If Nebraska’s recent recruiting momentum is any indication, the Cornhuskers could be kicking off 2026 with a major win off the field. Head coach Matt Rhule has been building something steady and serious in Lincoln, and the Class of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory. Despite one decommitment, Nebraska sits with the No. 5-ranked class for 2027 - and that ranking might not stay put for long.
That’s because four-star running back Xavier Bala is set to announce his college commitment on January 10. And based on projections from 247Sports, Nebraska is firmly in the driver’s seat.
Bala, who’s currently ranked No. 292 nationally and the No. 22 running back in the Class of 2027 according to Rivals Industry rankings, is also the No. 2 overall player in the state of New York - a hotbed that doesn’t always get national attention, but continues to produce top-tier talent.
His final list includes Nebraska, Ohio State, Virginia, Maryland, Syracuse, and Boston College. So it’s a Big Ten vs. ACC battle, with the Huskers looking like the frontrunner as decision day approaches.
Landing Bala would be a significant statement for Rhule and his staff. With Emmett Johnson heading to the NFL, Nebraska’s backfield is entering a transition period. Bala wouldn’t arrive until 2027, but the opportunity to make an early impact could be there depending on how the 2026 depth chart shakes out.
There’s a lot to like about Bala’s game. He’s a physical, downhill runner with burst and vision - the kind of back who fits the Big Ten mold but also brings enough versatility to be used creatively in Rhule’s system. He’s not just a plug-and-play guy; he’s the type of recruit who could become a foundational piece in Nebraska’s offensive identity moving forward.
For now, the Huskers are focused on wrapping up their season with a strong showing in the Las Vegas Bowl. But make no mistake - January 10 is circled on the calendar in Lincoln.
If Bala chooses Nebraska, it won’t just be another recruiting win. It’ll be a sign that Rhule’s long-term vision is resonating with top-tier talent - and that the Huskers are building something real for the future.