Ainsworth’s commitment highlights crucial week for Nebraska recruiting

The Huskers are closing in on a pivotal summer finish before the dead period hits.

Photo courtesy Erin Sorensen

Nebraska’s 2026 recruiting class continues to take shape and its latest addition comes at a foundational position.

Four-star offensive tackle Hayden Ainsworth announced his commitment to Nebraska on Monday, choosing the Huskers over NC State and a long list of Power Four programs. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Mississippi native brings both SEC-level pedigree and familiarity with Husker football, having spent recent seasons hearing the crowd yell “Go Big Red” on Friday nights. Now he’ll hear it on Saturdays.

“Life has carried me many places,” Ainsworth said in his commitment video. “Many places I love and have great memories of. Now it's time to make new memories and play in front of a new crowd.

“For the past three seasons, I've spent Friday nights hearing the crowd yell 'Go Big Red.' I still want to hear that a few more years."

His decision gives Nebraska six commits in the 2026 cycle and reinforces the offensive line, a group that now features Ainsworth alongside Arizona native Rex Waterman. The class also includes four-star safety CJ Bronaugh, three-star receiver Dveyoun Bonwell-Witte,¹ quarterback Dayton Raiola and linebacker Jase Reynolds.

It also signals the urgency of the moment. With the recruiting dead period set to begin June 23, this week represents the final push for Nebraska’s staff to host on-campus visits and close on key targets. The pace of commitments is expected to accelerate across the country, as spots tighten and financial planning around revenue sharing reshapes scholarship allocation. Nebraska is right in the thick of that equation.