Nebraska’s recruiting class just got a little more shine.
Danny Odem, the five-star cornerback who signed with the Huskers earlier this month, has been named a finalist for the Navy All-American Bowl Defensive Player of the Year Award - a nod to both his high-level production and his elite upside. The winner will be announced on January 9, but Odem’s spot among the final five says plenty on its own.
Odem’s senior year in Florida was nothing short of dominant. He earned all-district honors and turned heads with a three-interception performance in a single game - and not just any game.
That came against the defending Florida 7A state champion, a stage where elite talent tends to separate from the pack. Odem didn’t just hold his own - he took over.
His junior season was another strong chapter in a high school career that’s been building steadily toward national recognition. That year, he racked up 45 tackles, picked off two passes, and broke up three more.
Before transferring to Florida, Odem played his first two seasons at Farrell High School in Pennsylvania, where he made his presence felt early and often. Across those first three years, he stacked up 80 tackles, five interceptions, and eight passes defended - the kind of production that signals not just physical tools but a sharp football IQ and natural instincts in coverage.
The Navy All-American Bowl finalist list is stacked with future stars, and Odem is in elite company. He’s joined by JD Hill, a disruptive defensive lineman out of Mission Viejo (Calif.); Luke Wafle, a high-motor edge rusher from the Hun School (N.J.) and a USC commit; Julian Walker, another edge talent out of Dutch Fork (S.C.) headed to South Carolina; and TJ White, a linebacker from Jackson Academy (Miss.) committed to Tennessee.
But Odem stands out - not just because of his five-star rating, but because of what that rating represents. 247Sports has him ranked as the No. 31 overall player in the 2026 class and the No. 2 cornerback in the country. That’s rare air, and it’s part of why Nebraska fans are buzzing about what he could bring to Lincoln.
With size, speed, and the kind of ball skills that can flip a game on its head, Odem profiles as a potential cornerstone in Nebraska’s secondary. And if his high school tape is any indication, he’s not just a shutdown corner - he’s a playmaker.
The All-American Bowl will serve as another stage for Odem to showcase his talent, but for now, being named a finalist for this award is one more sign that Nebraska landed a big-time difference-maker.