Nebraska aiming for 'final word' ahead of 5-star OT Brandon Baker decision date

Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei five-star Brandon Baker is the nation’s most coveted offensive tackle. Schools coast to coast have been battling for his commitment, including the likes of Texas, Oregon, Ohio State and Nebraska.

Baker is set to announce his college decision Sept. 24, and the Cornhuskers were able to secure an official visit before he makes that announcement.

The elite offensive tackle will be in Lincoln, Neb. this weekend while Nebraska takes on Northern Illinois.

Nebraska a ‘long shot’ but have chance for ‘final word’

Nebraska recruiting insider Sean Callahan spoke with Josh Newberg on On3’s The Inside Scoop about Baker’s visit and the Huskers’ position in his recruitment.

“Well, this will be Brandon Baker’s third visit to Lincoln,” Callahan said. “He came in March for a weekend they had back then and then he came for the spring game. So this will be the first time he’s been to a true home game. His mom and dad, Gary Baker Sr. and Francine Baker, have been with him on all the trips. This trip will be a little bit different because his brother, Gary Baker Jr., will be here as well. So he’s going to have more family accompanying him on the trip itself.

“I still obviously think Nebraska is a long shot in this thing, but you just never know when you get him on campus,” Callahan added. “I know a lot of RPMs are in for Texas. Oregon has always seemed to be, as Brandon would say, his home away from home. But the fact the Huskers even got this far tells you they have his interest and attention. But I think there are other factors. I think NIL is obviously a factor when you talk to a guy of this caliber ranking. Just the different opportunities each school is going to be able to provide and other things like that. So this will be a big opportunity for Nebraska, but there’s no doubt I think they’re probably running third in this race at best. And this weekend is their opportunity to maybe get a final word in.”

Texas leads for Baker in RPM

Currently, Texas leads in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) for Baker, with a 79.1% chance to land his commitment. Ohio State sits in a distant second at 15.6%. Multiple expert predictions have been entered in favor of the Longhorns lately, including picks from Newberg, Oregon recruiting insider Justin Hopkins, On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons and Texas recruiting insiders Gerry Hamilton and Justin Wells.

Brandon Baker Scouting Summary

“High floor offensive tackle who is battle-tested against top competition while playing at one of the nation’s top high school programs. Measured in at 6-foot-4.5, 300 pounds as a rising senior. Has good length for the position with a 34-inch arm. Lines up at right tackle for powerhouse program Mater Dei. Technically advanced and proficient as a run blocker. Understands technique, angles and hand placement. Shows developed footwork as a puller when working to the second level. Keeps his feet moving and uses his size and strength to create a push.

“Further along as a run blocker than pass protector at this stage but has the ability to improve on that front. Has a tendency to lunge at times in pass protection. Not overly flashy from an athletic standpoint and can continue to improve his lower body flexibility. Projects as a steady, safe offensive tackle prospect who could potentially play multiple spots on an offensive line.”