Fact or fiction: Nebraska could be off to a hot start in recruiting in 2026

National Recruiting Analyst at Rivals Greg Smith is accompanied by TheMaizeandBlueReview.comin Josh Henschke, Tim Verghese in Inside Nebraska.com It is Eric Hansen in InsideNDSports.com to address three topics and determine whether they believe each statement is FACT or FICTION.

FACT OR FICTION: Vernell Brown’s Commitment Will Boost Classes in Florida

*****

CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | state

CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | state

TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player rating | Team standings | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker

*****

1. Michigan is Andrew Babalola’s clear favorite.

Henschke: FICTION. Michigan may well land André Babalola but to say he has a “clear” favorite might be a stretch at this point. I think the battle between the Wolverines and Stanford it’s very close to being decided at the moment, but it could end up being in Michigan’s favor. Credit to Babalola, he is keeping this matter closed with a veil of mystery in an age where information is readily available.

Smith: FICTION. This has become one of the most difficult recruitments for disabled people in the region. It makes all the sense in the world that Michigan is a clear favorite. The program’s tradition, having a former offensive line coach as head coach and academics is a powerful mix.

However, Stanford and Missouri should not be counted. The Cardinal offers a tremendous life after football. Missouri has things going on now with the coach Eli Drinkwitz. I give the Wolverines the edge now, but it’s not a commanding lead.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MICHIGAN FANS AT MAIZEANDBLUEREVIEW.COM

*****

2. Nebraska could set the tone for the 2026 defensive recruiting this weekend.

© Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Verghese: FACT. NebraskaThe upcoming visiting weekend may not result in any imminent commitments, however, it should set the stage for what could happen in the future for the Huskers in 2026. Top defensive targets like the four-star athlete Brandon Arringtona defensive back on the Nebraska board, four-star linebacker Keenan Harrisfour star security Jayden McGregory and three-star defensive end Hunter Higgins are expected in the city. This weekend will serve as an opportunity for the Huskers to establish themselves as a top contender in every draft. Regional goals JJ Dunnigan, Landon Bland It is Jase Reynolds are high on the team’s boards, and while their offer list doesn’t match up with some other targets, there are significant upsides with all three that the team hopes to leverage.

This is a big weekend for Matt Rhule and the Huskers as a whole, but it’s a good opportunity for Tony White, Rob Dvoracek and new defensive coach John Butler to give Nebraska a head start in 2026.

Smith: FACT. Nebraska’s 2026 defensive visiting list this weekend is sneakily very intriguing. The headliners are four-star outside linebacker Keenan Harris and four-star defensive back Jayden McGregory. Both are fantastic athletes who would fit well into defensive coordinator Tony White’s scheme.

But there are others coming to campus that should get Nebraska fans excited. Kansas native Hunter Higgins is a potential riser at DE/OLB. Nebraska also has some athletic defenders to watch when they arrive on campus. Having a good performance with these defenders could help a lot in the future of the Black Shirts.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NEBRASKA FANS AT INSIDENEBRASKA.COM

*****

3. Notre Dame is the out-of-state team to beat by Tai’Yion King.

Hansen: FACT. But put that in pencil for now. The true indicator will be whether King Tai’Yion return for a home game in Ireland this autumn, something he indicated was a strong possibility after Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freemanlinebackers coach Max Bullough and defensive coordinator Al Golden made a strong impression during a visit on April 20 for the Blue-Gold Game.

Tennesseewhich King will visit on Thursday, will be the only other out-of-state program the Texan has visited, but his list of offers is growing.

The Irish, however, are recruiting for the position at a very high level and will play at least one freshman and two sophomores prominently in their positional rotation this fall. If they can attract four-star prospects Madden Faraimo It is Nathanial Owusu-Boateng in the class of 2025, that will give them six candidates in the top 100 at the position over a four-cycle period — the same number who signed in the previous 20 classes combined.

Smith: FICTION. State programs Texas It is Texas A&M will certainly have a lot to say about this recruitment. But the four-star inside linebacker will also have good options outside of the state. He has been in good contact with the Notre Dame team for a long time, so he is definitely one to watch. However, Tennessee could take a step toward Port Arthur (Texas) Memorial prominence.

The Vols will have a chance to welcome him soon and will have a great opportunity ahead of them.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NOTRE DAME FANS AT INSIDENDSPORTS.COM

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in Rivals.com, the leader in college football and basketball recruiting coverage. Be the first to know and follow your teams by signing up here.