Hayden Ainsworth just couldn’t wait to join the 2026 Nebraska football recruiting class.
The 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive lineman committed to the Huskers on Monday, according to a post from Hayes Fawcett.
Ainsworth is ranked as the No. 590 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. He’s listed as a tackle by 247 Sports but also as an interior offensive lineman.
This is the sixth commitment for Nebraska in 2026. There still is just one blue-chip commitment, but Ainsworth is a quality add, and here are three thoughts.
A tackle or guard?
Ainsworth plays right tackle for his high school team in Biloxi, Mississippi. But after watching his high school highlights, it’s clear to me he’s a guard.
The kid is a mauler, not unlike Rex Waterman. That doesn’t mean he can’t play tackle. Ainsworth could improve the footwork, and at least has the size.
Yet, I love guards who played tackle, especially if they have a mean streak. It will take time for them to develop, but the idea of Waterman/Ainsworth playing left and right guard is exciting.
That would be a physical duo, and I love the first two commitments of this O-line class.
Nebraska building momentum
This is the second commitment from the first official visit weekend in June. That shows that it can take a minute before a commitment actually happens, because it was clear last weekend that Ainsworth was trending this way.
Going into Mississippi and beating out the Rebels for a recruit is impressive. Liberty and North Carolina were also supposed to receive official visits. Those were canceled along with the trip to Ole Miss.
The Huskers built even more momentum on the recruiting trail this weekend. They don’t have any commitments or expert projections yet, but it’s only a matter of time.
Just like it’s only a matter of time before Nebraska reels in another pledge from that first weekend (Luke Sorensen or Kamron Wilson).
Matt Rhule is Nebraska’s best recruiter
The Huskers have a lot to sell. But there is one reason this program is recruiting at a high level, despite what the rankings say, and that’s Matt Rhule.
Rhule was pictured jumping off a tractor with recruits this weekend. He also took part in a burger cooking contest over the weekend, and even competed with recruits.
Rhule is a genuine as they come, and it played a role in landing Ainsworth.
“What you see in interviews is what you get in person… I’ve never met a head coach like him,” Ainsworth told Tim Verghese of Rivals.
The facilities and all that are great. Wins and NFL draft picks matter, but relationships still do, too. They might matter even more in the coming years, and in that way, Nebraska football is set up spectacularly, thanks to the many talents of Matt Rhule.
