3 Nebraska football freshmen who can be starters in 2026

Nebraska football fans were a little down on the 2026 recruiting class. The ranking made it understandable, although it was actually better than it appeared.

The Huskers signed the No. 88 class in the 2026 class, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. 

That haul included just three four-star recruits. There was Danny Odem (CB), Claude Mpouma (OT), and Dylan Berymon (DT). You have others who should contribute, too, namely, Luke Soresen (TE) and Jamal Rule (RB).

Out of those five freshmen, will any start games for Nebraska football in 2026? Here are three that have the best chance.

Danny Odem

Odem could start Week 1. The cornerback job opposite Andrew Marshall is wide open. Jeremiah Charles and Victor Evans are two names to know. But Odem was maybe the best man-to-man corner in the 2027 class. He’s from Florida, and the competition shouldn’t be an issue.

Bryson Webber is another name to remember in the cornerback room, but Odem should be starting games before the season is over. He might be the best option for covering Jeremiah Smith.

Jamal Rule

Rule isn’t the highest-rated recruit in the 2027 class, but he has probably the best opportunity to earn some starts this season.

Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee are likely ahead of him in the running back pecking order; However, even national outlets like CBS have labeled Rule a breakout candidate.

Rule is 6-foot, 215 pounds, and was uber productive in North Carolina. Will that translate? He’s running behind what should be the best offensive line of the Rhule era. 

Even if Rule doesn’t start, expect him to be used this season.

Claude Mpouma

The 6-foot-5, 338-pound offensive tackle feels like the future starting left tackle for Nebraska football.

Elijah Pritchett is going to be the starting left tackle this season. He’s started over 20 games the past two seasons, and is getting some NFL buzz.

However, a team rarely starts the same five offensive linemen for an entire season. Whether there are injuries or ineffectiveness, the door will open at some point.

Tree Babalade is expected to start at right tackle. He’s one of the most important players on the team because of how important the position is.

Yet, if he flops or gets hurt, Mpoumda has generated some positive buzz. He will need some seasoning, but guys like him don’t grow on trees. He’s probably the most talented offensive lineman on the roster, so getting on the field in 2026, at some point, isn’t crazy at all.