Nebraska has jumped into the mix for one of the fastest-rising defensive linemen in the 2028 class, landing an offer for Arthur Jones IV, the son of former NFL defensive lineman Arthur Jones and the nephew of former NFL defensive end Chandler Jones and UFC legend Jon Jones.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound four-star from Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, New York, has already taken notice. Jones told Rivals analyst Tim Verghese that he’s planning to make multiple trips to Lincoln so he can get a better feel for the Huskers.
According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, Jones sits at No. 220 overall in the 2028 class, No. 21 at his position and No. 2 in New York. Nebraska extended its offer on July 1, but the Huskers are entering a crowded race that already includes Boston College, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Missouri, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Penn State, Rutgers, South Alabama, Syracuse, Tennessee, Toledo, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Virginia Tech, among others.
Penn State, Syracuse, Virginia Tech and Rutgers are among the schools that appear to have gotten in front early. Notre Dame and Indiana also got Jones on campus earlier this spring and offered while he was on unofficial visits.
For Nebraska, the challenge now is making up ground after the late offer. The Huskers have some Northeast ties to lean on, and Jones’ recruitment suggests they’re again looking to tap that region for talent.
The Fighting Irish may be the biggest program to watch in this one. Marcus Freeman has built a track record of positioning Notre Dame as a destination for relatives of former professional football stars.
Jones can play either tackle or edge at the next level, and with multiple Nebraska visits planned this fall, the Huskers still have a chance to make their case. The late start hasn’t knocked them out of the picture.
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