The Nebraska football team has taken some hits on the recruiting front this week. But it’s safe to say that the loss of Chase Loftin to Florida State might be one of the biggest. After all, Loftin is someone who was thought to be a Husker lean, until recently. Oh and he happens to be an in-state target.
Matt Rhule has made it clear that he believes the Cornhuskers need to lock the state down. While there have been some guys who squeaked away from the coaching staff since they got here, Loftin is right at the top of the list of big misses.
This isn’t a situation like it was with Teddy Rezac, where Loftin didn’t get an offer until very late in the process. The loss to Florida State on Saturday night came despite the fact that by all accounts the Nebraska football coaches were going hard after the Millard South tight end.
Nebraska football loses the battle for in-state tight end
There are several reasons why Loftin might have chosen the Seminoles over the Huskers. Not the least of which is that Nebraska has a rather full tight end room. Especially considering that Heinrich Haarberg could be seeing some time there this year as well.
There is also the fact that Florida State is simply better than the Huskers these days. They should have been in the playoffs in 2023. Nebraska is hoping to make a bowl game in 2024.
Most people assume that an in-state prospect is going to default for the Cornhuskers but if someone is looking to compete for a national title, there are other schools that are better fits.
It’s also possible that the Nebraska football team isn’t out of the race, even if they’re well behind at this point. It’s going to be hard to steal Chase Loftin back from Florida State. But there’s still months until December.