In a major recruiting coup that sent ripples through the college football landscape, **Jacory Barney Jr.**, a four-star wide receiver from Miami Palmetto High School, committed to the **University of Nebraska** in July 2023. His decision to choose the Cornhuskers over in-state powerhouse Miami and SEC contender Texas A&M marked a defining moment for Nebraska’s 2024 recruiting class and a bold statement about the program’s growing national reach under head coach Matt Rhule.
Barney, a 6-foot, 165-pound athlete with elite speed and versatility, was widely expected to stay close to home. With Miami making a strong push and Texas A&M offering the allure of SEC competition, Nebraska appeared to be the underdog in the race. But a well-executed recruiting strategy, spearheaded by wide receivers coach Garret McGuire and assistant Phil Simpson, turned the tide. Simpson’s deep ties to Florida high school football—having coached at Miami Palmetto—played a crucial role in building trust and familiarity with Barney and his family.
Barney’s official visit to Lincoln in early June proved to be the turning point. Immersed in the program’s culture, he connected with current players, including former Palmetto standouts Dwight Bootle II and Corey Collier Jr., as well as fellow 2024 commit Willis McGahee IV. The visit gave Barney a glimpse of the brotherhood and vision that Nebraska is building, and it resonated deeply. Despite taking subsequent visits to Miami and Texas A&M, the impression left by Nebraska endured.
His commitment gave the Cornhuskers their 23rd pledge in the 2024 class and their fourth four-star recruit, joining tight ends Carter Nelson and Ian Flynt, and fellow wide receiver Dae’vonn Hall. Barney also became the fourth receiver in the class, teaming up with Hall, Isaiah McMorris, and Quinn Clark to form one of the most dynamic receiving groups Nebraska has assembled in recent memory.
What makes Barney such a prized addition isn’t just his ranking—it’s his playmaking ability. Known for his quick-twitch athleticism, smooth route running, and ability to create separation, he’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He’s also proven to be a weapon on special teams, with return touchdowns that showcase his vision and elusiveness in the open field. Though slender in build, his toughness and knack for contested catches make him a complete receiver with high upside at the Power Five level.
For Nebraska, Barney’s commitment is more than just a win on the recruiting trail—it’s a symbol of momentum. It shows that the Huskers can go into talent-rich states like Florida and pull elite prospects away from traditional powers. It also reflects the growing belief in Matt Rhule’s vision for the program: one built on relationships, development, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the 2024 class continues to take shape, Jacory Barney Jr. stands out as a cornerstone—an explosive athlete with the potential to light up Memorial Stadium and help lead Nebraska back to national prominence. to be the underdog in the race. But a well-executed recruiting strategy, spearheaded by wide receivers coach Garret McGuire and assistant Phil Simpson, turned the tide. Simpson’s deep ties to Florida high school football—having coached at Miami Palmetto—played a crucial role in building trust and familiarity with Barney and his family.
Barney’s official visit to Lincoln in early June proved to be the turning point. Immersed in the program’s culture, he connected with current players, including former Palmetto standouts Dwight Bootle II and Corey Collier Jr., as well as fellow 2024 commit Willis McGahee IV. The visit gave Barney a glimpse of the brotherhood and vision that Nebraska is building, and it resonated deeply. Despite taking subsequent visits to Miami and Texas A&M, the impression left by Nebraska endured.
His commitment gave the Cornhuskers their 23rd pledge in the 2024 class and their fourth four-star recruit, joining tight ends Carter Nelson and Ian Flynt, and fellow wide receiver Dae’vonn Hall. Barney also became the fourth receiver in the class, teaming up with Hall, Isaiah McMorris, and Quinn Clark to form one of the most dynamic receiving groups Nebraska has assembled in recent memory.
What makes Barney such a prized addition isn’t just his ranking—it’s his playmaking ability. Known for his quick-twitch athleticism, smooth route running, and ability to create separation, he’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He’s also proven to be a weapon on special teams, with return touchdowns that showcase his vision and elusiveness in the open field. Though slender in build, his toughness and knack for contested catches make him a complete receiver with high upside at the Power Five level.
For Nebraska, Barney’s commitment is more than just a win on the recruiting trail—it’s a symbol of momentum. It shows that the Huskers can go into talent-rich states like Florida and pull elite prospects away from traditional powers. It also reflects the growing belief in Matt Rhule’s vision for the program: one built on relationships, development, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the 2024 class continues to take shape, Jacory Barney Jr. stands out as a cornerstone—an explosive athlete with the potential to light up Memorial Stadium and help lead Nebraska back to national prominence.
