Nebraska beefs up O-line with pledges from 4-star Claude Mpouma, 3-star Leon Noil
Nebraska’s recent offensive line recruiting surge, highlighted by new pledges from 4‑star OT Claude Mpouma and 3‑star OT Leon Noil Jr.
Nebraska Strengthens O‑Line with Big Additions
1. Four‑Star Tackle: Claude Mpouma
Commitment & Ratings
Chicago (Mount Carmel HS, IL) standout Claude Mpouma, a 4‑star offensive tackle, officially committed to Nebraska on June 30, 2025, over top programs like Ohio State, Michigan, Auburn, Florida, and others . He’s ranked roughly No. 14 OT in the country (247Sports Composite), top‑5 in Illinois, and No. 127 overall .
Physical Profile & Skill Set
The 6 ft 7 (some sources say 6 8), ~305 lb lineman combines strength and nimble footwork. Scouts highlight his athleticism, ability to “dance” and adjust to different rushers, and burst off the line. He shows the ability to lower his height in a three‑point stance and fire off the snap with authority .
Recruitment Journey
Mpouma emerged late, picking up his Nebraska offer during his breakout junior season. He officially visited Nebraska June 20, after earlier stops at Auburn and Florida. His relationship with O‑Line coach Donovan Raiola, RB coach EJ Barthel, and HC Matt Rhule was pivotal; he praised the genuine rapport he felt with Rhule: “nothing’s forced, it’s just natural” .
Program Fit & Outlook
With just one year of tackle experience, Mpouma is considered a “football‑young” prospect with high developmental potential. Analysts expect him to need time to hone his technique, particularly hand placement and pass‑set consistency. But if he progresses, he could become a long‑term starter with “legit NFL potential” .
2. Three‑Star Tackle: Leon Noil Jr.
While primary buzz surrounded Mpouma, Nebraska simultaneously secured the commitment of Leon Noil Jr., a 3‑star offensive tackle from Edna Karr HS in New Orleans .
Though fewer details are available, Noil’s addition adds early depth to the class and signals Nebraska’s intent to build a strong rotation up front under the new Rhule‑led regime.
What This Means for Nebraska’s 2026 Class
Dominant O‑Line Class:
Nebraska’s 2026 class now includes four offensive linemen, all in June: four‑star Hayden Ainsworth (tackle), three‑star Rex Waterman (guard/tackle), along with Mpouma and Noil .
Early Commitment Momentum:
With 11 total commits, seven arrived just in June, signaling impressive momentum for Matt Rhule’s staff . The O‑Line group is shaping to be one of the nation’s most competitive position groups.
Strategic Vision:
Nebraska appears focused on blending high-upside blue-chip talent (Mpouma, Ainsworth) with solid, early-enrollee depth pieces (Waterman, Noil). This strategy supports both immediate and long-term competitiveness in the trenches.
What Comes Next?
Development Watch:
Nebraska fans and analysts will be tracking Mpouma’s technical progression—his ability to refine hand use, leverage consistently, and transition smoothly into big‑time pass protection.
Staff Recognition:
O‑Line coach Donovan Raiola deserves credit for the class haul; landing top prospects reflects strong recruitment and relationship-building.
Comparative Recruiting:
Nebraska has out-recruited perennial powerhouses (Ohio State, Michigan, Florida, Auburn) for key linemen. This could boost the broader appeal of Rhule’s program in upcoming recruiting cycles.
Nebraska’s offensive line class for 2026 is rapidly taking shape as one of the nation’s strongest, thanks to commitments from blue-chip talents Claude Mpouma (4‑star, high ceiling) and Leon Noil Jr. (3‑star, depth piece). Together with earlier signees Hayden Ainsworth and Rex Waterman, the Huskers now boast four O‑line commits in June alone. If Mpouma develops as projected, he could anchor Nebraska’s front in the coming years—perfectly aligning with Matt Rhule’s vision of building power from the trenches.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into any of t
hese recruits or comparisons with other programs.
