In-state recruiting battle getting ‘interesting’ between Nebraska and Iowa

Barrett Kitrell will be one of the most interesting recruitments to follow as we head into official visit season for Nebraska football.

As it stands, Nebraska football has four offensive line commitments in the 2027 class. Five-star IOL Albert Simien is expected to take an official visit in June. Kitrell is, too.

Back in the winter/early spring, it felt like the three-star offensive tackle prospect listed at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds was a lock to wind up in the Huskers’ 2027 recruiting class. He was a frequent visitor, but then things started to shift.

Ohio State had Kitrell on campus for an unofficial visit. The Buckeyes didn’t offer. Tennessee eventually did. Iowa has also been surging in this recruitment to the point that Greg Smith of Rivals has deemed it a 50/50 recruitment.

Smith posted on X that it was “interesting.” The Midwest recruiting analyst said Iowa had a “real chance” despite Kitrell’s legacy ties to Nebraska.

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It feels like the effort from Nebraska is going to play a key role here. Kitrell is coming for an official visit, but it feels like there hasn’t been as much contact. Other targets on Geep Wade’s board pushed up their timelines, and it makes you wonder if the Huskers will sign five offensive lineman?

You can argue that if you think the kid can play long-term, as in become a starter someday, then make an offer to make it work. Pat Stewart talked recently about this process, and how the Huskers are paying a “premium” for players who they think will be part of their program for 3-4 seasons.

Is Kitrell one of those guys? Does Nebraska view him that way? Does Iowa? That could determine who wins this recruitment. If he feels like a true priority, and if the Huskers want a bigger offensive line class, a commitment could still happen.

That being said, the current trend of the recruitment makes me feel like Iowa has the slight edge, at least for now.

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