Matt Rhule‘s third-year charm is starting to show. Nebraska’s 3-0 start has boosted confidence around the program, and recruits are set to pack the stands for the marquee showdown against Michigan. But even in the middle of the surge, Rhule has reason to be on edge as a four-star defensive tackle, Danny Odem’s flip threat has sent Rhule on high alert.
“I feel good to be a Nebraska Cornhusker. The relationships, the coaching staff, I feel we’re about to do something special,” he said, becoming the seventh commit in Rhule’s Class of 2026. But now, Ohio State is determined to flip him. On 93.7 The Ticket, Rivals’ Greg Smith revealed the Cornhuskers’ flip alert and more. “I think the number one guy there is Danny Odem, the defensive back out of Florida,” Rivals’ Smith told 93.7 The Ticket. “When Nebraska got him, I think that it’s not a real secret in the industry that they went kind of above and beyond with their kind of NIL revshare kind of package.” Earlier, Nebraska used the NIL factor to help secure Odem’s commitment, and Rhule might not think twice about doing it again.
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Initially, the Buckeyes were not on Danny’s scholarship list, but the ‘Ohio State brand’ offer turned out to be a serious contender. “They’re the national champions,” Danny Odem said per Rivals’ John Garcia Jr. “Their brand is B.I.A., best in America, so you have to be one of them to even get that offer. That felt great.” Presently, as well, they are going strong with a new quarterback in Julian Sayin. They beat the Texas Longhorns in the most highly anticipated season opener, grabbing more than 16 million views.
Greg continued. “And so other schools are also trying to do that, namely, Ohio State and Clemson.” The Buckeyes had made it to Odem’s top five list, along with Oklahoma, Penn State, Clemson, and Nebraska, but were edged out by Matt Rhule & Co. to get his pledge. However, Columbus is still eager to get him on board and is loosening its purse strings to make that happen.
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The Buckeyes had made it to Odem’s top five list, along with Oklahoma, Penn State, Clemson, and Nebraska, but were edged out by Matt Rhule & Co. to get his pledge. Greg continues. “People around the industry also know that Ohio State has been kind of notoriously stingy earlier in the cycle.” If there’s one thing Ohio State completely stresses, it is the culture. Distilled with pure talent that eventually is pumped to the NFL. However, as Greg reveals, to flip Danny Odem, Ryan Day might lean on NIL.
The defensive back has been selected among the 100 players for the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl held on January 10, next year. “God, I thank you for all you have done for me!” Odem, who will be playing for the East squad, wrote on X. That’s the kind of elite talent pool programs are trying to build around and more.
“So, I think Ohio State is one to watch, and that’s definitely trying to flip Danny Odem,” Greg Smith concluded. However, with the Buckeyes, another Big 10 powerhouse is interested in Danny Odem.
Sherrone Moore’s Michigan is in the mix as well
Although Big 10 powerhouse Michigan has not officially offered a scholarship to Danny Odem, Wolverines recruiting targets point towards another headache for Matt Rhule. After the cornerback gave his commitment, Michigan is making strides to flip him. “Michigan just started recruiting me,” he said, per the Maize N Brew. “They say they’re going to come check me out and get to know me. They haven’t offered me yet,” he said in an interview back in July.
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However, looking through a macro lens, Matt Rhule’s recruiting efforts are going strong, and Dylan Raiola is further acting as a linchpin. Nebraska has made strides in recruiting at the QB position. Next, they have received commitments from DJ Lateef and Dayton Raiola. The star QB has a domino effect in expanding Rhule’s recruiting efforts as he helps attract talent from across the country.
“The good thing there, though, is that the kids see that, right?” Greg Smith said. “Like these other recruits see that he’s (Dylan) made progression that they were able to get him on the field early and so, hey, if I come in, I’m going to be able to uh play and I’ll also be able to get coached up under Coach Dana Holgorsen, and kind of improve my game because he’s got a strong um development history with quarterback.” During the weekend, Nebraska will face off against Michigan, and the recruits will be in attendance, nitpicking at the trenches.