As Nebraska men’s basketball gears up for a marquee top-10 clash with Illinois on Sunday, the spotlight won’t just be on the hardwood. Fred Hoiberg and his staff are using the moment - and the momentum of a 20-1 season - to roll out the red carpet for five elite recruits from across the country.
With Pinnacle Bank Arena expected to be electric for the 3 p.m. CT tipoff, the Huskers are hoping to make a lasting impression on some of the nation’s top young talent.
Let’s break down who’s coming to Lincoln - and why this weekend could be a pivotal one for the future of Nebraska basketball.
Dawson Battie: A Big-Time Name with Big-Time Pedigree
Headlining the group is 6-foot-8 forward Dawson Battie, a five-star prospect and the No. 11 overall player in the 2027 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Battie is also the second-ranked player in the Lone Star State - no small feat given the depth of talent in Texas hoops.
This won’t be Battie’s first time in Lincoln. He was on campus this past summer and competed at the Fred Hoiberg Elite Camp on August 23, 2025. That familiarity could give Nebraska a leg up in a recruitment that includes heavy hitters like Houston, Auburn, and Kentucky.
Battie’s basketball roots run deep. His brother, Dillon Battie, is a sophomore at Wichita State after transferring from Temple, where their father, Derrick, played from 1992 to 1996.
And if the last name sounds familiar, it should - Dawson’s uncle is Tony Battie, the former No. 5 overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft who played in 837 NBA games over a 14-year career. Safe to say, the basketball gene runs strong in that family.
Mathias Allessanco: A Global Talent with Immediate Upside
If there’s one player in this group who could make an impact sooner rather than later, it’s Mathias Allessanco. At 6-foot-8 and part of the 2026 class, Allessanco brings size, experience, and international seasoning to the table.
Originally from Brazil, Allessanco is currently playing for Overtime Elite (OTE) in Atlanta - a proving ground for high-level prospects. He’s unranked nationally but considered a four-star talent by Rivals, and Nebraska is getting him on campus for an official visit. He’s already been courted by Michigan and Texas, having taken official visits to both programs last summer.
Before joining OTE, Allessanco played for Real Betis Baloncesto Sevilla’s second team in Spain. His résumé includes appearances for Brazil’s U18 national team at the FIBA AmeriCup - and impressively, he was elevated to the Brazilian Senior National Team at just 16, where he competed in the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers. That kind of international experience is rare and speaks volumes about his potential.
Jacob Lanier: The Future Husker Already Making Noise
Jacob Lanier won’t need a tour guide this weekend - the combo guard already signed with Nebraska back in November as part of the 2026 class. But his visit is still a big deal, especially as he continues to put up eye-popping numbers in his senior season.
Lanier, ranked No. 91 in the 247Sports Composite, is averaging 28.5 points, eight rebounds, and four assists per game for Parkview Magnet in Little Rock, Arkansas. He’s a versatile guard who can score at all three levels and, according to Hoiberg, brings a competitive edge that stands out.
“Jacob is a combo guard who does a good job of getting others involved and is a very good shooter,” Hoiberg said on signing day. “His combination of size, physicality and length show up on the defensive end where he can guard multiple positions.
When watching him over the summer, the trait that stands out about Jacob is his competitiveness. He’s a winner who plays with a chip on his shoulder.”
That kind of mentality fits right in with what Nebraska is building.
Donovan Davis: A Versatile Forward with Midwest Ties
Another name to keep an eye on is Donovan Davis, a four-star forward from Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Davis is the No. 33 overall player and the No. 8 power forward in the 2027 class, and he’s already starting to rack up high-major interest.
Davis recently visited Wisconsin and Iowa State, and he’s got offers from a range of programs including Marquette, Iowa, California, Syracuse, and Colorado State. This weekend marks his second trip to Lincoln in recent months - he was in the building for Nebraska’s big win over Creighton on December 7.
At 6-foot-8, Davis brings length, athleticism, and a developing offensive game that makes him a high-upside prospect. Nebraska is clearly making him a priority.
London Dada: In-State Talent with a Smooth Stroke
Last but certainly not least is London Dada, a 6-foot-8 sharpshooter from Omaha Westside. Ranked No. 109 in the 2027 class by the 247Sports Composite, Dada is a name Nebraska fans should get familiar with - if they haven’t already.
Dada holds offers from Nebraska, Creighton, Iowa, Belmont, and Omaha. He’s also scheduled to take an official visit to Creighton this weekend as the Bluejays host UConn. That means the in-state battle for his commitment is heating up - and this weekend could be key in Nebraska’s pitch.
A Big Weekend for a Program on the Rise
At 20-1 and ranked No. 5 in the country, Nebraska basketball is in the middle of something special. But what makes this stretch even more exciting is how the program is leveraging its success to build for the future.
By bringing in five top-tier prospects - including one already signed and four still weighing their options - Hoiberg and his staff are showing they’re not just focused on the present. They’re laying the foundation for sustained success.
Sunday’s game against Illinois will be a measuring stick for this year’s team. But for the recruits in attendance, it could be a glimpse into what their own futures might look like in Lincoln. And if the Huskers keep trending in this direction, don’t be surprised if some of these names end up wearing scarlet and cream down the line.