Rhule’s Lincoln Stakeout: Scouting the Next Elite O-Lineman
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule spent a Friday night trading radio spots for sideline seats at Lincoln Lutheran High School to watch 2027 in-state offensive line target Barrett Kitrell. Fresh off his monthly Huskers Radio Network show, Rhule and analyst Damon Benning saw the 6’4″, 270-pound Bluejays standout dominate both ways—18 defensive tackles (4 for loss) and varsity football, basketball, and track achievements. Kitrell has seven D-I offers, including Nebraska’s, and carries a family legacy of Cornhusker fullbacks. Meanwhile, new O-line coach Geep Wade has added seasoned transfer linemen to overhaul the front five for 2026, setting the stage for Kitrell’s potential home-state commitment.
In a twist worthy of a comedic espionage thriller, Rhule’s latest recruiting tactic looks like something out of a spy novel: ditch the tailcoat, strap on some camo, and lurk in the bleachers. Sources report he’s been practicing stealthy sideline maneuvers so elite prospects never see him coming. Forget satellite camps—Rhule’s new mantra is “Operation Midnight Lineman Stakeout.” Word is he’s planning a binocular-powered, drone-assisted follow on Kitrell’s family barbecue to ensure no sausage goes unscouted. If recruiting was an Olympic sport, Rhule would have already snagged gold, silver, and the concession-stand nachos.
Budget Blizzard Blows Out Nebraska’s Running Back Plans
Nebraska’s running back room remains thin as head coach Matt Rhule admits financial constraints prevented the Huskers from adding portal ball-carriers for the fourth consecutive window. With NIL and direct payment pools growing to $20.5 million, Nebraska still found itself outbid for top backs like CharMar Brown, who’s now chasing a national title at Miami. Returning backs combined for modest careers—410 yards on 83 carries—compared to last year’s leader Emmett Johnson’s 1,009 yards. Rhule has shifted portal resources to quarterbacks and offensive line strength but acknowledges the lack of a clear No. 1 back entering spring practice still stings.
Welcome to the Nebraska budget rodeo, where running backs are the first exhibits auctioned off to the highest bidder. Apparently, Matt Rhule thought he could fund the roster by selling popcorn at Memorial Stadium; alas, the Hot Nut machine only yields so much revenue. Rather than recruiting a bruiser from the portal, Rhule’s now stuffing his face with fiscal spreadsheets and wondering if mailbox money counts as a down payment. Meanwhile, fans are left chanting “sell more corn dogs” while the coaches scramble to juggle quarterbacks, linemen, and enough pennies to make a real backfield. At least Rhule’s new motto—“If we can’t buy a back, we’ll just reassign one from the marching band”—has a certain satirical flourish.
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