Lincoln, Nebraska — In the ever-changing, fast-paced world of college football recruiting, some coaches play it safe. Others roll the dice. But Matt Rhule? He’s playing chess on a Big Ten battlefield full of checkers.
As June dawns over Memorial Stadium, bringing with it a flurry of official visits and high-stakes recruiting battles, the pressure is dialed all the way up for the man leading the Cornhusker charge. The stakes? Nothing less than redefining Nebraska’s future. With prized quarterback Dylan Raiola already donning the scarlet and cream, Rhule is laying the foundation brick by brick — even as some walls show cracks.
Currently sitting at a modest No. 51 in the national 2026 recruiting rankings, Rhule’s not flinching — because he’s got a hulking, 240-pound ace up his sleeve.
Enter: James ‘Tank’ Carrington — Nebraska’s Next Defensive Wrecking Ball?
Standing 6’2” and weighing in at a beastly 240 lbs, James “Tank” Carrington out of Irvine, California, isn’t just a top defensive line prospect — he’s a potential cornerstone of the Blackshirts’ rebirth. A four-star force of nature, Carrington eats up double teams for breakfast and lives in opponents’ backfields. Just last season, the Tank rumbled to 33 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, and 9 brutal sacks. Coaches rave about his high motor, raw strength, and instincts that mirror a seasoned NFL vet.
Add in a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American honor and a breakout showing at the Polynesian Bowl, and you’ve got one of the hottest defensive recruits in the country — and he’s now Nebraska’s to lose.
Cancel the Competition: Carrington Only Has Eyes for Lincoln
In a twist that sent a surge of excitement through Husker Nation, Carrington canceled all of his other official visits — including trips to powerhouse programs like Oklahoma and LSU — immediately after scheduling Nebraska. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a signal.
Insiders close to the recruitment, including respected analyst Wilson Dittman, are already buzzing. “There’s a lot of optimism that Nebraska is going to land him,” Dittman declared in a recent show, almost teasing fans with what’s potentially the biggest recruiting win of the Rhule era. “They want him badly. If they can leave a strong impression… I wouldn’t be shocked if he commits shortly after.”
This is what big-time recruiting looks like — laser focus, high stakes, and one clear message: Nebraska is back in the fight.
But Not All That Glitters Is Gold: Rhule’s 2026 Setbacks Mount
For every rising opportunity, there’s often a gut punch waiting in the wings. Despite the optimism around Carrington, Nebraska’s 2026 recruiting push has hit turbulence. Recently, the Huskers lost out on McHale Blade (EDGE), Nasir Rankin (WR), and Keenan Harris (DB) — all slipping away to rival programs.
But the deepest sting? Ryan Mosley, a silky-smooth 4-star wideout from Georgia. Despite a strong relationship and momentum from landing Dylan and Dayton Raiola out of the Peach State, Mosley opted to stay home and commit to Kirby Smart’s machine in Athens.
“I just feel different at Georgia,” Mosley told On3. “The relationship with their staff is unmatched.” It’s the kind of quote that hurts — especially when you’ve been fighting tooth and nail to bring elite talent to the Midwest.
With 1,300+ receiving yards, 86 receptions, and 19 touchdowns on his résumé, Mosley would’ve been a massive get for the Huskers — a potential go-to target for Dylan Raiola. Now, that dream is off the table.
Nebraska’s Recruiting War Plan: Failures Fuel the Fire
Let’s be real: Rhule’s current class is lean. But it’s not directionless. He’s been relentless on the road, shaking hands, giving locker-room-level pitches in high school offices, and selling recruits not just on a football team — but on a movement.
Yes, some out-of-state stars have slipped through his grasp. But what Rhule’s building behind the scenes is something stronger than flash-in-the-pan momentum: a foundation of grit, culture, and belief.
Carrington’s recruitment feels like a turning point. It’s one thing to chase a big fish. It’s another to reel him in — especially when the sharks of the SEC and Big 12 are circling.
The Final Word: Can Rhule Close the Deal?
The next few weeks will define the tone of Rhule’s 2026 and 2027 classes. Land Carrington, and suddenly, the perception flips. Instead of being the team that “almost got the guy,” Nebraska becomes the school that snatches top-tier talent out from under college football’s titans.
For now, all eyes are on June. The stars are aligning. Carrington is coming to town. And if Rhule and his staff bring the energy — the Tank might just roll right into Lincoln and never look back.
Stay tuned. The next chapter of the Rhule Rebuild may be written in 240 pounds of West Coast dominance.
