3 thoughts on commitment of Tay Ellis to Nebraska football

The Nebraska football program might have lost some momentum in the 2025 season with its loss to USC last Saturday, but on the recruiting trail, the Huskers are hot.

The Blackout went over really well with recruits, and according to reports, there were about 60 visitors on campus, many of them from the 2027 and 2028 classes.

That big recruiting weekend is already paying dividends. Nebraska football has been trending with 2027 four-star running back Amir Brown, a former North Carolina commitment, along with four-star tight end Cooper Terwilliger, but on Monday night, the Huskers landed the commitment of 2027 wide reciever Tay Ellis.

Out of Crowley, Texas, Ellis is ranked No. 332 overall in the 2027 class, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. He’s 6-foot, 175 pounds, and has an impressive offer sheet. 35 programs offered, including seven from the SEC and six from the Big Ten, plus others such as Notre Dame and Miami. Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Florida are some of the biggest names.

Yet, Ellis is N, and here are three thoughts on his commitment.

Another home-run threat

Matt Rhule loves speed. Ellis certainly has it. Last spring, he ran the 100-meter dash in 10.88 seconds. That was after catching 55 passes for 794 yards and 11 touchdowns (14 yards per reception). As a true freshman, Ellis averaged 20 yards per reception.

Speed kills, especially in the passing game. Cortez Mills was another burner who signed with the program in 2025. Ellis reminds me of him. The body type is similar, and this kid is just a playmaker.

Not only does Ellis have speed, but he’s also been highly productive. Maybe he got lost in the shuffle in Texas, in terms of the rankings, because he looks better than No. 332.

Matt Rhule momentum

If folks want a reason to be encouraged with the program, recruiting is one. The 2026 class was somewhat lackluster, but the 2027 class could be Rhule’s best (more on that in a second).

However, there is a real chance to capitalize on the Rhule contract. Nebraska is already trending to land two other blue-chip targets in Brown and Terwilliger. They got a commitment from Ellis.

I would have guessed Brown would have been next. Ellis beat him to the punch. But now that recruits know Rhule will be in Nebraska for the long haul, as in the very long haul, with a $71 million buyout, the Huskers have gotten a jolt of momentum.

The strong close to 2026 may not be happening. But the 2027 class will make up for that, at least if it continues on its current trajectory.

The 2027 class is the one

Sometimes, it’s hard to see the forest through the trees. But Matt Rhule is building something, just look at the 2027 recruiting class. It’s very early; however, the class ranks third, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.

What’s more impressive than that is that four of the five commitments are blue-chip prospects led by five-star Tory Pittman (No. 25 overall) and four-star quarterback Trae Taylor (No. 58). Beyond that, Nebraska has two four-star wideouts committed. Ellis is one. Jabari Watkins (No. 211) is the other.

Nebraska football also landed the commitment of offensive tackle Matt Erickson (No. 564). The 6-foot-8, 280-pounder is ranked fifth in the state of Nebraska. He’s also the lowest-ranked commitment so far.

Add in Brown and Terwilliger, who each rank in the top 300 overall, and this class will start to have some teeth. That would be a blue-chip prospect at QB, WR (2), RB, and TE. Erickson isn’t that far away.

Nebraska needs more blue-chip talent on both lines. D-line recruiting has to be hit in the 2027 class. There are no more excuses. Yet, Nebraska is also “trending” with five-star tight end/WR Ahmad Hudson, who also plays basketball.

There haven’t been any expert projections; however, the Huskers might be in the pole position. They have to close, and with 2027 signing day 13 months away, this program will have to win to maintain it.

But Nebraska football recruiting is in a really good place.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel. You can also find our podcast on Apple or Spotify.