Nebraska Loses 4-Star WR Jabari Watkins from 2027 Class - But the Race Is Far from Over
Nebraska’s red-hot start to the 2027 recruiting cycle hit its first speed bump this week, as four-star wide receiver Jabari Watkins announced his decommitment from the Cornhuskers. And while it’s never ideal to lose a talent of Watkins’ caliber, this one comes with some built-in context - and a silver lining.
Watkins, a 6’2”, 185-pound wideout out of Thomasville, Georgia, had committed to Matt Rhule’s program back in September - without ever stepping foot on campus. That kind of pledge is always a bit of a tightrope walk.
When a player commits sight unseen, there’s always a chance the relationship cools once other programs get involved and visits start happening. That seems to be the case here.
Still, Nebraska has time - nearly a full year, in fact - to stay in the mix and try to bring Watkins back into the fold. And given how early it is in the process, this recruitment is far from over.
First Hit in a Strong Class
Watkins’ decommitment marks the first major loss in what had been a strong early showing for Nebraska’s 2027 class. The Huskers had built up a group of seven commits and climbed into the Top 10 nationally. In the Big Ten, only Ohio State stands ahead of them - a testament to the early work Rhule and his staff have put in.
Even with Watkins stepping away, Nebraska still has a solid foundation in place. The class includes:
- QB Trae Taylor - A key piece under center who gives the group a strong offensive identity.
- RB Amir Brown - A dynamic back who adds versatility and speed to the backfield.
- WR Tay Ellis - Another pass-catching threat who can help soften the blow of losing Watkins.
- DB Tory Pittman - A rangy defensive back with upside in coverage.
- DL Jayden Travers - A disruptive presence up front who fits the mold of Rhule’s physical defensive vision.
- OL Matt Erickson - A foundational piece in the trenches, where Nebraska has been steadily improving.
Why This Class Matters
This 2027 group carries extra weight for Nebraska because of what happened in the 2026 cycle. The Huskers signed fewer than 12 players earlier this month - a smaller-than-usual haul that leaves some roster gaps to fill.
Rhule has acknowledged that the transfer portal will be a key tool in addressing that shortfall, but he’s also made it clear: the high school recruiting class in 2027 is going to be a big one. It’s not just about plugging holes - it’s about building a foundation for the future.
So while losing a top-tier receiver like Watkins stings, it’s not a death blow. Nebraska is still in a strong position, both in terms of current commits and targets still on the board. And with nearly 12 months to go before signing day, there’s ample time to re-engage Watkins and continue to build a class that can help reshape the program.
What Comes Next
Expect Nebraska to stay active on the trail, both in trying to win back Watkins and in pursuing other top-tier talent. The Huskers are already considered front-runners for several high-profile recruits in the 2027 cycle, and the staff has shown it can recruit nationally - Watkins being a prime example.
Losing a four-star wideout isn’t ideal, but it’s also not uncommon in today’s recruiting landscape. Decommitments are part of the process, especially when the initial commitment came before a visit. What matters now is how Nebraska responds - and if recent trends are any indication, they’re not slowing down anytime soon.