THE BIG SHOT: THE FOUR-STAR DEFENSIVE BACK DANNY ODEM ANNOUNCES HIS LATEST COMMITMENT AND LOYALTY TO….
LINCOLN, NEB. — The Nebraska Cornhuskers continue to build an impressive 2026 recruiting class, officially adding their highest-ranked commitment to date with the pledge of four-star defensive back Danny Odem. Odem announced his commitment to the Huskers on Monday, just one day after concluding his official visit to Lincoln.
Odem, who is ranked as the No. 247 overall prospect in the 2026 Top247 and is a highly sought-after four-star defensive back, has visited the Nebraska campus three times this year alone. His decision came after weighing offers from a host of college football’s elite programs
The defensive back’s recruitment began slowly but quickly escalated into a frenzy, with his visit list showcasing a highly regarded prospect who made trips to Auburn, Clemson, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Penn State. Among his finalists, the Oklahoma Sooners reportedly presented the toughest competition, but the Huskers’ strong official visit weekend ultimately sealed the deal.
Odem currently plays at The First Academy in Orlando, Florida, having moved there from Pennsylvania to pursue better football opportunities.
247Sports Director of Scouting, Andrew Ivins, has consistently been impressed by Odem’s performance in various scenarios. His scouting report highlights Nebraska’s newest addition:
«Young corner with the size-speed combination that everyone wants on the perimeter. Pairs the physical traits with active eyes and high-end ball skills as he can jump routes and locate the football in the deeper third. Tested favorably winter before senior year and followed it up with a breakout performance in a spring game a few months later where he picked off two passes and hauled in a long touchdown on offense. Comfortable working in off-man coverage as a zone defender, but has the agility and physicality to be effective in press-man coverage. Tends to be the aggressor in run support as he will fight through blocks and try to shrink escape lanes.
Ambitious play style can lead to penalties as he isn’t afraid to grab some cloth, but should be viewed as a potential impact player at the Power Four level that can fit into a variety of different schemes and roles with his 6-foot-2 frame and closing burst. Tracking to start college well before his 18th birthday, which suggests that he’s far from a complete product and could take major developmental strides with proper seasoning.»
Odem is the seventh commitment for the Huskers in the 2026 class and only the second defensive player to join the group. This also marks the first commitment secured by new secondary coach Addison Williams, who played a pivotal role in bringing Odem into the fold, leveraging his prior relationship with the recruit from his coaching days at UCF, also located in Orlando.
The talented defender joins tight end Luke Sorensen and offensive linemen Hayden Ainsworth and Rex Waterman as recent commits who pledged their futures to Nebraska after taking official visits this month. Odem is the first commitment to emerge from the final visit weekend of the month, which the Huskers concluded on Sunday.
