Nebraska Emerging as a Contender for 2027 Four-Star Defensive Lineman

Nebraska’s recruiting momentum continues to build as the Huskers position themselves squarely in the mix for 2027 four-star defensive lineman Seth Tillman. The emerging national prospect from South Carolina has drawn attention from major programs across the country, and Nebraska’s presence in his recruitment signals another intentional step forward as Matt Rhule and his staff work to establish long-term traction with elite defensive talent.

The Cornhuskers find themselves battling alongside some of college football’s heaviest hitters in the recruitment of Tillman, including Miami, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. That's a competitive national field, but the Huskers have carved out real traction, as Tillman said recently that Nebraska is one of about a half-dozen schools that are standing out to him.

4-star DL Seth Tillman tells @adamgorney that one program is standing out right now in his recruitment📈

Read: https://t.co/G6Cdc1H0pH pic.twitter.com/N9epsG7nPw
— Rivals (@Rivals) January 5, 2026

Tillman is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2027 class, carrying a strong 90 rating from 247Sports. He sits at No. 130 nationally, ranks as the No. 13 defensive lineman in the country, and holds the No. 4 overall spot in South Carolina.

Tillman’s growing list of accolades includes his selection to the prestigious Navy All-American Bowl, a showcase reserved for the nation’s top high school football talent. As he continues to elevate his game, honors like the Navy All-American Bowl highlight the trajectory of a player whose impact is already being recognized on a national stage.

The Rock Hill, South Carolina, native has been a disruptive force for South Pointe, helping lead the program to a Class 4A state championship in 2025 while posting 61 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hurries, and 8.5 sacks across 13 games, per MaxPreps.

That followed an equally impressive 2024 campaign, where he finished his sophomore season with 76 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble, production that established him as one of the most dominant young defensive linemen in the region.

Tillman profiles as a moldable defensive lineman who may ultimately project best as a one‑gap nose based on his junior-year tape. He already looks the part with a wide lower half and a frame believed to be around 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, with the potential to grow into the 295-pound range as his body continues to mature.

Nebraska’s presence in Tillman’s recruitment underscores the program’s growing ability to compete for high-end defensive talent on a national scale. With powerhouse programs like Miami, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee also in pursuit, the road ahead will be competitive, but the Huskers have positioned themselves well.

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