When head coach Matt Rhule took over the Nebraska football program he had one goal in mind. Win football games. It’s a single-minded straight-line goal. But the path to getting there resembles a coiled double helix chain of cells known as DNA. Yes, over the last eleven seasons winning for Nebraska appears to be that complicated.
But heading down that path starts with taking the first step. That means acquiring talent. And that’s where Matt Rhule has taken Nebraska to the next level. As of right now Nebraska football is in a unique position with two preseason events that sets them apart from top dogs like Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, and LSU.
The first event, the HUDL Futures Forum. For those of you who may not be familiar with HUDL, they are a video analysis company founded in 2006. The software used by HUDL was developed in Lincoln and the company still resides there. Originally developed for football, thus the name HUDL, it is used for game footage and highlight reels by youth, amateur, and professional football teams. Due to its popularity, HUDL has grown to include all sports and is used by over 300,000 teams globally.
With the transfer portal and NIL, HUDL recognized the importance of young athletes and their families understanding how to manage NIL income, recruiting interviews, building a brand, athlete safety, and using video to take their careers to the next level. With all of this in mind HUDL started the Futures Forum, where top talent attends a three-day event concentrating on educating young athletes on how to manage the life-changing opportunities in front of them.
This year HUDL brought in 30 elite high school players from the 2027, 2028, and 2029 recruiting classes. What makes this event important for Nebraska is that these players are allowed to be on campus to visit coaches and tour the facilities without breaking NCAA rules. It gives the Huskers a jump start on young recruits who are unaware of what Nebraska has to offer. Most of these players would never visit Nebraska otherwise.
This is the second year for the event and with Nebraska moving their spring game to March 27, it coincided with the HUDL Forum, giving recruits the opportunity to attend the spring game. With the Huskers hosting recruits of their own, there were more than 50 recruits on campus for the spring game last weekend. Getting these players on campus together is big for building relationships, not just with coaches but with each other. Such relationships usually generate visits for the future. Nebraska saw significant benefits from the HUDL Forum last year. This year will be no different.
The second event, Nebraska’s Battle of the Boneyard sponsored by Adidas. The official apparel sponsor of the Huskers, Adidas and Nebraska’s relationship dates back to 1995. Like the HUDL Forum, this will be the second year for the event.
In its infant stages, most are unaware of what the event is. Designed to be a high-profile recruiting showcase and camp experience for top recruits, it’s a 7-on-7 football tournament hosted by Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. Since it’s sponsored by Adidas it is not in violation of any NCAA rules. The event gives Nebraska the unique opportunity to invite multiple teams and get over 100 skill position prospects on campus. Last year’s event was deemed a resounding success with twelve teams and 40 to 50 four-and five-star recruits from recruiting hotbeds like Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago participating.
With 2027, 2028, and 2029 recruits participating, it gives them their first opportunity to showcase their abilities to a Davison I staff. It also allows recruits to see Nebraska’s facilities and for coaches to acquaint themselves with players and start an ongoing dialog. Two of Nebraska’s top targets in the 2027 cycle were at the event last year, Ahmad Hudson, the No. 1 tight end recruit nationally, and Juju Johnson, the No. 8 cornerback. Both have scheduled official visits to Lincoln.
Nebraska’s 2027 quarterback commit Trae Taylor played in last years event leading the Miami Raw to the eventual championship. The event gave Taylor the opportunity to meet and peer recruit several top players. With Nebraska yet to target a quarterback in the 2028 cycle, this year’s event could play a big role in identifying a potential target. Between the HUDL Forum and the Battle of the Boneyard events last year Nebraska was able to assemble a 2027 class that is currently ranked 10th nationally.
This year’s Battle of the Boneyard will be held on Saturday June 20 with the championship showcase starting at 6:30pm in Memorial Stadium. Pool play will be from 1-5pm in the Hawks center or the practice fields. The event is open to the public with free admission and early arriving fans receiving free gear, hot dogs, and Gatorade. I know I went last year and thoroughly enjoyed watching Trae Taylor in action. If you’re a fan of football, I recommend taking time to attend.
Last weekend sat Nebraska up with several future visitors. The event in June will secure more visits throughout fall. Rhue and staff have been given a tremendous opportunity. Maybe it isn’t as complicated as a strand of DNA, but until Rhule and the Huskers start winning football games Nebraska will just be a place to visit and not home.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
~Lyle Harmon
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