© Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
Matt Rhule is entering Year 3 with the Nebraska football team after leading the program to its first bowl game in nearly a decade. He’ll attempt to use that recent success on the recruiting trail this offseason.
Last week, he took a shot at a nearby competitor that’s been invading Husker territory. Rhule subtly jabbed Iowa State, who’s been quietly scooping up talent around the area.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong at the University of Nebraska,” he said when asked about recruiting local prospects. “We carry ourselves like a Top 20 team in the country…
“There’s a lot of kids I’d love to recruit. If they’re committed to a Big 12 school or somewhere else like that – come to camp. If you want to play in the Big 12 over the Big Ten, I got it. But make no mistake, there’s a big difference.
“I love the state. I love the players. We’ve taken some as walk-ons, some as scholarship players. I just have to be sure that they’re good enough… Desperate teams always set the market.”
Matt Rhule specifically mentioned the Big 12. There’s one school that fits his description in terms of recruiting in the state of Nebraska: Iowa State.
The coach did not mention the Cyclones by name. Still, most believe the jab was intended for Matt Campbell and Co.
Matt Rhule claimed superiority over “desperate” Iowa State.
The third-year coach believes his team should be considered a Top 20 program. The history at Nebraska demands respect. The recent lack of success tells a different story.
The Cornhuskers have not finished above .500 in the regular season since 2017. Rhule’s teams have gone a combined 12-13. They’ve been the furthest thing from a contender.
Iowa State, meanwhile, is coming off an 11-win campaign. It’s used that success to attract Nebraska talent.
The Cyclones’ 2026 recruiting class boasts seven (of 13) commitments from the state. That group is headlined by 4-star Omaha QB Jett Thomalla.
Nebraska has just three pledges in that ’26 cycle. It ranks 56th in the nation according to 247 Sports. No player hails from the Cornhusker State.
Matt Rhule mentioned that his recruiting approach is different. His reasoning stems from his sense of superiority. It’s allowed the Cyclones to nab six of the state’s Top 10 players.
The Cornhuskers signed four of the Top 5 players in the state of Nebraska last cycle in what was a Top 20 haul nationally. He may not be as successful with in-state prospects this year, but he doesn’t seem all that worried!