Nebraska football has done some work on the recruiting in June, and the Huskers capped the month in style with two commitments on the final day.
After landing three-star offensive lineman Leon Noil from New Orleans, Nebraska football landed one of the biggest commitments of the Matt Rhule era, getting a pledge from four-star offensive tackle Claude Mpouma, a 6-foot-7, 308-pound blindside protector from Chicago.
Mpouma is ranked No. 169 overall, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. Noil (6-4.5, 255) is ranked No. 631 overall. Nebraska has 11 commitments total, including three blue-chip commitments, which have each come since Friday.
Here are three thoughts on a double-commitment Monday.
An elite left tackle prospect
This commitment isn’t about what Mpouma is right now, which is a super raw offensive tackle prospect, it’s about what he will be.
That’s why the kid had 34 offers, including 14 from Big Ten programs such as Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State. Miami offered. Florida and Auburn were in it down the stretch, so this is a major win.
Mpouma won’t be ready to play right away. He’ll be a strong candidate to redshirt, but by the 2027 season, with some seasoning and some time in the Nebraska weight room, he could be a monster.
There’s a good chance he’s the blind-side protector for Trae Taylor.
Noil has versatility
The New Orleans offensive lineman is nearly as highly-touted as Mpouma, but this is a solid get, too, especially for O-line coach Donovan Raiola.
Noil is listed as an offensive tackle and an interior offensive lineman by different sites. It makes sense because he could play both positions. Some have speculated he could play center.
Noil is athletic. I love his run-blocking ability. He might not have the size to be a left tackle. We’ll see, though. This is a kid you take and see what he turns into.
O-line haul is complete
Nebraska got four solid pieces on the offensive line. They are all projects in their own way, but it’s easy to see them fitting together for a starting offensive line in the future.
It’s unlikely all four will develop into starters. But there are some road graders in this group, and some dudes who have the ability to play offensive tackle, which is extremely valuable in this portal era.
If you need to get a tackle in the transfer portal, the cost is prohibitive. Adding multiple offensive linemen and guys who can potentially play tackle, guards, against that.
