Matt Rhule Uncovers Nebraska’s Secret Recruiting Weapon to Tap into Florida’s Elite Talent Pipeline
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are charging full steam ahead toward a dominant 2025 season, determined to build on the progress made in Year 2 under Matt Rhule. After snapping a painful seven-year bowl drought and securing a hard-fought postseason victory, Nebraska is proving that the program is back on an upward trajectory. However, their six-win campaign wasn’t without its heartbreaks—five of their losses came by a razor-thin one-score margin, leaving fans wondering what could have been with just a little more firepower.
Rhule, never one to rest on what-ifs, is laser-focused on bridging that talent gap. And it seems he has found the key to unlocking a critical recruiting pipeline—one that could redefine Nebraska’s roster for years to come. The answer? A return to the Sunshine State, the breeding ground of countless football legends. And at the heart of this Florida connection is a familiar name making his way back to Lincoln—Phil Simpson.
Phil Simpson: Nebraska’s Recruiting Ace in Florida
The Huskers made a bold move in December by reuniting with Phil Simpson, bringing him back as their new outside linebackers coach. While his coaching prowess is a valuable asset, Simpson’s true magic lies in his recruiting abilities. He has deep ties to Florida, one of the most talent-rich football hotbeds in the nation, producing icons like Ray Lewis, Deion Sanders, Derrick Henry, and Warren Sapp.
Simpson initially joined Rhule’s staff in 2023 but took a brief detour to Florida State. However, after a turbulent year in Tallahassee, he’s back in Lincoln—much to the delight of Husker Nation. His presence immediately elevates Nebraska’s credibility in Florida, making the Cornhuskers a serious contender for elite prospects from the region.
One Huskers insider, Wilson Dittman, couldn’t contain his excitement about Simpson’s return. On his YouTube channel, Dittman described Simpson as “a hidden gem” and “arguably the most important assistant coach on the team.” He credited Simpson as the driving force behind some of Nebraska’s biggest recruiting wins.
“The best player on our offense last year? Jacory Barney. The best player on our defense? Vincent Shavers. Who brought them to Nebraska? Phil Simpson,” Dittman emphasized.
He rattled off more names—Willis McGahee IV, Larry Tarver, Amare Sanders—highlighting the growing list of Florida standouts making their way to Lincoln, all thanks to Simpson’s influence.
But Simpson’s impact goes beyond just recruitment. His return played a crucial role in preventing a mass exodus of Florida-born talent from Nebraska. With the transfer portal more active than ever, retaining key players is just as important as acquiring them, and Simpson’s presence provides the stability needed to keep the Huskers’ foundation strong.
The Phil Simpson news is huge. If they can get him back from FSU, he was a huge factor in the Jacory Barney, Willis McGahee and Vincent Shavers recruitments #gbrgre
— 🌽 Sidelines – Nebraska 🌽 (@SSN_Nebraska) December 6, 2024
The Florida Pipeline: Nebraska’s Recruiting Revolution
Simpson’s return isn’t just about maintaining Nebraska’s existing Florida pipeline—it’s about expanding it. The results are already visible. One of the top names to watch? Jabari Brady, a highly touted four-star wide receiver from Florida’s 2026 class, who has Nebraska locked in for an official visit this summer.
Another massive recruiting win? Cortez Mills, a four-star wideout in the 2025 class, who flipped from Oklahoma to Nebraska just days before Simpson’s re-hiring was publicly announced. Coincidence? Not likely. Simpson coached Mills in high school, and Dittman firmly believes his return sealed the deal.
“When Matt Rhule first got to Nebraska, he talked about how important Texas would be for recruiting,” Dittman explained. “That’s not the case anymore. Florida has taken over as Nebraska’s priority. And it’s all because of Phil Simpson.”
It’s a strategic shift that could pay off in a big way. Florida is overflowing with elite talent, and while powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Florida State dominate the recruiting battles there, Nebraska is carving out its own lane—one that could give them a serious competitive edge.
Matt Rhule’s Master Plan: A Long-Term Play for Dominance
Nebraska’s resurgence isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building something sustainable. While the Huskers have made strides, they’re still chasing their return to college football’s upper echelon. And the key to long-term success? Recruiting.
Matt Rhule understands that championships aren’t won overnight, but by establishing a firm grip on Florida’s talent pool, he’s positioning Nebraska for sustained dominance. With Phil Simpson leading the charge, the Huskers are no longer just hoping to land top recruits from the Sunshine State—they’re expecting to.
And if Nebraska can consistently pull high-caliber talent from Florida while developing its existing roster, the rest of the college football world better take notice—because Big Red is coming.
