Caleb Green’s return to Lincoln on Saturday came with a different kind of energy.
The Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North three-star linebacker was back at Memorial Stadium for the first time since committing to Nebraska in June, and the visit hit differently this time around. He’d been to games there before, but showing up as a Husker pledge - and being around other members of Nebraska’s 2027 class - gave the trip a new feel.
“It was definitely good, the atmosphere was great,” Green told Hail Varsity. “It was a good game. It was good to see everybody.”
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound defender said he’s already building a bond with the other commits in the class, including five-star quarterback Trae Taylor, four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor, four-star defensive lineman Nehemiah Ombati, three-star wide receiver Justyn Lindsay and three-star offensive tackle Matt Erickson.
“We talk every now and then,” he said of Nebraska’s 2027 recruiting class. “Yesterday we talked a lot; we’re all pretty close. Feels like home already; we’re very excited.”
Green’s path to Nebraska included a flip from Missouri, where he had previously been committed. He’s a Missouri legacy, but his June camp in Lincoln changed the picture. Even while pledged to the Tigers, he came to Nebraska, earned the offer he’d been waiting for and then returned a week later for an official visit before switching his commitment.
“Staff felt more genuine, like they cared about me more,” he said. “They showed they wanted me more, showed how they could use me and ultimately it just felt more like home.”
A big part of that comfort came from assistant head coach Jamar Mozee, who once coached at Lee’s Summit North. Green said Mozee’s connection to his family made the decision easier, especially with Green’s older brother, Cayden, currently a star offensive tackle at Missouri.
“I think maybe second or third grade, I started doing workouts with him and some of my teammates,” Green said. “We’ve been working out with him since forever and then we got to high school and he was our coach for a year. He’s definitely like an uncle to me.”
On Saturday, Green watched Nebraska’s defense closely, especially the linebackers. He’s already gotten to know several players in that room and came away impressed by the way the Huskers handled the game.
“They played fast, they played physical,” he said. “They had one spot where they got scored on but that was really it, it was still good.”
He also spent time with linebackers coach Rob Dvoracek, and Green said that relationship has grown steadily over the summer.
“We talk just about every week,” he said. “He calls me or texts me and checks in on me, it’s definitely developed a lot.”
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Matt Rhule Has Another Coach Wanting Nebraskas Program Blueprint
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For Nebraska, it was another sign that Rhules work is resonating beyond the Big Ten. George said he wants to learn from Rhule and get advice on how to keep improving his own program, a reflection of both Nebraskas momentum and the respect Rhule has earned in a short time. George also talked about his own coaching path and the progress Bowling Green has made, but the broader takeaway was simple enough: Nebraskas rebuild is becoming the standard other coaches want to understand. [Read more 🡒]
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Still, there was a messy moment that hung over the cleanest stretches of the day, even if it was officially logged as Colandreas first interception of the season. The play came off a fumble by Jacory Barney after JoJo Johnson stripped the ball, a reminder that Nebraskas issues are not limited to one phase, especially with special teams also drawing flags on punt returns and adding to the sense that the Cornhuskers are still sorting out the small stuff. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Showed Class In A Rivalry Moment Fans Wont Forget
A somber note ran through the weekend around the Iowa-Nebraska rivalry when Derek Phillips, a member of the Hawkeyes marching band, died after collapsing from heat during a game. In the midst of all the usual pageantry that comes with that matchup, both marching bands found a way to honor him, and Nebraska added its own gesture by wearing gold and black ribbons in solidarity.
The on-field story still had plenty to say for the Cornhuskers, who backed up the emotional moment with a decisive win. Linebacker Owen Chambliss also made his return from injury and was part of the defense with tackles, giving Nebraska a little more depth as it moved on from a weekend that will be remembered for much more than the final score. [Read more 🡒]
