The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ (5-5) pursuit of a more prosperous 2025 is unwavering. Year 2 of the Matt Rhule era entailed more of the same- moments of greatness and moments of growth. The team has had its fair share of learning experiences.  4 of their 5 losses have been by one-score margins. As the team looks to cut this surplus, more help may be on the way.

Oklahoma Sooners (5-5) commit Cortez Mills is reportedly one to keep a close eye on. The 4-star WR out of Homestead, Florida, has been on the Husker’s radar for quite some time. He committed to the Sooners in early July, however his head may be starting to sway. That is according to Nebraska insider Sean Callahan.

Lead publisher/owner of HuskerOnline, Callahan appeared on the On3 Recruits’ YouTube channel. Discussing developments on the recruitment front, he said, “Cortez Mills really intrigues me. Because I do think there’s more going on there than people realize. He did visit Nebraska during the season for a game as well. You know it’s been quiet since that point, but obviously, there’s a lot involved with him in NIL and other things”.

Mills visited Lincoln when the team hosted Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes. The win seemingly left its mark on the pass-catcher, as would QB Dylan Raiola’s display. With only 1 full college game under his belt, the freshman led his Huskers to a 28-0 lead in the first half. With Raiola’s performances trending downwards, Matt Rhule hopes to secure a weapon of Cortez Mills’ ilk for his offense.

Mills is a top-20 WR prospect in his class. While the Sooners are a storied program, their traversal through the school’s first season in the SEC has been lackluster. The prospects of Oklahoma going into 2025 look bleak on a surface level. The Huskers have been on the heels of other SEC programs undergoing transitional periods in the same, as evidenced by their recent flip.

Dawson Merritt is a case in the evolution of CFB recruitment

Matt Rhule will take confidence in his program’s successful recruitment of 4-star LB Dawson Merritt. Rhule was one of the keys to the operation. His past relationship with KC Chiefs’ DB coach Dave Merritt proved pivotal in landing his son. 

With the advent of NIL and a 12-team playoff, the dynamic around highly-touted prospects and their landing spots has transformed. Programs like Alabama don’t have the same sheen to them. The playing field is more level, and personnel are just as important as the institutions they represent.

With things on the recruitment front picking steam, Miller will be eyeing where he fits into everything. One would expect him to slot right into the team from the jump, with how the Nebraska offense has struggled. The opportunity to play as a freshman with a more seasoned Dylan Raiola beckons for Cortez Mills. They say the second time’s the charm. Sophomore-season Raiola stands to be a promising watch in Lincoln.