Ashland-Greenwood senior offensive lineman Barrett Kitrell announced his commitment to the University of Nebraska this month and will join the Huskers as part of the 2027 class. The decision keeps the three-star prospect close to home and continues a family legacy at Nebraska.
Kitrell said the relationship he has built with Nebraska offensive line coach Geep Wade was a major factor in his choice. Wade, who joined the Huskers' staff this year, offered Kitrell a scholarship within weeks of arriving.
“He just shows he cares about the person, and also, he cares about the player. He cares about my development, so I just felt like those two things were awesome.”
Why Wade mattered
Kitrell told Hail Varsity that Wade has visited Ashland, met his family and friends, and maintained regular contact during the recruitment. He described Wade’s approach as one focused on personal connection and player development, drawing on the coach’s experience previously working with offensive lines in the ACC.
“Coach Wade, the moment he got in and the first visit I went on, he kind of explained what he does, how he does things, and that just really resonated with me,” Kitrell said. He added that Wade’s access to more resources at Nebraska convinced him the coach could accelerate his growth.
Local ties and other offers
Choosing Nebraska also continues a family tradition. Kitrell’s father, Barry Kitrell, played fullback for the Huskers in the 1980s, and his brother, Bo Kitrell, was on the team from 2014 to 2018. Barrett said his family supported his decision while allowing him to take his time.
Kitrell is rated as a three-star prospect by multiple outlets. He selected Nebraska over offers that included Kansas State and Iowa, among others.
- Player: Barrett Kitrell — senior, Ashland-Greenwood
- Position: Offensive lineman
- Recruiting class: Nebraska 2027
| Offer/Interest | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Nebraska | Committed |
| Kansas State, Iowa | Declined |
For Ashland-Greenwood and the surrounding community, Kitrell's commitment is a local recruiting victory and a signal that Nebraska's coaching staff can cultivate relationships with in-state talent. For the Huskers' offensive line room, it adds a player whose family history with the program may ease his transition to Lincoln.
Further details about Kitrell’s role in Nebraska’s recruiting class, including how the program plans to deploy him on the line and the timeline for his enrollment, have not been released.
Coverage will continue as more information becomes available on Kitrell’s development, official signing plans and his integration into the Nebraska program.
