— In a seismic moment for college football recruiting, Ramani Parker, the nation’s No. 1 overall high school football prospect, has officially committed to the University of Nebraska. The five-star linebacker from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, made his announcement in a nationally televised ceremony on Saturday afternoon, flanked by family, coaches, and teammates.
Parker, who had offers from every major Power Five program including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and USC, chose Nebraska in what analysts are already calling one of the most stunning recruiting coups of the decade.
“This decision was about more than football,” Parker said during his commitment speech. “It was about legacy, culture, and being part of something special. When I visited Lincoln, I felt something different. I felt at home.”
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 235 pounds, Parker is widely regarded as a once-in-a-generation defensive talent. Known for his explosive speed, elite instincts, and sideline-to-sideline dominance, he finished his senior season with 124 tackles, 19 sacks, and 4 interceptions — including two returned for touchdowns.
Nebraska head coach Marcus Daniels, entering his third season at the helm, expressed excitement over the commitment.
“Today marks a turning point for this program,” Daniels said. “Ramani is not just an elite athlete — he’s a leader, a competitor, and someone who represents everything we’re building here at Nebraska.”
Parker becomes the cornerstone of what is shaping up to be a top-five 2025 recruiting class for the Cornhuskers, a program with a storied history seeking a return to national prominence. With Parker’s commitment, Nebraska’s defensive future looks especially bright.
Recruiting analyst Greg Tillman of 247Sports added, “This is monumental. Ramani Parker has the potential to be a first-round NFL Draft pick. For Nebraska to land him speaks volumes about where this program is headed.”
Fans in Lincoln erupted on social media following the announcement, with the hashtag #ParkerToTheHuskers trending within minutes.
With his commitment locked in, Parker says his focus will shift to finishing his high school career strong and preparing to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten.
“I’m ready to work,” Parker said. “Let’s bring Nebraska back.”
