LINCOLN, Neb. – In a monumental recruiting win that has sent shockwaves throughout college football, the Nebraska Cornhuskers secured commitments from two of the nation’s most coveted high school prospects: the No. 1 safety in the country and a five-star offensive lineman. The dynamic duo chose Nebraska over a host of Power Five juggernauts, signaling that Matt Rhule’s rebuilding project in Lincoln is gaining national traction.*
The first major domino fell earlier this week when **Malik Bryant**, the top-rated safety in the 2025 class according Rivals, stunned analysts by announcing his verbal commitment to Nebraska. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound standout from St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) had been heavily recruited by traditional powers like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and USC. However, a recent visit to Lincoln left a lasting impression on both Bryant and his family.
> “It just felt like home,” Bryant said during his commitment livestream. “Coach Rhule has a vision for this program, and I want to be part of bringing Nebraska back to national prominence. It’s not just talk there—they’re building something real.”
Bryant is widely regarded for his rare combination of speed, football IQ, and physicality. A true center fielder, he’s equally capable of defending the deep ball and crashing down into the box to deliver big hits. In his junior season, he recorded 79 tackles, 6 interceptions, and forced three fumbles. His presence will add immediate star power and leadership to a Nebraska secondary that has already begun turning heads under defensive coordinator Tony White.
### Five-Star Anchor in the Trenches
Just days after Bryant’s announcement, the Huskers struck gold again—this time on the offensive line—with a verbal pledge from **Landon Reed**, a five-star offensive tackle from Buford High School in Georgia. Reed, ranked as the No. 1 offensive lineman and the No. 5 overall player in the nation by ESPN, had offers from nearly every blue-blood program including Alabama, Michigan, LSU, Texas, and Oregon.
Reed’s commitment is not only symbolic of Nebraska’s increasing national pull but also a massive boost to the Huskers’ long-term offensive plans. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 315 pounds, Reed is a prototypical left tackle with elite footwork, strength, and technique. He allowed zero sacks in 13 games last season and was named an All-American by multiple recruiting services.
> “Nebraska just checked all the boxes,” said Reed. “They showed me a plan—not just for football, but for life after football. Coach Rhule and Coach Donovan (Riola, offensive line coach) were straight-up with me from day one. That meant a lot.”
Reed has drawn comparisons to NFL All-Pro Tristan Wirfs for his rare athleticism and high ceiling. Nebraska plans to slot him into the left tackle spot as early as his freshman year, with the possibility of earning early playing time depending on development during fall camp.
### Recruiting Rebirth in Lincoln
The dual commitments of Bryant and Reed mark a watershed moment for Matt Rhule and his staff, whose tireless recruiting efforts are finally bearing elite fruit. Nebraska’s 2025 recruiting class, once seen as merely solid, has now vaulted into the Top 5 nationally on most major recruiting boards. The class includes multiple four-star prospects and now features two of the most elite players at their positions.
The signings are also proof of a revitalized culture in Lincoln—one built on honesty, accountability, and a commitment to player development both on and off the field.
> “What we’re doing here isn’t magic,” Rhule said during a press conference on Friday. “It’s work. Honest work. These kids see that we’re investing in them as young men first. We’re not just selling a dream—we’re building a foundation.”
