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2027 4-Star Defensive Lineman Nearing Decision as Nebraska Stays in the Hunt

Zane Rowe is inching closer to a decision, and the buzz around his recruitment is heating up. Nebraska is firmly in the conversation as Rowe narrows his focus, and the next few weeks could reshape the early landscape of the Huskers' 2027 class.
Michael Cavallo|
2027 defensive line prospect Zane Rowe
2027 defensive line prospect Zane Rowe | @ZaneRowe0/X

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Nebraska Cornhuskers

The recruitment of 2027 four-star defensive lineman Zane Rowe is entering its most pivotal stretch yet.

After emerging as one of the early headliners in his class, Rowe is now just weeks away from announcing his college decision, and the programs in pursuit are making their final pushes. Nebraska remains firmly in the mix, positioning itself as a serious contender as Rowe narrows his focus and evaluates where he fits best at the next level.

Rowe’s recruitment has drawn interest from across the country, and the final stretch reflects just how wide his impact has become. Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and SMU have all made strong regional pushes, keeping the in-state pressure high while national powers like USC and Oregon have also stayed involved. Nebraska remains firmly in that mix as well, positioning itself as a legitimate contender as the Rowe moves closer to his decision.

Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 255 pounds, Rowe has already emerged as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2027 class. The Denton Guyer (Denton, Texas) standout is rated a 90 overall by 247Sports, ranking No. 93 nationally, the No. 12 edge rusher, and the No. 11 player in Texas. His early trajectory and on-field production have made him one of the most closely watched young defenders in the country.

Rowe has quickly established himself as one of the most disruptive young defenders in Texas. After debuting on varsity as a freshman in 2023 with 23 tackles and two sacks, he exploded as a sophomore in 2024, delivering a true breakout campaign. He racked up 75 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and four forced fumbles.

Rowe put together another dominant campaign this past season, finishing with 72 total tackles across 13 games. His impact was felt everywhere. He logged 52 solo tackles, with 20 assists, rounding out his total.

He consistently lived in the backfield, racking up 26 tackles for loss and adding eight sacks as one of the most disruptive defenders in the state. It was the kind of year that reinforced his status as a premier 2027 prospect and a game-changing presence off the edge.

Rowe fits Nebraska’s defensive vision almost seamlessly. His blend of size, burst, and backfield disruption aligns with the staff’s emphasis on length and versatility along the front. Nebraska has prioritized edge defenders who can set the edge on early downs, collapse pockets with power, and move inside on passing downs, traits Rowe has already shown at a high level.

His ability to win with leverage, chase plays down from the backside, and create negative-yardage snaps matches the identity that any defense can thrive on. Add in his motor and production against top Texas competition, and it’s easy to see why the Cornhuskers view him as a potential impact piece who could grow into a multi-role defender in Lincoln.

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Michael Cavallo
MICHAEL CAVALLO

Michael is a passionate sports writer who covers Major League Baseball, the NFL, college football, Rutgers University athletics, and Monmouth football. With published work at FanSided, The Rutgers Wire (USA Today), and The League Winners, Michael delivers insightful analysis, in-depth features, and timely coverage that connects fans to the heart of the game. His work highlights key storylines and standout performances across both professional (NFL & MLB) and collegiate sports (Football, Baseball, Basketball, and Wrestling), with a strong focus on New Jersey-based programs.

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