2023 CB Ethan Nation talks Nebraska, other contenders ahead of commitment

Roswell (Ga.) three-star cornerback Ethan Nation is announcing his commitment during the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 3. He already has a list of contenders for his pledge.

“Ohio State‘s still on me pretty hard, as well as Colorado and Houston and Auburn,” Nation told On3. “When it comes down to it, I’m gonna look back and see who’s for me, who’s not, who wants me because they didn’t get people on Early Signing Day, who wants me because of who I am. That’s what I’m trying to (pick) up.”

Another school likely in the running for the 5-foot-10, 162-pound defensive back’s pledge is Nebraska. He took an official visit to the Cornhuskers on the weekend of Dec. 17.

Right now, Nation is embracing the recruiting process. Before his commitment, his goal is to find the school that is showing the most interest.

“I’m really trying to choose, or figure out, who wants me for me, who wants me because they didn’t get who they wanted to get,” said Nation, the No. 428 overall prospect and No. 44 cornerback in the 2023 On3 Consensus.

Nation impressed by new-look Nebraska

Nation’s official to Lincoln was a positive trip for the three-star.

“It was really surprising going up to Omaha, (then) that 45 minute drive down to Lincoln, you don’t really see much,” Nation said. “You just see a whole lot of grass, a whole lot of cattle, a whole lot of deer. So I wasn’t really expected a whole lot. But then, when I got there in Lincoln, I was surprised. City out of nowhere, and then also their fan base is really, really crazy. 93,000 people at home, so even imagining playing in front of that many people at such an early stage in my career is just crazy.”

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Nebraska is the commanding favorite for Nation’s pledge. The Cornhuskers’ odds are currently 93%.

Nebraska recently hired a new head coach in Matt Rhule. Nation has been impressed by his vision for the program.

“I was throughly surprised seeing what they’re building and seeing what they had planned,” Nation said. “I got a chance to sit down with coach Rhule. He’s a really intelligent guy. He just loves ball. He wants to put Nebraska back on the map. He wants to put Nebraska back to where Nebraska used to be, competing at a high level and things like that.”