Omaha Steaks served more than smash burgers at their Smash Burger Cook-Off in Dingerville, Nebraska, on Sunday, June 15, just a short stroll from the College World Series.
The event doubled as a Father’s Day celebration, drawing a lively crowd and one notable guest, Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule. Naturally, football talk was inevitable. When recruiting came up, Rhule didn’t hesitate.
Nebraska HC Matt Rhule Confident in Summer Recruiting
Nebraska’s Rhule wasn’t just there to judge a burger showdown involving two-person teams; he dove right in. Teaming up with former Nebraska All-American lineman Brenden Stai, Rhule took the challenge seriously. He grabbed ingredients, re-smashed patties, and perfected each burger’s shape.
Of course, football talk entered the fray. In an X post from Lauren Michelson, Rhule fielded a question about recruiting. His confident answer made one thing clear: Nebraska is building something substantial.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule put down the playbook & picked up the spatula with @OmahaSteaks today! @CoachMattRhule
A sizzling break from what’s been a busy June for the #Huskers
“We have 8 days days left & we’ve got to kill it. We’re on a good roll…” #Huskers @KETV pic.twitter.com/3VwvWJT7ay
— Lauren Michelson (@LaurenMichelson) June 15, 2025
“We have 8 days left and we’ve got to kill it,” Rhule said. “We’re on a good roll…”
The Cornhuskers hosted several top prospects from across the country this past weekend. Among them was Valdin Sone, a 6’3″, 315-pound four-star defensive lineman from Dyke, Virginia. Joining him was Calvin Thomas, a 6’3″, 210-pound four-star linebacker from Cypress, Texas.
Jacob Eberhart, who stands 6’3 “and 200 pounds, is from the St. Louis area. Nebraska also welcomed in-state talent with Darion Jones, a 6’1”, 170-pound three-star cornerback known for his speed and coverage skills.
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Rounding out the group was Jamal Rule, a 6’6”, 205-pound three-star running back out of North Carolina, and Leon Noil Jr., a powerful 6’4”, 255-pound three-star interior offensive lineman target.
Currently ranked No. 64 nationally, Nebraska is up for a major push in recruiting this summer. With multiple commitments expected in the coming weeks, the Cornhuskers have positioned themselves well with several high-profile 2026 prospects.
Rhule’s staff has clarified its intentions over the past two weeks; 16 official visitors have stepped foot in Lincoln. Each recruit said Nebraska is shaping into one of the nation’s top programs.
Although the 2026 class needs to gain depth and star power, the Huskers’ coaching staff is fully locked in for the summer grind. If this momentum holds, expect Nebraska’s recruiting ranking to rise before the season kicks off in August.
