‘We’re in this for the long term:’ Nebraska coaches making time for recruiting during season

With games typically serving as a recruiting opportunity to showcase the university and get high school athletes on campus, Nebraska won’t be able to host the typical weekend visitor list it normally would. That doesn’t mean the Huskers are falling behind on the recruiting trail, though.

Thanks to offseason NCAA rules changes that allow schools to hire additional coaches for on-field instruction, Nebraska has been able to send several of those coaches on the road.

“I think it’s better for the student-athletes too,” Rhule said. “You can keep some guys here to coach them and you can send some guys out. Historically a lot of schools have been benefited in recruiting by being in dense population areas so that guys can get to the game; in two years here I think we’ve done a great job of getting people to come to our games.”

Director of player personnel Keith Williams spent last Friday recruiting the St. Louis area while senior assistant Jamar Mozee furthered Nebraska’s efforts in Kansas City.

While Rhule said he doesn’t want to affect the team’s preparation by recruiting the night before a game, he too wants to make in-season visits when possible. Rhule and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton did so last Thursday when they watched 2025 commit Tyson Terry in an Omaha North-Omaha Central matchup.

“We’re not in this for the short term, we’re in this for the long term so recruiting is paramount,” Rhule said.

And while the Memorial Stadium sidelines may be notably less crowded this Friday with fewer recruits on hand, many will still be watching.

A nationally televised matchup against Colorado exposed many to the sellout crowd and atmosphere within Memorial Stadium, something Rhule hopes will happen again during an Illinois game which will be broadcast on FOX.

“Even if they can’t come to the games, I’m talking to guys in Hawaii and I’m talking to guys in Florida and they’re like, ‘Man, I saw you guys and that looks amazing,’” Rhule said. “So it’s another great opportunity for us.”