What could Jacob Smith delay mean for Nebraska football?

Nebraska football target Jacob Smith isn’t going to announce a commitment on Thursday and that’s a good sign for the Huskers.

When you are the favorite in a recruitment, you want that recruit to make a decision as soon as possible. That’s the general rule of thumb and that’s why Nebraska football should feel encouraged by the decision of four-star EDGE Jacob Smith to delay his announcement.

2024 #Michigan target Jacob Smith is delaying his decision, @MichiganRivals confirms, and won't be making a commitment on July 13.

Details: https://t.co/K7lIXvMZ2Q

— Josh Henschke (@JoshHenschke) July 12, 2023

Smith was expected to announce a commitment on July 13th on the 247 Sports Youtube Channel. Michigan has been the favorite and got more crystal ball projections today.

However, it was clear that Nebraska also made an impression when it hosted Smith for an official visit in the early part of June. Smith’s brother, another four-star defensive lineman, is already committed to Michigan.

There’s been an assumption that the twin brothers would play together. They are from Connecticut and were trending to Notre Dame early in the process before Michigan asserted itself.

The Huskers definitely need an EDGE commitment or two in the 2024 class. I had Smith among my top five priorities remaining on the board in the 2024 class for Matt Rhule and the staff.

Smith is 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, and ranked 211th overall in the 247 Sports composite rankings. His commitment would be huge.

So do the Huskers have a better chance now with the delay?

Delay is good news for Nebraska

The delay is good news for Nebraska because it at least gives the Huskers a chance to keep recruiting Smith. Sure, they could once he’s committed, but this is a great chance to turn the tide.

Nebraska might have taken the lead if Smith’s brother wasn’t committed to Michigan. However, that’s a tough pull to overcome especially if the family is pushing Michigan over Nebraska.

You wonder if Jerod Smith would flip his commitment too if Jacob committed to Nebraska. Either way, it’s going to be interesting to watch the crystal ball projections in the next few days. Smith tweeted “This takes time” on Wednesday night.

this takes time 🏌🏾

— Jacob Smith (@jjls_14) July 12, 2023

You wonder what he’s thinking about. If all indications are correct, it has to be Nebraska football. The Huskers and Michigan are the top contenders and we’ll see if this winds up leading to yet another recruiting win for Rhule.

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