Prime 2027 quarterback prospect Trae Taylor’s dedication to Nebraska on Thursday ruffled some feathers. In a ceremony held at Mundelein, Illinois’ Carmel Catholic Excessive College, Taylor, the No. 66 prospect nationally and No. 7 quarterback, initially positioned an Illinois hat atop his head earlier than casting it apart and changing it with a Nebraska cap, affirming his pledge to the Huskers within the course of. 

Taylor even mentioned he was going to “keep residence and go to Illinois” earlier than pulling the switcheroo. The entire sage drew loads of criticism on social media, with even present Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer chiming in. 

“(Corn) ball, no pun supposed.” Altmyer wrote in a now-deleted put up. 

In response, Taylor posted an apology video on Thursday. 

“I did need to movie this video to apologize to Illini nation,” Taylor mentioned. “Throwing the hat the best way I did throughout my dedication isn’t the best way I need to be perceived and I do know that was very disrespectful. I actually simply need to get on right here and say that that is not who I’m. That is not the best way I need to be generally known as. The second received to me a little bit bit and I simply need to make an apology. 

“I am very grateful for all of the assist that Illini nation has delivered to me and the teaching employees.” 

No matter the way it went down, Taylor’s dedication is one other important recruiting win for Nebraska coach Matt Rhule and his employees. The Huskers signed five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola in 2024, TJ Lateef — the No. 27 quarterback in his class — in 2025 and presently maintain a dedication from Dayton Raiola, Dylan’s youthful brother, for 2026. 

Taylor is the primary prospect to decide to Nebraska throughout the 2027 cycle.