Nebraska’s Maryland weekend could double as a recruiting showcase, with the Huskers lining up a loaded group of 2028 targets for the return to Memorial Stadium.
After a one-game road swing to Michigan State, Nebraska is back in Lincoln and hoping to turn the home atmosphere into more than just a football advantage. A win over Maryland and a loud crowd could give the staff a real shot at landing momentum - and maybe even a commitment or two - from some of the top names in the 2028 class.
The visit list is not small. Matt Rhule and his staff are also working to keep several 2027 commits in the fold, including Corey Hadley and Jailen Hill, while welcoming a large group of 2028 prospects who could help shape what analysts already view as a strong recruiting run. Many around the industry believe Nebraska is positioned for back-to-back Top 25 classes in the 2027 and 2028 cycles, so any weekend gains would matter.
At the center of the visitor group are two recruits from Ashburn (Va.) Loudoun Sports Academy: 4-star wide receiver Malachi Lee and 3-star running back Marquece Sharpe. Both were already in Lincoln in June and are set for another look this weekend.
Lee doesn’t yet have an official prediction pointing to Nebraska, but the On3 RPM has been trending toward the Huskers. Rutgers remains the main threat, though Nebraska appears to have the upper hand unless the Scarlet Knights come with a massive NIL offer.
Nebraska will also host 4-star interior offensive lineman Grayson Williams, 4-star defensive lineman Javontae Eldridge, and 4-star linebacker Allen Kennett V.
Kennett is one of the more intriguing names in the group. Most recruiting analysts currently see him as a strong lean to Texas, but he also shares a high school connection with current Husker tight end Luke Sorensen. That gives Nebraska a built-in advocate on campus, and Sorensen is expected to work hard to try to sway his former teammate toward Lincoln.
For now, Nebraska does not have a commitment in the 2028 class. But if the weekend goes the right way on October 3, that could change quickly. Even if it doesn’t, the Huskers have a chance to make progress with several major targets and keep the pressure building for the months ahead.
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