In-State IOL Barrett Kitrell Decides to Stay Home

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Nebraska added another important piece to its 2027 recruiting class this weekend as Ashland-Greenwood, NE interior offensive lineman Barrett Kitrell announced his commitment to the Huskers.

The battle for his commitment came down to the wire, with Iowa making a serious push to pull Kitrell across the border. In the end, Nebraska managed to keep the talented lineman home, giving offensive line coach Geep Wade a significant recruiting win. Wade deserves plenty of credit for building a strong relationship with the legacy recruit and ultimately securing his pledge.

Kitrell checks in at 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds and is currently rated as a three-star prospect. He projects as either a guard or center at the next level and fits the profile Nebraska is targeting up front: tough, physical, mobile, and capable of developing into a multi-year contributor.

The good news didn’t stop there. Nebraska also landed a commitment from four-star California cornerback Jailen Hill last week, adding another highly regarded prospect to an increasingly impressive 2027 class.

The Line Is a Major Priority

If there is one clear takeaway from Nebraska’s recruiting efforts, it’s that Geep Wade believes the offensive line needs a complete overhaul.

With Kitrell’s commitment, the Huskers now have five offensive linemen committed in the 2027 class. Pair that with an aggressive approach in the transfer portal and it’s clear the coaching staff is determined to reshape the trenches.

It’s difficult to argue with the urgency. Nebraska’s offensive line struggled at times during the 2025 season, particularly in pass protection. Too often quarterbacks were under pressure, and the offense never consistently found its footing against quality opponents.

The response has been decisive. Wade is stockpiling talent and competition up front, and Kitrell fits exactly the type of player Nebraska wants to build around moving forward.

2027 Class Has Bounced Back

The Huskers’ 2027 recruiting class has experienced an interesting journey.

At one point, Nebraska sat comfortably inside the national top ten before other programs surged during the spring recruiting period. However, the Huskers have responded with a strong June push that has propelled them back up the rankings.

Nebraska now sits around 15th nationally and sixth in the Big Ten, a significant rebound that reflects the momentum generated during the summer visit season.

Quarterback Trae Taylor remains the centerpiece of the class. The nation’s top-ranked quarterback has become one of Nebraska’s most valuable recruiters, actively helping build relationships with fellow prospects and generating excitement around the program. His maturity and leadership have stood out throughout the process and are a major reason why this class continues to gain traction.

With 21 commitments already in the fold, Nebraska appears to be entering the selective phase of the cycle. It would not be surprising to see Matt Rhule and his staff become increasingly picky about remaining spots.

Of course, there are always exceptions.

If elite targets like Albert Simien, the nation’s No. 4 interior offensive lineman, or Ahmad Hudson, the country’s top tight end and current LSU commit, decide they want in, Nebraska will gladly make room.

For now, keeping Barrett Kitrell home is another recruiting victory, another investment in the offensive line, and another sign that Nebraska’s late-summer recruiting surge is very real.

GBR

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