OL Hayden Ainsworth commits to Nebraska: 'I know where home is'

After reclassifying earlier this year, Biloxi (Miss.) offensive lineman Hayden Ainsworth got serious about his recruitment and one of the best in Mississippi has committed to Nebraska. He took his official visit to Lincoln earlier this month and he left knowing he wanted to be part of Matt Rhule‘s program.

“There was no need to wait any longer, I know where home is,” Ainsworth told On3. “I had a hunch going into the visit that Nebraska is where I could call home, but a few days after the visit is when I made the final decision.

“On the visit, I looked past the facilities being great and all of that. It was about talking to the people. Coach Rhule is so down to earth. We had easy chats and it was easy talking to him. It was the same with coach Raiola. Family is very big for him and that was easy to see. Then the players were great. They were humble and they answered questions for me, but made it fun too. I saw on the visit how I can relate to everyone.”

The culture set Nebraska apart for Ainsworth

It came down to Nebraska and NC State. Both gave Ainsworth a lot to think about, but the atmosphere in Lincoln pushed the Big Ten program to the top.

“Who really makes them Nebraska, are the people. The culture is different. The team, the fans and the people around the program do an excellent job of having that unity. The family aspect is real at Nebraska. Everyone wants to be great and be great together. I love that.

“They have a tradition of excellence and everyone holds themselves to a standard. Nebraska wants to win again and they are not taking no for an answer. I love the attitude and the mindset. Nebraska is set to achieve something great and they will do it all together.”

Ainsworth is excited about the leadership in Lincoln

Rhule is the head coach. He is the leader of the program, but the players are involved too.

“I love how it is so player-led there,” Ainsworth said. “The coaches will give the right mentorship. Trae Taylor is a 2027 quarterback commit and he is already the biggest recruiter. Nebraska commits want other people to join the program. Players are going to get the kids and we want the best so we can win together. Once it starts, something great will come back to Lincoln.”

The 6-foot-5, 285-pound three-star is ready to go to work for coach Rhule and the staff in Lincoln.

“I am excited about the future. I believe in coach Rhule. He has a good development process. He is about development and almost the whole staff has NFL experience. What excited me more about coach Rhule is knowing how prepared he will get me for on and off the field. No matter what career path I take, he and the staff will have me ready.