Nebraska is really in a bad spot. They lost all ties to Texas following their departure from the Big XII and they can't effectively recruit California outside of the PAC 12, which leaves the Midwest where they're fifth in the pecking order behind tOSU, Michigan, Wisconsin and Michigan State. Academics and location are mediocre. Looking forward, they project out to be a mid tier program.
Could even put them behind Iowa (recent playoff participant) and in danger of falling behind some others. Unlike most other B1G schools they don't have a solid recruiting base in their home state or within a few hour drive. Remember that Iowa, Northwestern, and Wisconsin are all as close or closer to Chicago than Illinois. Nebraska is the outlier a long way from the population centers of Chicago, Michigan, and Ohio.