Nebraska football faces pitched recruiting battle with Oregon for top ranked athlete

Nebraska football fans still trying to get used to Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA being in the Big Ten are also going to have to get used to the schools not only being rivals on the field but also in recruiting. There was a time when being in the Big Ten was a bigger pull than being in the Pac-12, but the Huskers don't have that edge anymore.

Nebraska will need to find other ways to connect with players like Michael Terry III, who incidentally happens to be the top-ranked prospect in the 2025 class at his position. The strategy of 'Not playing fair' has been effective so far, but now the Oregon Ducks are adopting the same approach. It's clear that the rivalry between the two schools is about to reach new heights, adding an extra layer of excitement to the recruiting game.

Nebraska football in pitched battle with Oregon for top prospect

On May 15, the Huskers made their best pitch yet for Michael Terry. Co-offensive coordinators Glenn Thomas and Marcus Satterfield visited the recruit, as well as wide receivers coach Garrett McGuire, offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, and running backs coach EJ Barthel. Only Matt Rhule wasn't around.

It's no wonder the Cornhuskers are going all out for the number one "athlete" in the class. Last year, he not only earned district MVP honors but also showcased his versatility by rushing for an impressive 995 yards and 20 touchdowns, and adding 564 receiving yards and 10 TDs to his record.

It's also not remotely a mystery why Oregon wants Terry to play his college days in Eugene. And they are also pulling out all the stops to try and get him to stay in the Big Ten, but with a different school. 

Just four days after the Nebraska football staff visited him, Terry spent some time with Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein and a current member of the Ducks' team in Tyer Turner.

The visit shows that things are just ramping up. Nebraska football will need to keep the pressure on, or risk losing ground to its newest Big Ten rival.