Nebraska football fans have something extra to cheer about this offseason, as one of their 2026 commits just made a major splash in the world of high school track and field. Cornerback CJ Bronaugh, already known for his elite speed on the football field, solidified his status as one of the fastest athletes in the nation by winning the 100-meter dash at the Florida Class 4A State Championships over the weekend. Bronaugh clocked an impressive 10.34 seconds in the event, earning him the individual state title and putting the rest of the nation on notice.
Hailing from one of Florida’s most competitive high school track circuits, Bronaugh’s victory is particularly noteworthy. Florida is widely regarded as a hotbed for both football and track talent, and winning a state title in the Class 4A division—home to the largest schools and deepest talent pools—is no small feat. His time of 10.34 seconds is not just elite at the high school level; it would be competitive at the collegiate level and could draw attention from USA Track & Field in the future.
For Nebraska, Bronaugh’s performance is further confirmation that they have landed a high-level athlete who can make an impact the moment he steps on campus. The correlation between track speed and football success—especially for positions like cornerback—is well established. Bronaugh’s straight-line speed, quick acceleration, and explosive first step all translate well to covering receivers, closing gaps, and turning potential big plays into shut-down moments.
Bronaugh has been a standout on the football field throughout his high school career, showing great instincts, ball skills, and a natural ability to shadow wide receivers. But what sets him apart from many others in the 2026 class is his athleticism, which has now been validated on the track in one of the nation’s most demanding prep environments.
Nebraska’s coaching staff, led by head coach Matt Rhule, has placed a premium on recruiting multi-sport athletes who bring versatility, competitiveness, and elite physical traits to the program. Bronaugh’s success in track fits that mold perfectly. It also suggests that his development ceiling remains high; athletes with this level of speed often continue improving rapidly as they refine technique and gain strength in collegiate strength and conditioning programs.
The buzz around Bronaugh’s championship performance has already begun to ripple through social media, recruiting circles, and sports networks. For Nebraska, it represents a win beyond the stat sheet—it reinforces the narrative that the Cornhuskers are targeting and securing top-tier talent that can compete with the best in the country.
Looking ahead, Bronaugh’s next steps will likely involve preparing for his senior football season, where he’ll aim to dominate on both sides of the ball while continuing to sharpen his skills. Whether he’s blanketing receivers or winning sprints, CJ Bronaugh is proving that he’s a name to remember—not just in recruiting databases, but on highlight reels and leaderboards alike. Nebraska fans should be excited: they’re getting more than just a football player—they’re getting one of the fastest rising stars in the country.