Here’s a detailed (≈ 500‑word) summary of Nebraska’s recent offensive line recruiting surge, highlighted by new pledges from 4‑star OT Claude Mpouma and 3‑star OT Leon Noil Jr.
Nebraska Strengthens O‑Line with Big Additions
1. Four‑Star Tackle: Claude Mpouma
Commitment & Ratings
Chicago (Mount Carmel HS, IL) standout Claude Mpouma, a 4‑star offensive tackle, officially committed to Nebraska on June 30, 2025, over top programs like Ohio State, Michigan, Auburn, Florida, and others . He’s ranked roughly No. 14 OT in the country (247Sports Composite), top‑5 in Illinois, and No. 127 overall .
Physical Profile & Skill Set
The 6 ft 7 (some sources say 6 8), ~305 lb lineman combines strength and nimble footwork. Scouts highlight his athleticism, ability to “dance” and adjust to different rushers, and burst off the line. He shows the ability to lower his height in a three‑point stance and fire off the snap with authority .
Recruitment Journey
Mpouma emerged late, picking up his Nebraska offer during his breakout junior season. He officially visited Nebraska June 20, after earlier stops at Auburn and Florida. His relationship with O‑Line coach Donovan Raiola, RB coach EJ Barthel, and HC Matt Rhule was pivotal; he praised the genuine rapport he felt with Rhule: “nothing’s forced, it’s just natural” .
Program Fit & Outlook
With just one year of tackle experience, Mpouma is considered a “football‑young” prospect with high developmental potential. Analysts expect him to need time to hone his technique, particularly hand placement and pass‑set consistency. But if he progresses, he could become a long‑term starter with “legit NFL potential” .
2. Three‑Star Tackle: Leon Noil Jr.
While primary buzz surrounded Mpouma, Nebraska simultaneously secured the commitment of Leon Noil Jr., a 3‑star offensive tackle from Edna Karr HS in New Orleans .
Though fewer details are available, Noil’s addition adds early depth to the class and signals Nebraska’s intent to build a strong rotation up front under the new Rhule‑led regime.
What This Means for Nebraska’s 2026 Class
Dominant O‑Line Class:
Nebraska’s 2026 class now includes four offensive linemen, all in June: four‑star Hayden Ainsworth (tackle), three‑star Rex Waterman (guard/tackle), along with Mpouma and Noil .
Early Commitment Momentum:
With 11 total commits, seven arrived just in June, signaling impressive momentum for Matt Rhule’s staff . The O‑Line group is shaping to be one of the nation’s most competitive position groups.
Strategic Vision:
Nebraska appears focused on blending high-upside blue-chip talent (Mpouma, Ainsworth) with solid, early-enrollee depth pieces (Waterman, Noil). This strategy supports both immediate and long-term competitiveness in the trenches.
What Comes Next?
Development Watch:
Nebraska fans and analysts will be tracking Mpouma’s technical progression—his ability to refine hand use, leverage consistently, and transition smoothly into big‑time pass protection.
Staff Recognition:
O‑Line coach Donovan Raiola deserves credit for the class haul; landing top prospects reflects strong recruitment and relationship-building.
Comparative Recruiting:
Nebraska has out-recruited perennial powerhouses (Ohio State, Michigan, Florida, Auburn) for key linemen. This could boost the broader appeal of Rhule’s program in upcoming recruiting cycles.
Nebraska’s offensive line class for 2026 is rapidly taking shape as one of the nation’s strongest, thanks to commitments from blue-chip talents Claude Mpouma (4‑star, high ceiling) and Leon Noil Jr. (3‑star, depth piece). Together with earlier signees Hayden Ainsworth and Rex Waterman, the Huskers now boast four O‑line commits in June alone. If Mpouma develops as projected, he could anchor Nebraska’s front in the coming years—perfectly aligning with Matt Rhule’s vision of building power from the trenches.
