In-State LB Jase Reynolds Sends Powerful Message to Matt Rhule’s Nebraska After Major Career Announcement

Jase Reynolds, the Elkhorn North linebacker, is a man on a mission, or perhaps just a guy allergic to letting running backs enjoy a good day. At 6-2 and 206 pounds, Jase is the type of player who has offensive coordinators reaching for the antacids and quarterbacks checking their insurance policies. His experience at Elkhorn North has been a highlight reel in every sense: whether he’s dropping back into coverage, rushing off the edge, or filling in as a wide receiver just to keep things interesting, Reynolds is omnipresent.

Nebraska, naturally, has been grasping pearls and attempting to keep the 2026-class talent in red, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Kansas State and Iowa State are circling like vultures. Recruiters are camping out in his DMs, offering everything short of naming the student union after him. Nebraska fans are sweating bullets, Kansas State is speaking sweet nothings, and Iowa State is likely sending care packages with corn snacks. With Jase’s resume-linebacker, wide receiver, long snapper, and unofficial likely mayor of Elkhorn North—it’s little wonder schools are lining up.

With all the programs hounding Reynolds like wild dogs, Jase Reynolds chose his favorite. “Playing at Nebraska has always been a dream of mine. Growing up, wearing the red ‘N’ was something I’ve always wanted. They were the first school to take a chance on me, and I feel very blessed they have given me this opportunity. Nobody has better coaches, facilities, fans, and tradition than the Huskers.” Football writer @Timverghese posted this on X on May 5.

Head coach Matt Rhule and linebackers coach Rob Dvoracek had offered Reynolds last June after he excelled during a Huskers’ camp. “One of my strengths is the versatility that I bring to the defense,” Jase said. “I have the ability to stop the run, but also match routes when needed. The defensive staff has preached to me the importance of being an athletic linebacker in order to defend against the variety of offensive schemes in the Big Ten.”

Amidst all the recruiting theatrics, unofficial visits, and sufficient social media build-up to cause even the most relaxed fan to reboot their feed every five minutes, Jase just went and signed on the dotted line: he’s going in-state and will be dressing out for the Big Red.

BREAKING: 2026 Elkhorn (Neb.) North LB Jase Reynolds has committed to Nebraska

“Playing at Nebraska has always been a dream of mine. Growing up, wearing the red ‘N’ was something I’ve always wanted.”

READ: https://t.co/kDZ9s29Non pic.twitter.com/9Ff1OBnrs5

— Tim Verghese (@TimVerghese) May 5, 2025

Matt Rhule’s 2026 class has yet to get started. It currently ranks 15th in the B1G conferences and 56th nationally with just 4 commits. The commitment of 3-star Reynolds is a move to further enhance the class. Apart from Reynolds, Rhule has CJ Bronaugh, Dveyoun Bonwell-Witte, and of course, Dayton Raiola.

From hat loss to huskers

Before Husker Nation was partying in celebration of Jase Reynolds’ signing, Matt Rhule opted to truly treat Nebraska fans to an early Christmas present by committing Trae Taylor, arguably the most highly sought-after quarterback in the class of 2027. Reynolds led the defense, Taylor amped up the offense, and Rhule was now in control. Taylor’s commitment wasn’t merely a victory; it was an all-out recruiting flex, complete with a hat toss that sent Illinois fans into a brief existential crisis.

The Carmel Catholic athlete from Mundelein, Illinois, kept everyone on edge during his commitment journey. He started by removing an Illinois cap and announcing that he was “staying home,” only to set it aside and reveal a Nebraska cap and jersey. Was it melodramatic? Yes. Was it effective? Absolutely.

Taylor’s stats support this: he had over 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes as a sophomore, with an impressive completion percentage of nearly 68%. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 186 pounds, he possesses the necessary size, arm strength, and confidence. More importantly, he chose Nebraska over notable programs like LSU, Texas A&M, and, of course, Illinois, demonstrating that Rhule and his staff can successfully compete with top-tier recruiters when it counts.

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