3 2026 recruits Nebraska could still land by Early Signing Day

Nebraska’s 2026 recruiting class is down to 10 after a recent decommitment. However, Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule hinted last week that some commitments could be coming.

The Huskers have multiple 2026 targets scheduled to visit for the Iowa game. These are official visits, too. Nebraska is showing more interest in JUCO prospects, out of necessity.

Nebraska football doens’t need to add commitments to add commitments. If they see something in a player, then it’s worth trying to land him.

The Early Signing Day is two weeks away. After that, players can still sign in the late period, which is when more JUCO prospects could come into play.

There are three names to know, at least right now, who are taking official visits for the Iowa game. That makes them a commitment candidate in my book. Here are some thoughts on each.

WR Quady Hendryx (5-11, 170)

Hendryx is committed to UConn, but the low three-star prospect has scheduled an official visit for the Nebraska vs. Iowa game. He’s ranked 1,171 according to the Rivals Industry Rankings for the 2026 class. Some of the other top programs to offer include Syracuse, Minnesota, and West Virginia.

Nebraska football offered a few weeks ago, and the burner from New Jersey brings the kind of speed Nebraska covets with a 10.6 in the 100-meter dash and a 21.47 in the 200.

Wide receiver isn’t a huge need. But Nebraska wants to add another game-changing player to the room, which makes sense if they can pull off this flip.

JUCO LB/EDGE  Taylor Schaefer (6-foot-4, 240)

The linebacker has two seasons of eligibility left and would add some depth to the Jack linebacker room that is slated to lose Dasan McCullough.

He’s ranked as a three-star by 247 Sports. However, he’s got offers from Purdue, Arkansas, Iowa State, and Kentucky, in addition to Nebraska football. He’s solid against the run and would certainly help with setting the edge.

Nebraska has a 65 percent chance to land his commitment via the Rivals Prediction Machine.

JUCO IOL Maika Matelau (6-4, 341)

After Leon Noil decommitted, Nebraska is seeking to add another interior offensive lineman, Maika Matelau. His offer sheet includes Illinois, Washington State, Boise State, NC State, and Oklahoma State.

If that weight is accurate, that will be an interesting fit. Nebraska hasn’t recruited an offensive lineman that size under Rhule. They have generally recruited players in the low 300s or project to that weight (300-315). Only five players on the current roster are over 320 (325 is the max).

That’s partially by design since Nebraska has been a heavy zone team. Nebraska football is the favorite via Rivals.

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