In a wild twist, Matt Rhule flipped the script in Nebraska’s recruiting playbook. What looked like a missed shot at a flashy 4-star turned into a masterclass in adaptability. Well, Rhule shifted gears, ditched the original plan, and landed a high-upside talent instead. But just as the Huskers started gaining steam, things took another turn—Billy Napier and his Gators came lurking. And now, Rhule’s bold pivot faces a serious poaching threat out of Gainesville.

Look, Matt Rhule locked down 4-star CB CJ Bronaugh with a verbal commit back on November 26—but that pledge is getting tested. Because Florida’s coming hard. Following that, On3’s Corey Bender dropped the update on April 10th: the Gators are still pushing for Bronaugh. And the corner’s not brushing them off either. When asked about Florida, CJ said, “It was nice having them want me to go back up there.” That’s not nothing. As of now, Billy Napier smells opportunity—and Nebraska’s going to have to hold the line. Because the poaching pressure is real.

We all know the Gators are stacking talent at cornerback—and they’re not done yet. After flipping 4-star Onis Konanbanny and landing legacy standout Ben Hanks Jr., the Gators now have their sights set on another prize: CJ Bronaugh. Well, the 6-foot-1, 175-pounder ranks as the nation’s No. 18 corner and No. 192 overall, per On3. On top of that, he is a top-30 prospect from Florida. Given that, yeah, chasing Bronaugh makes perfect sense. Plus, CJ’s a Florida native—that’s homegrown talent, and the Gators know it. Hometown ties could be the edge they need.

Still, nothing’s set in stone. Even with Florida lurking, landing CJ Bronaugh won’t be easy. Just last weekend, he was in Tallahassee for FSU’s spring kickoff. Although it was his first visit since the ‘Noles offered him back in May 2024—but it clearly hit right. And now, the Winter Garden native is locked in for an official FSU visit on June 6. Honestly, the battle for Bronaugh is just heating up.

And why not? CJ Bronaugh didn’t just show up in 2024—he showed out. Yes, the junior racked up 6 picks, 30 solo tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, and even swatted a field goal. No doubt, he is a straight playmaker. As of now, with FSU’s 2025 class already loaded with Cromartie Jr., Shamar Arnoux, and Zae Thomas, the ‘Noles haven’t dipped into the 2026 CB pool yet. Interestingly, that makes Bronaugh a prime flip candidate—and the kind of talent you don’t let slide.

As of now, while CJ Bronaugh’s stock is rising fast—Billy Napier’s interest is no secret. But back in Nebraska, Matt Rhule’s plan took a sharp turn. What started as a push for a slick 4-star corner turned into something bolder: chasing down a 285-pound beast with five-star firepower. Safe to say, Rhule didn’t just pivot—he leveled up.

The change in Matt Rhule’s recruitment strategy

What began as a push for 4-star CB CJ Bronaugh quickly turned into something much bigger for Matt Rhule. Well, the Huskers pivoted—fast. Instead of settling, they zeroed in on a 285-pound, five-star force of nature. Although it was a bold swing, but one that showed Rhule isn’t just chasing stars—he’s building a vision. And that shift in strategy? It proves Nebraska’s staff is ready to adapt on the fly, even if it means pivoting from a verbal commit like CJ to chase game-changing size and upside.

However, Matt Rhule isn’t wasting time in Lincoln—he’s swinging big. Nebraska recently rolled out the red carpet for Jake Hildebrand, a five-star monster from the 2027 class. The 6-foot-6, 285-pound offensive tackle is the No. 1 OT in the country and a top-25 national talent. On top of that, he touched down in Lincoln this April and left impressed, praising the Husker culture and how the whole town lives and breathes football. So, Rhule’s vision? Build a wall up front—and Hildebrand might just be the cornerstone.

To be honest, this recruiting curveball proves one thing—bold moves build winners. Matt Rhule didn’t stick to the script. He saw a chance, trusted his gut, and flipped the narrative. So, it’s not just about adding a name to the roster—it’s about setting a tone. You know, flexibility isn’t a fallback plan, it’s a game-changer.

As of now, this wasn’t just a smart pickup—it was a power play that shows how bold vision and fearless leadership can flip obstacles into opportunity and fuel a new era in Lincoln.