: 4-Star Linebacker Colin Rice Stunned by Nebraska Visit, Hints at Game-Changing Moment
In what many are already calling a pivotal development in the 2025 recruiting cycle, 4-star linebacker Colin Rice, currently ranked the No. 7 outside linebacker in the nation, has left his official visit to the University of Nebraska “completely stunned” — and not just by the facilities.
Rice, a 6’2”, 225-pound powerhouse from McKinney, Texas, had long been considered a near-lock for either Oklahoma or Alabama. But after his weekend visit to Lincoln, whispers around the recruiting world suggest a major shift could be underway — one that might send shockwaves through the Big Ten and beyond.
A Visit That Felt Different
Sources close to Rice told Gridiron Authority that the linebacker “felt something different” during his time in Nebraska. “It wasn’t just the weight room or the stadium — though those were unreal,” Rice said in a brief post-visit interview. “It was the vibe. The people. The way the staff treated my family like royalty. It wasn’t just recruiting — it felt real.”
The visit included a private film session with defensive coordinator Tony White, a walk-through of Nebraska’s state-of-the-art performance center, and a surprise appearance by former Huskers legend Lavonte David, who reportedly told Rice: “We wore this ‘N’ with pride. You could be next.”
Defensive Blueprint
Rice, known for his sideline-to-sideline range and violent tackling, reportedly spent over two hours one-on-one with head coach Matt Rhule. One assistant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Coach Rhule showed him the plan. He said, ‘You’re not just a fit here — you’re the foundation.’ Colin heard that, and you could see it hit him.”
The Huskers, still in rebuild mode under Rhule, are in desperate need of elite defensive talent. Rice would likely compete for starting time as a true freshman in Lincoln — a factor that reportedly appeals to him more than depth chart battles at SEC powerhouses.
Social Media Hints Stir Buzz
Just hours after leaving Lincoln, Rice took to social media with a cryptic post:
“Some visits open your eyes. Some open your heart. #GBR”
The tweet, which has now racked up over 50,000 likes and hundreds of comments, is fueling rumors that Nebraska is now firmly in the top two for Rice — possibly even leading.
Recruiting insiders are calling this moment “a legitimate inflection point” for Nebraska football. “This kid changes everything,” said 247Sports analyst Nate Wilkins. “If Rice commits, you’re not just landing a top defender — you’re sending a message to every elite recruit in Texas that the Cornhuskers are back in play.”
What’s Next?
Rice has two official visits left — Georgia and Oregon — but many believe the Nebraska visit has set a new standard. His commitment is expected in mid-August, and if Nebraska can seal the deal, it could be the biggest recruiting win for the program in over a decade.
One thing is certain: Colin Rice’s trip to Lincoln may have changed more than his list. It might have changed the future of Nebraska football.
