Okay, so what year is this? 2025. But someone has already started planning to bolster his roster for 2027! Sounds interesting right? It’s none other than the Nebraska Cornhuskers HC Matt Rhule. Well, the HC has his focus on the bull’s eye, the highly-coveted class of 2027 QB Trae Taylor. Yes, that’s part of the Huskers’ post-Dylan Raiola plan. Right now, Rhule and the Huskers will have to fight against four other big-shot teams. Will they be successful? Looks like they have a big advantage for Taylor. Meanwhile, even before stepping into college, the young chap is enjoying the sweet fruits of NIL with an attractive six-figure NIL deal.

Well, the Huskers fans might still remember the craze surrounding their QB Raiola, right? The way he pulled out a Patrick Mahomes doppelganger look with that broccoli hair and Oakley glasses had turned heads. While fans thought of Raiola bringing in Mahomes like rage on the gridiron, sadly that didn’t happen. However, the Huskers will have to give the QB two more chances to try his luck. Raiola is not eligible to declare for the draft until the 2027 cycle. That’s when Rhule started his post-Raiola plans. Here’s how Taylor enters the chat.

After all, the four/five-star quarterback is too irresistible and is becoming one of the most sought-after high school athletes in the country. The Carmel Catholic (Illinois) standout comes off as a package of skill, talent, and leadership on the field. Analyst Wilson Dittman gave a rundown on the present scenario with Taylor: “He’s a five-star quarterback 14th best player in the country number four quarterbacks in his class in the 2027 class.” Even though the list of suitors is long, the quarterback has come up with his final five chasers.

Rhule and the Huskers have been lucky enough to make it to the Top 5. They will now battle with Illinois, LSU Tigers, Michigan Wolverines, and Texas A&M. And where does Rhule’s program stand?

Sadly, the Huskers are not at No.1. It’s Sherrone Moore’s Michigan Wolverines who hold a lead. “By far the number one is going to be Michigan. He has visited Michigan 13 times,” confirmed the analyst. The Huskers hold “ a solid second place.” Taylor visited Rhule’s program twice for two games last year. However, even holding the second position, the Huskers have an advantage over the Wolverines. So, what is it?

Dittman confirmed, “If he [Taylor] went to Michigan, he would have to sit on the bench for a couple of years with Bryce Underwood there. If he comes to Nebraska, Dylan Raiola will likely be off to the NFL by that time. he can get a hand off the keys, and he’ll probably start.” As his popularity skyrockets, Taylor is already turning heads in the NIL.

Trae Taylor sets his feet firm on the NIL ground

The accuracy this 16-year-old has shown is just unreal—super rare for someone his age. Thanks to the NIL. He can now make the most use of his talents without even waiting to get a breakthrough in college. While we are yet to figure out if NIL will shape Taylor’s decision to choose his next stop, it’s surely going to be a significant factor. 

Already, he made it to the headlines by signing a deal with Leaf Collectibles, a sports memorabilia company. The figures are surely going to leave you amazed. As per the reports, the deal is worth between $100,000 and $200,000. Yes, that’s what the deal looks like for a high school junior marking an impressive financial milestone. Now, surely this is just the beginning.

After all, the going rate for elite quarterbacks in terms of NIL is currently around $1.5 million to $2.5 million per year. However, will it be easy for Matt Rhule to defeat Sherrone Moore in the recruiting race? Definitely not! The Wolverines have now moved up, finishing as the No.7 class in 2025. After all, landing the No.1 recruit Bryce Underwood has been Moore’s biggest flex. Now all eyes are on June 6, Trae Taylor’s commitment day.