Nebraska football is ‘making a move’ with 5-star Brandon Baker

The recruitment of Brandon Baker has been an interesting one to follow for Nebraska football fans. It’s easy to be skeptical about the Huskers’ chances of landing one of the elite recruits in the 2024 class.

Nebraska football seemed like it was in a good spot in the spring when Baker took a couple of visits. However, after visiting Oregon, it sounded like he would make a decision potentially over the summer.

Baker didn’t even have an official visit scheduled to Nebraska. However, that changed and Baker, the five-star offensive tackle ranked No. 21 overall in the 247 Sports composite rankings for 2024, has an official visit set for Nebraska on Sept. 16. He’s also not expected to make a commitment until this fall.

I’ve still been hesitant to believe that the Huskers are a leading contender for Baker, but the latest reporting from Steve Wiltfong is making me change my mind.

“After talking to a source with knowledge of the recruitment, it sounds like the Buckeyes, Longhorns and Huskers are three to really watch heading into the season. That’s not to say the other programs are out of it, but the two Big Ten schools and future SEC school have done a great job in courting Baker. One source said it might be neck and neck with Ohio State and Texas right now but Nebraska is really starting to make a move.”

The 247 Sports recruiting analyst reports that Ohio State, Texas, and Nebraska have emerged as the top three contenders, which is pretty significant news for the Huskers.

Nebraska football is among Brandon Baker’s top three

Oregon was viewed as the favorite at one time. The Ducks actually hold a significant lead via the On3 prediction machine, which gives them an 89 percent chance to land Baker’s commitment.

However, it’s hard to see that holding. I wouldn’t count out Oregon by any means, but Texas has been a beast on the recruiting trail and Baker would get the chance to block for Arch Manning with the Longhorns.

Ohio State is a legit blue blood and the Buckeyes are always tough to beat on the recruiting trail. Yet, Matt Rhule has gone toe-to-toe with Georgia and won, which was the case with Carter Nelson.

It can be done. Of course, there isn’t the in-state advantage this time around with Baker, but the Huskers have done an impressive job fighting back into the top three.

With Grant Brix, the No. 5 offensive tackle in the 2024 class (Baker is No. 1) also reportedly down to Nebraska football and Oklahoma, the Huskers have a solid chance of landing an elite tackle, maybe even two.