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Nebraska Offers Scholarship to Five-Star 2028 Offensive Lineman

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. larship-to-five-star-2028-offensive-lineman.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 11:19 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locales: Nebraska, Missouri, UNITED STATES

Lincoln, Nebraska - January 9th, 2026 - The University of Nebraska football program has signaled its intent to build a dominant offensive line for years to come by extending a scholarship offer to Casey Barner, a highly-touted five-star offensive lineman in the 2028 recruiting class. This early offer places the Cornhuskers in a competitive position to land one of the nation's most promising young football prospects.

Barner, currently a student at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is rapidly ascending the national recruiting rankings. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing 280 pounds, the young lineman already possesses a collegiate-ready frame and showcases a skillset that has scouts buzzing. Experts consistently praise his strength, athleticism, and versatility - qualities highly prized in modern offensive line play.

The early attention isn't surprising. While still a sophomore in high school, Barner is already being labeled a potential cornerstone player, capable of anchoring an offensive line for years to come. His ability to play multiple positions - tackle, guard, and even center - significantly increases his value to college programs. This positional flexibility is a key attribute that coaches covet, allowing them to build depth and address needs across the entire offensive front.

Nebraska's proactive approach in offering Barner puts them among an elite group of programs vying for his commitment. Powerhouse programs like Georgia, Florida State, and Miami have also extended offers, demonstrating the national scope of competition for this exceptional talent. The fact that Nebraska is competing with these established programs highlights the strides the Cornhuskers are making under their current coaching staff, rebuilding a program with a rich tradition of strong offensive line play.

Recruiting battles for five-star athletes are rarely decided this early in the process, but offering a scholarship now allows Nebraska's coaching staff to build a relationship with Barner and his family. Consistent communication, campus visits, and showcasing the program's vision for his future development will be crucial in convincing him to choose Lincoln. Nebraska is known for developing offensive linemen; a strong selling point.

The rise of IMG Academy as a national football powerhouse adds another layer to Barner's story. The academy consistently produces top-tier recruits, providing a highly competitive environment that prepares players for the rigors of college football. Barner benefits from this environment, honing his skills against some of the nation's best competition.

While Barner's commitment is still several years away, this early offer signals a clear message: Nebraska is serious about restoring its reputation as "Offensive Line U". The Cornhuskers historically boasted some of the nation's best offensive lines, a tradition they are actively attempting to revive. Landing a player of Barner's caliber would be a significant step towards achieving that goal.

Experts predict that Barner will likely be one of the top overall recruits in the 2028 class, regardless of position. This means the competition will remain fierce, and Nebraska will need to differentiate itself to secure his commitment. Beyond football prowess, factors like academic support, campus culture, and the overall student-athlete experience will undoubtedly play a role in Barner's final decision.

Fans can expect increased coverage of Barner's development as his high school career progresses. His performances on the field, combined with his recruiting visits, will provide valuable insights into his potential college destination. For Nebraska fans, the hope is that Lincoln becomes that destination, ushering in a new era of offensive line dominance.