BREAKING: Nebraska lands 2027 four-star WR Jabari Watkins

Nebraska has landed a commitment from 2027 Thomasville (Ga.) Thomas County Central four-star wide receiver Jabari Watkins, per Hayes Fawcett. The Huskers landed the 6-foot-2, 180lb pass-catcher over 20+ other programs in pursuit of his talents. 

The Huskers beat out the likes of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, Missouri, Indiana and Illinois. Watkins had just visited Bloomington to see the Hoosiers race past Illinois last weekend. 

Nebraska offered Watkins in May and he’d been in steady communication with the staff since but for the Huskers to land the four-star, sight unseen, is impressive work from wide receivers coach Daikiel Shorts Jr. 

As a sophomore, Watkins totaled 692 receiving yards and five touchdowns, averaging nearly 18 yards per reception. Through five games of his junior season, he’s totaled 280 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. 

Watkins is the fourth member of Nebraska’s 2027 class and the third offensive commitment, joining 2027 four-star quarterback Trae Taylor and 2027 in-state legacy offensive lineman Matt Erickson. 

Analysis: What Nebraska is getting in Watkins

Standing 6-foot-2, 185lbs, Watkins is a big-body outside receiver still filling into his lengthy frame. He’s a possession receiver primarily, sure-handed in contested situations with the size and physicality to out-muscle defenders. That said, he has capable play speed, though he needs a runway to get up to top gear. Left unaccounted for though, he can punish defenses in the open field. He’s a go-to target for his Thomas County Central team in the red zone. At his best stretching vertically and playing against the sideline. Plays with little wasted movement. He has shown development as a route-runner as a junior, though his fluidity in and out of breaks is continuing to develop. He’s an impressively powerful runner with the ball in his hands, with some finesse to pair navigating through traffic.

Still developing as a well-rounded route-runner but Watkins has plus size, capable speed and intriguing production, with 12 receiving touchdowns touchdowns over the last two seasons. He’s got untapped growth potential, his play strength and YAC ability could improve significantly as he adds mass to his 6-foot-2 frame. Could prove to be a go-to outside receiver at the Power Four level as he continues to develop. Significant untapped upside to pair with a surprisingly high floor.