Preseason NEBHSFB.com Offensive Player of the Year

QB – Trae Taylor | Millard South | 6’3/200

Taylor arrives in Nebraska after playing at Carmel Catholic in Illinois. The Nebraska commit relocated to the metro for his senior season at Class A back-to-back state champion Millard South, hoping not only to compete for another title but also to help the Cornhuskers build momentum in recruiting for the Class of 2027 and beyond. His commitment to the program has been evident throughout the entire process, and it’s hard not to admire the dedication he has shown since pledging to Nebraska.

A potential program changer in waiting, the Navy All-American Bowl honoree threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns at a remarkable 81.7 percent completion rate last season. Taylor completed 25 for 32 passes for 505 yards and five touchdowns while adding three rushing touchdowns in a 55-54 loss to Montini Catholic. Taylor threw for more than 400 yards four times as a high school junior.

The 2026 Elite 11 Most Valuable Player is a big-time prospect and a huge get for Nebraska. With massive shoes to fill for a back-to-back state champion that averaged 61.9 points per game in 2025, Taylor is more than capable to do so. 

Preseason NEBHSFB.com Defensive Player of the Year

DB  – Tory Pittman III | Millard North | 6’0/185

For some unknown reason, social media and certain Omaha media members privately speculated that Pittman was perhaps a shade on the overrated side at Omaha Central last season. It goes to show that none of these people bothered to spend any time researching Pittman’s highlight reel. Usually when one prospect moves at a higher rate of speed and shows more athleticism than others on the field, it is a good sign for the prospect.

A First Team All-State honoree according to the Omaha World-Herald, Pittman recorded 68 tackles and three interceptions on a Class A playoff qualifier. On offense, Pittman hauled in seven touchdowns on just 16 catches for the season. Over his career, the Navy All-American Bowl honoree has three interception returns to paydirt heading into his senior campaign at Millard North.

Though he is committed to Nebraska, it has not stopped other prominent schools from sniffing around. With the current climate in college football, anything is possible. For now, Pittman appears to be all “N”.