Since arriving in Lincoln in December 2022, Matt Rhule has made significant strides in key recruiting efforts. Here are his most important recruits — and what they’re doing today.
1. Dylan Raiola – QB (2024 Class)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No. 1 QB in country
Recruiting Win: His December 2023 flip from Georgia was a seismic gain for Nebraska’s program.
Where Is He Now?
Raiola started all 13 games as a true freshman in 2024. He set Nebraska freshman records with 2,819 passing yards and a 67.1% completion rate, while finishing third in single-season completion percentage
and seventh in yards in program history. He earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors and was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Under new OC Dana Holgorsen, his efficiency stabilized, averaging a QBR of around 128; Nebraska improved in rushing and reduced its dependency on big plays in the passing game. Heading into 2025 as a sophomore, expectations are sky-high: He’s Nebraska’s foundational offensive leader heading into his second year under center.
The resemblance between Dylan Raiola and Patrick Mahomes is uncanny.
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 8, 2024
NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/Pt4ZAFr62j
2. Carter Nelson – TE (2024 Class)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best player in Nebraska
Recruiting Win: Beating Georgia and Penn State for this rare-size tight end was a major in-state statement.
Where Is He Now?
Nelson redshirted his freshman season to develop physically and refine his blocking.
Though he hasn’t appeared in stats yet, the coaching staff has already crafted red-zone packages and specific snaps for his frame-change and receiving ability. In 2025, he’s expected to emerge as a mismatch threat in multiple formations, drawing comparisons to NFL-caliber tight ends.
GBR!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/fFQpfdh1fx
— Carter Nelson (@Carter83854638) November 8, 2023
3. Grant Brix – OL (2024 Class)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Top‑100 recruit nationally
Recruiting Win: Rhule’s staff edged out elite FBS programs to sign Brix, a heavy-hitting offensive lineman.
Where Is He Now?
Brix used the redshirt in 2024 to gain strength and master multiple interior line spots. As of 2025, he’s in Nebraska’s two-deep at guard with a chance to start before midseason. His combination of toughness, intelligence, and mobility has coaches projecting him as a future All‑Big Ten interior anchor.
I am excited to announce I am a Cornhusker! Although there were great things about all of my top three schools, I firmly believe in what is being built by Coach Rhule and his staff. I want to thank everyone who has helped me and made this process special. God bless and GBR!! pic.twitter.com/4qufRFtiLl
— Grant Brix (@grant_brix) November 29, 2023
4. Williams Nwaneri – DE (2025 Transfer)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Missouri’s top 2024 recruit
Recruiting Win: A portal coup early in 2025 — Nwaneri brings elite length and pass-rush upside.
Where Is He Now?
Newly arrived, Nwaneri has shown flashes in spring and summer practices. Nebraska envisions him as a centerpiece on the edge of their rebuilt defense. While still in development, he’s expected to contribute heavily in rotational pass-rush sets right away.
Missouri 5⭐️ (2024) EDGE Williams Nwaneri has entered the transfer portal.
— Blackshirts (@blvckshirts) December 10, 2024
• Former player under Jamar Mozee and teammate of Isaiah Mozee
• Industry’s #1 DE in 2024, #7 Nationally
• Visited Nebraska multiple times#Huskers pic.twitter.com/Xrlpru7Szp
5. Malachi Coleman – WR (2023 Class → Transferred)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | #1 in-state WR in Rhule’s first class
Recruiting Win: Coleman’s 2023 commitment affirmed Rhule’s early credibility in retaining top Nebraska talent.
Where Is He Now?
Coleman played in 11 games as a freshman in 2023, starting six, totaling eight catches for 139 yards and catching a 44-yard touchdown vs. Northwestern. In 2024, he redshirted after appearing in just one game with minimal offensive snaps. He entered the portal in December 2024 and signed with the Minnesota Gophers.
In January 2025, he enrolled as a redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining. Gophers coach P.J. Fleck calls him a “developmental player who has all the traits — now it’s about refining”. High upside—but not yet a full-time starter in Year 1.
More from cornnation.com:
- Nebraska Football: Mike Riley’s Breakout Group Comments At Big Ten Media Days
- The 2007 Nebraska Football Season: Booing, Big Holes, and Broken Hopes
- Flakes: Auto Play Videos Should Be Banned
- Nebraska Football: Mike Riley’s Remarks At Big Ten Media Days
- Big Red Cobcast: Is it Time to Cheat?
- Shawn Eichorst: Nebraska Obliged To Do One Home Friday Night Football Game Every Third Year
- Wisconsin Badgers 2017 Football Preview
