Matt Rhule and Nebraska are wasting no time making noise on the 2027 recruiting trail. With six early commitments already locked in and a loaded board heading into spring, the Huskers are setting the tone for what could be a pivotal class in the program’s rebuild under Rhule.
One name to watch closely? Tavares Harrington - a long, athletic defensive back out of the Chicago area who’s quickly becoming one of the most coveted prospects in the country.
At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, Harrington brings size and versatility to the secondary. Depending on who you ask, he’s either a safety (per Rivals) or a cornerback (per 247Sports), but either way, he’s a high-level talent with elite upside.
And Nebraska is very much in the mix.
Harrington holds a staggering 41 scholarship offers - a who’s who of college football royalty. Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame - the heavyweights are all circling. That kind of attention tells you everything you need to know about how highly regarded he is in the 2027 class.
But Nebraska has a few things working in its favor. One of them?
Quarterback Trae Taylor. The four-star signal-caller, also from the Chicago area, is already committed to the Huskers and has taken on the role of peer recruiter.
Taylor’s presence - and his connections in the region - could be a difference-maker in Harrington’s decision-making process.
Harrington has already locked in official visits with Georgia and Alabama, and Nebraska is expected to get one on the books soon. He’s also planning a three-day trip to Michigan in March, which will give the Wolverines a chance to make their pitch.
Still, it sounds like Nebraska has made a strong impression early. Defensive backs coach Evan Cooper and assistant coach Addison Williams have been building a relationship with Harrington, and it’s one that appears to be trending in the right direction.
“Coach Addison - he’s a great coach,” Harrington said. “He stopped by my house for a home visit, and our relationship just continues to get stronger. They are doing great things over at Nebraska, and I can’t wait to get down there.”
For Nebraska, landing a player like Harrington would be a statement. He’s exactly the kind of athlete Rhule and his staff are targeting - long, physical, and capable of locking down the back end in a conference that’s only getting tougher. With the Big Ten expanding and competition heating up, stacking elite defensive backs like Harrington is how you build a defense that can hang with the best.
The Huskers are in the fight. Now it’s about closing.