Nebraska football recruiting roundup: Huskers in top two for elite DL

Here’s a look back at everything important that happened in Nebraska football recruiting over the past week as it relates to the 2026 class.

Top Story

Nebraska football is still alive for elite four-star defensive lineman Valdin Sone. According to Sean Callahan of Husker Online, Nebraska is now in the top two, along with Georgia. Sone hasn’t set a commitment date, but it feels like one will come soon.

Can Nebraska football close? We’ll see, but Sone is 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, and ranked in the top 200 overall. He’s a must-get at this point and would be the crown jewel of the class.

Huskers Recruiting Watch – This Week’s Movement

✅ Valdin Sone (DL – 2026)

Finalists: NEB, FL, UGA, AUB | Decision coming soon

🚨 Calvin Thomas (LB – 2026)

Trending to North Carolina over Nebraska.

📅 Commitment date: July 12

🧨 Tedarius Hughes (DB – 2026, FSU Commit)

Took an official visit to Nebraska in June. Hughes is a flip candidate to watch. The Huskers are expected to try and get him on campus for an official visit. He’s the top target now that Devin Jackson and Darion Jones are off the board.

❌ Darion Jones (ATH – 2026)

The No. 2 player in Nebraska has committed to Iowa. A key in-state miss for Nebraska football.

❌ Darion Jackson (S – 2026)

Four-star safety committed to Oregon and announced his recruitment is fully shut down.

Looking back

Our top story from the past week was the commitment of three-star wideout Larry Miles. The Huskers also landed four-star offensive tackle Claude Mpouma last week, along with Leon Noil. Nebraska has 12 commitments currently in the 2026 class. The Huskers are ranked 62nd overall in the 2026 team rankings via 247 Sports. 

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