The Nebraska football team is trying to hang onto 4-star defensive back CJ Bronaugh with both hands. Unfortunately, it still feels like he’s slipping through its grasp.
Bronaugh might be a Husker commit, but he’s been busy over the last few weeks looking everywhere but Lincoln for his final landing spot. And now, some former Husker coaches are taking advantage of the defensive back’s roving eye.
Nebraska football battling Florida State to keep CJ Bronaugh
Former Nebraska football defensive coordinator Tony White was integral in landing Bronaugh for the Cornhuskers. Now he’s trying to help him get to Florida State. And so far, it looks like he’s making some progress.
Thank you so much FSU coaches @psurtain23 @evancooper2 for stopping by and seeing me today! @Coach_Norvell @KieleyBronaugh @Andrew_Ivins @JohnGarcia_Jr @CenFLAPreps @DanLaForestFB @SWiltfong_ @CoachSmith100 pic.twitter.com/uECCdRdfPi
— CJ Bronaugh (@BronaughCj) April 28, 2025
White, alongside former Husker defensive backs coach Evan Cooper paid a visit to Bronaugh earlier this week alongside Patrick Surtain Sr. Judging by the four of them standing together in a recent photo with the Nebraska commit, it certainly seems like they hit it off.
Bronaugh is clearly high on Florida State. He’s taken an unofficial visit to Tallahasee and plans on taking an official one this summer. He’ll check out Florida State on June 13. He then goes to Florida (May 30) and Penn State (June 20).
In the middle of this rather busy summer, he will also check out Nebraska and Matt Rhule will have the opportunity to make a pitch for the 4-star commit to stay.
The defender is is now the No. 101 overall prospect and No. 15 CB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 12 player in Florida.
It’s clear that Nebraska is in for a fight. It’s more than a little frustrating that a former assistant is leading the charge to pry him away. Of course that is just how college sports works and it’s how it’s worked for a long time.