With the calendar about to flip to January, Nebraska football might be kicking off the new year with a major recruiting win. Four-star running back Xavier Bala - one of the most highly regarded prospects in the 2027 class - is set to announce his college decision on January 10 during the nationally televised Navy All-American Bowl on NBC. And if the latest predictions hold true, the Huskers could be on the verge of landing a game-changing talent.
Bala, a 6-foot, 215-pound bruiser out of St. Anthony’s in New York, has narrowed his list to six programs: Nebraska, Ohio State, Virginia, Syracuse, Boston College, and Maryland.
While each school has made a strong push, Nebraska is starting to look like the frontrunner. Recruiting analyst Greg Smith has officially forecasted the Huskers to land the blue-chip back - a potentially massive development for Matt Rhule’s 2027 class.
Let’s be clear: pulling Bala away from Ohio State would be a statement. The Buckeyes don’t often miss on top-tier running back talent, especially when it comes to players with Bala’s blend of power, vision, and burst. So if Nebraska can close the deal, it would speak volumes about the program’s momentum on the recruiting trail and Rhule’s growing influence in year four at the helm.
This recruitment also comes at a pivotal time for the Huskers. After losing a key commit in Jabari Watkins earlier in the cycle, questions started to swirl about how Nebraska would rebound.
Bala would answer those questions - and then some. He wouldn’t just be a replacement; he’d be a foundational piece.
A tone-setter. The kind of player you build an offensive identity around.
And let’s not overlook the broader implications. Nebraska’s 2026 class didn’t exactly move the needle.
Adding Bala to the 2027 group could shift the narrative in a hurry. He’s not just a top-ranked running back - he’s the kind of prospect who can elevate an entire class.
His commitment would send a clear message: Nebraska isn’t just trying to keep pace; it’s aiming to lead.
The countdown to January 10 is officially on. If things go Nebraska’s way, the Huskers could be celebrating more than just the start of a new year - they could be celebrating the arrival of their future backfield centerpiece.