Four-Star QB  Commits to Nebraska Cornhuskers, Citing Two Powerful Reasons Behind His Decision…

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have struck gold on the recruiting trail once again, landing one of the nation’s most talented signal-callers in the 2026 class — four-star quarterback Rex Waterman from Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona. The 6-foot-3 standout announced his commitment to Nebraska on Sunday afternoon, giving head coach Matt Rhule and his staff a major boost for the future of the program’s offense.

Waterman, who has drawn attention from top programs including Oregon, Michigan, and Texas A&M, decided that Lincoln was the perfect place for him to grow both as an athlete and a person. In an exclusive interview following his commitment, Waterman revealed two key reasons that sealed the deal — the strong family atmosphere within the Cornhuskers program and the genuine belief the coaching staff showed in his development.

> “It just felt like home,” Waterman said. “From the moment I stepped on campus, everyone treated me like family. Coach Rhule and the staff were honest and real with me. They showed me a vision that I wanted to be part of.”

A Big Win for Nebraska’s Future

Landing Waterman is a major win for the Cornhuskers, who have made quarterback recruiting a top priority heading into 2026. Nebraska’s offense under Matt Rhule has been steadily evolving, and adding a versatile, intelligent playmaker like Waterman could be the key to elevating their system in the coming years.

Known for his strong arm, accuracy, and poise under pressure, Waterman has quickly become one of the most promising quarterbacks in the 2026 cycle. At Hamilton High, he led his team to a deep playoff run last season, throwing for over 2,800 yards and 28 touchdowns while showcasing impressive mobility and leadership on the field.

Recruiting analysts describe Waterman as a “complete quarterback” — one who combines solid mechanics with the ability to read defenses quickly. He’s not just a deep-ball thrower; he’s also capable of extending plays with his legs and keeping defenses guessing.

“Rex is a winner,” said one of his coaches at Hamilton. “He’s the kind of guy who lifts the entire team. His focus, his work ethic — those things are rare in a player his age. Nebraska is getting a true leader.”

The ‘Family Feel’ That Made the Difference

The first major factor in Waterman’s commitment, according to him, was the family atmosphere that Nebraska exudes.

During his official visit earlier this summer, Waterman spent significant time with players, coaches, and even alumni who shared their experiences in Lincoln. He said that the camaraderie and warmth he felt from the community made a lasting impression.

> “It wasn’t just football,” Waterman explained. “Everyone was invested in each other — from players to staff to fans. I could see myself being part of that culture. It’s not about ego or stats; it’s about winning together.”

That sense of belonging, combined with Nebraska’s storied football tradition, proved too strong to ignore. For decades, the Cornhuskers have been known for their passionate fan base and rich history, and Waterman wants to help write the next great chapter of that legacy.

Belief from the Coaching Staff

The second key reason behind Waterman’s commitment was the unwavering confidence Nebraska’s coaching staff showed in him.

Coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield made it clear that Waterman was their top target for the 2026 class. They emphasized how his skill set fits perfectly into the team’s offensive scheme, which values mobility, decision-making, and leadership.

> “Coach Rhule told me that he believes I can be the guy to take Nebraska back to where it belongs,” Waterman said. “That meant a lot. They didn’t try to sell me on hype — they talked about development, hard work, and accountability.”

The Cornhuskers’ coaching staff has earned a reputation for building relationships that go beyond recruiting. Rhule’s approach — centered on honesty, player growth, and long-term vision — has resonated with recruits and parents alike. For Waterman, that level of trust made all the difference.

Impact on the 2026 Recruiting Class

Waterman’s commitment now gives Nebraska a major piece to build around in their 2026 recruiting class. He joins a growing list of top prospects who have pledged their future to the Cornhuskers, including wide receiver Nalin Scott, running back Jamal Rule, and tight end Luke Sorensen.

With Waterman now in the fold, the Cornhuskers are expected to climb in the national recruiting rankings. More importantly, his decision could attract other elite offensive talents who want to play alongside one of the top quarterbacks in his class.

“Quarterbacks are the cornerstone of every recruiting class,” said a 247Sports analyst. “When a high-profile QB like Waterman commits early, it sets the tone for the rest of the class. Expect Nebraska to see a ripple effect in the coming months.”

Looking Ahead

For Nebraska fans, Waterman’s commitment represents more than just a recruiting victory — it’s a sign of hope and momentum. The Cornhuskers have been rebuilding under Matt Rhule, and bringing in a quarterback of Waterman’s caliber signals that the future is bright in Lincoln.

Rex Waterman’s journey to this moment has been defined by dedication, patience, and passion for the game. As he prepares for his senior season at Hamilton High, he remains focused on improving his craft and leading his team, but he already envisions himself in scarlet and cream.

> “I can’t wait to get to work,” Waterman said with a smile. “Nebraska fans are some of the best in the country, and I’m ready to make them proud.”

With that statement, Nebraska Cornhuskers fans have every reason to be excited — because their next great quarterback may have just arrived.