One of the most interesting aspects of Nebraska football recruiting over the last decade is how the top pipeline states have shifted somewhat compared to their positions in the Bo Pelini era, especially when the program was in the Big 12. Unsurprisingly, the Huskers had the most success recruiting in-state, but it might surprise some to see that while the majority of commits from the 2016 to the 2026 classes are from right in the Cornhuskers’ backyard, the majority is not as heavy as some might think.
There’s also definitely something interesting about just how hard the Huskers have hit the SEC area. Obviously, some of that is simply because that’s where the best players are born and raised, but it’s still interesting just how much Mike Riley, Scott Frost and Matt Rhule have hit the Southeast region to varying degrees of success.
So what are the best recruiting pipelines Nebraska has managed to set up over the last 10 years? It’s certainly interesting that quite a few of them are not right next door.
1. Florida is the king of the Nebraska football pipelines
Over the last decade, the Huskers have locked up 45 commits from inside the state. It might surprise some to learn that Florida ranks as the best pipeline in the country, given that NU has pulled 30 commits from the Sunshine State over the same period.
In the yet-to-be-completed 2027 class, the Cornhuskers already have three commits from Florida. It’s not just about the number of commits, though. Florida has also provided the most blue-chip (4- or 5-star) commits over the last decade outside of the Huskers' home state.
Among the 11 Blue-chip commits from Florida, it’s been the more recent commits that have been the biggest coup. Wide receiver Jacory Barney joined Nebraska's 2024 class, and defensive back Danny Odem is a 2026 joinee.
2. They can’t all be California prospects, but when they are, they’re very good
California comes in ranked second because while they don’t have the second most commits, the Huskers have nabbed high-value prospects when they do pledge. California has provided 16 commits over the last decade, and nine of those were rated as blue-chip.
The Cornhuskers have pulled several of their starting quarterbacks out of Cally, including 4-year starter Adrian Martinez and TJ Lateef, who started the last three games of the 2026 campaign as a true freshman. Cornerback Lamar Jackson (no, not that one) was another very productive commit from the left coast.
3. Texas pipeline is an oldy and a goody for Nebraska recruiting
During the Big 12 days, Nebraska tried to mine Texas as much as possible. It might have had more success since the Huskers joined the Big Ten. From the 2026 class to the 2016 cycle, the Huskers hauled in 22 commits.
Eight of those commits were blue-chip prospects, with wide receiver Omar Manning and defensive end Princewill Umanmielen among the top names. Unfortunately, Umanmielen really made his bones when he left Lincoln and joined Ole Miss.
4. Georgia is the most unusual Nebraska football pipeline
The Peach State is almost certainly the most surprising pipeline state on the list. When someone thinks about Nebraska recruiting, they usually aren’t thinking about the home of the Bulldogs. Still, NU has pulled 16 commits in the 2016-2026 recruiting classes.
Over this period, the Huskers haven’t pulled in a ton of blue-chips from Georgia, though considering Dylan Raiola was the starting quarterback for two years. Running backs Anthony Grant and Dedrick Mills were both impact commits and players for the Cornhuskers.
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