Matt Rhule adds explosive in-state wide receiver to Nebraska’s 2026 recruiting class

Nebraska football made a surprise move on Monday night, announcing the signing of three-star wide receiver Maurice Purify II from Omaha Westside in the 2026 recruiting class.

Obviously, the attention is on the 2027 recruiting class. However, 2026 recruits are still eligible to sign, and Purify, who is ranked as the 12th-best recruit in the state of Nebraska for the 2026 class, signed on the dotted line with the Huskers on Monday.

The news was first reported by the Huskers Radio Network.

Nebraska football adds explosive athlete who was “under-recruited.”

Purify is a dynamic athlete. He’s run the 100-meter dash in 10.87 seconds at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds. He also long jumped over 24 feet, and had more than 400 yards receiving this past regular season with seven touchdown receptions.

Purify was committed to Washington State. However, he reopened his recruitment back in September. Fresno State, Northern Illinois, Washington State, and Lindenwood were his Division 1 offers before the Huskers extended an offer earlier this week. Iowa State and Vanderbilt were among the programs showing interest after his decommitment.

Yet, the under-recruited prospect, at least in the eyes of Damon Benning, has now signed with the Huskers, making him the 12th player in the 2026 class. Purify is ranked 1,205 overall, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. He’s 12th in the state of Nebraska and 169th among wideouts.

Nebraska football’s signees also include three-star kicker Michael Sarikizis from Australia. Purify joins Jase Reynolds as the only in-state recruits to join Nebraska football in the 2026 class.

The Huskers 2026 class ranks 86th according to 247 Sports.

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