James Franklin getting fired from Penn State fallout doesn't need to be all bad for the Nebraska football program. Imagine instead of losing head coach Matt Rhule, the Huskers could reel in Kemon Spell, one of the best players in the 2027 recruiting class?
NU landing Spell is still a massive longshot, especially with teams like Notre Dame, Georgia, and Michigan State jumping into the mix with both feet. However, the 5-star running back out of McKeesport (PA) has taken notice of the Huskers at the very least. It appears they're in the running, even if they have some serious ground to make up.
Nebraska football making noise in 5-star RB’s recruitment after Penn State fallout
Nebraska offered 🔴 #blessed @CoachEJbarthel @McKTigersFB @wpialsportsnews @PA_TodaySports pic.twitter.com/xqyHQeXODf
— Kemon spell (@KemonJones9) October 12, 2025
Spell officially decommitted from Penn State on Sunday, just moments after Franklin was fired. He'd previously hinted he was starting to waver and thinking about taking other visits, but now he's a free agent who told On3's Steve Wiltfong that Nebraska is one of the teams that "have his interest."
Even getting on Kemon Spell's radar is a massive accomplishment for Rhule and Co. It shows that his momentum with the 2027 class is real.
For his part, Spell has missed some time this season due to injury, but he's still a heck of a weapon. He has carried the ball 68 times for 824 yards — an average of 12.1 yards per carry and scored 22 total touchdowns this season. Last week against Mars, he ran 17 times for 237 yards and scored a career-high six total touchdowns — four rushing, one on a 66-yard catch, and the other on an 86-yard punt return.
What's really interesting is that the timing of Spell announcing that Nebraska gave him an offer - just about 45 minutes ago - comes after he said earlier in the day he's got some interest in the Huskers. Clearly, he and the staff have been in touch even before the offer, and the staff felt it was worth making it official.
That should get hearts racing.
Now, Nebraska football needs to take the next step and get Kemon Spell in for a visit. They've got some time, as this recruiting fight looks like it will go down to the wire next December.