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In a stunning and historic recruiting decision that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Jeremiah “J5” Rawlins, the consensus No. 1 high school football player in the nation, has officially committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound dual-threat quarterback from Cedar Grove High School in Atlanta, Georgia, made the announcement during a nationally televised press conference, donning a red-and-white Huskers cap to thunderous applause.
Rawlins’ decision comes after a frenzied recruitment process in which he was heavily courted by powerhouse programs including Ohio State, BYU, and Georgia. For weeks, analysts predicted he would stay close to home and commit to the Bulldogs, while others believed Ohio State’s legacy of quarterback development would win him over. BYU also made a late push, offering Rawlins the opportunity to be the centerpiece of their offensive revival. But in the end, Nebraska’s vision, tradition, and an emotional visit to Memorial Stadium sealed the deal.
“I want to be the change,” Rawlins said during his announcement. “I believe in what Coach Rhule is building. I saw the fire in his eyes, the hunger in the program, and the love from Husker Nation. I’m not just going to Nebraska—I’m going to make history there.”
His commitment marks a seismic shift for Nebraska football, which has struggled in recent years to regain its place among the sport’s elite. Rawlins, known for his cannon arm, lightning-fast acceleration, and off-the-charts football IQ, is considered a generational talent. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns while rushing for 1,200 yards and 18 scores in his senior season. Recruiting sites have compared him to a young Cam Newton with the field awareness of Caleb Williams.
Coach Matt Rhule, entering his third year at the helm in Lincoln, reacted emotionally to the news. “This is a monumental moment for Nebraska football,” he said. “Jeremiah isn’t just the top player in the country—he’s the cornerstone of our future. He’s the kind of leader who makes everyone around him better. We’re building a legacy here, and he’s the face of it.”
Rawlins’ announcement has already sent waves through social media and recruiting circles. Nebraska’s 2025 class, previously ranked 19th nationally, has jumped into the top five overnight. Fans flooded local stores to buy jerseys bearing the number 5, and Memorial Stadium’s digital billboards flashed, “Welcome to Lincoln, J5.”
Though the season is still months away, there’s an electric sense of revival in Nebraska. For the first time in years, the Cornhuskers aren’t just dreaming of championships—they’re planning for them, with the No. 1 player in America leading the charge.