly heavy lean towards the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Home-state Illinois and the Michigan are considered to be second and third in that race.
Of course, a ton can change between now December’s signing day. Head coach Matt Rhule is making sure he keeps the pressure up on his team’s behalf.