Despite Nebraska’s narrow loss to Indiana, recruits on campus have noticed Nebraska’s progress and are excited about the program.
Four-star safety Jackson Parker, four-star safety Terence Parsee and four-star tight end Israel Johnigan all suffered the Huskers’ first loss of the 2026 season, a 20-17 decision to the defending national champions. I spoke to all three before and after the game, and each described Memorial Stadium as one of the loudest and most energetic places they had ever been.
Jackson Parker sees program headed to the top
Parker is a 6-foot-4, 185-pound safety from California who ranks No. 43 nationally, No. 3 safety and No. 2 safety in the state in the 2028 class, according to 247Sports. I spoke to him before the match about what he was looking forward to most. “I look forward to seeing how Nebraska culture evolves and I really love Nebraska history,” he said.
After the match, the crowd was the first thing he talked about. “The atmosphere was so loud throughout the game. The fans brought so much presence into the stadium,” Parker said.
Fans always want to know how recruits react after a loss at Nebraska, and Parker had a clear answer. “Nebraska football is going to get back to where it’s been historically. They may have lost, but they should still be OK!” he said.
Parker continued, “I really like the Huskers in my recruiting, and it’s a school I’m definitely considering.”
Terence Parsee gets the defense he came to see
Parsee is a 6-foot, 175-pound safety from California who is ranked No. 71 nationally, No. 7 among safeties and No. 6 in the state by On3. Nebraska offered him on Aug. 21, and his recruitment has taken off since then. He received six offers in September, including Oregon, USC and Alabama. He also added another Sunday offering after traveling to Lincoln from Miami. I spoke to him before the match about what he wanted to see. “I look at their defense. I want to see them steal and also play on the field,” he said.
I spoke to Parsee again after the match, and the mood came back first. “The atmosphere was crazy, the loudest game I’ve ever been to,” he said. Parsee continued: “Best atmosphere I’ve been in all year. It was incredible.”
The defense was the main attraction. Nebraska ran an Indiana rushing attack that ranked among the nation’s best in yards per carry with just 3.0 yards per carry, and the Hoosiers led for just 7:13 of the game. “The defensive performance was incredible. It was the best defense I’ve seen in person throughout my visits,” Parsee said. He also said he liked Nebraska’s defensive backs and the way they played against Indiana.
The visit moved the Huskers up on his list. “Nebraska is very high. I put it very high on the list,” Parsee said, adding that Nebraska “took a big step forward” in its recruiting after the trip.
Israel Johnigan gets the time he wanted
Johnigan is a 6-foot-5, 215-pound tight end from Missouri. On3 ranks him as the No. 163 player nationally, the No. 6 tight end and the No. 1 player in the state. I spoke to him before the game about what he hoped to get out of this trip. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with the coaches, that’s for sure. The last time I was there it was limited, so it’s definitely building relationships,” he said.
After the match I spoke to him again and the crowd went wild. “Best atmosphere I’ve been in all year. It was amazing,” Johnigan said.
He also noticed how Nebraska deployed its tight ends against the Hoosiers. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea completed 25 of 43 passes for 263 yards and added 47 rushing yards and a touchdown, including a 39-yard score in the fourth quarter. Luke Lindeneyer made 7 of 25 completions. “I love how they used the tight ends as well,” Johnigan said.
Johnigan also named the Huskers among his top teams. “The Huskers are definitely one of the top teams in my recruiting right now,” he said.
A house full of perspectives
The three were part of a big recruiting weekend. Nebraska’s visiting roster included more than 20 prospects in the 2027 and 2028 classes, led by five-star forward David Jacobs of Georgia, the No. 1 prospect in the 2027 class and a commit from Ohio State. He came to support his younger brother, four-star defensive lineman Dawson Jacobs, a 2028 target the Huskers are pushing hard.
The full list of visitors to the Indiana game is here. The Huskers will be able to welcome more recruits for their game against Washington on October 31. This could be a huge game to host rookies, especially if it’s a night game, so stay tuned as we get closer to that date.
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