In a major boost for Nebraska's emerging women's flag football program, one of the nation's most versatile high school athletes has officially joined the Cornhuskers' ranks. Las Vegas (NV) Shadow Ridge senior Jaylani Palmer announced her commitment on Friday, bringing a dynamic skill set that made her a standout on both sides of the ball.
Palmer was a true Swiss Army knife for the Mustangs, excelling at quarterback and wide receiver while also anchoring the defense. This past season alone, she racked up an eye-popping 3,610 all-purpose yards and 50 total touchdowns on offense. On defense, Palmer proved to be a turnover machine, hauling in 23 interceptions and adding 51 flag pulls. Her all-around dominance helped Shadow Ridge finish with an impressive 21-2 record, including a hard-fought win over Las Vegas (NV) Bish.
Palmer's commitment continues a hot recruiting streak for Nebraska, which has been building a formidable roster through a series of high-profile additions. Earlier, Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas senior wide receiver Emmi Merhi—a 6-foot pass-catching standout who previously committed to Troy for volleyball—chose the Cornhuskers after a stellar season with 73 receptions for 795 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Cornhuskers also landed a rising star at quarterback: Mountain Vista (CO) Class of 2027 standout Ariana Akey. Over the past two seasons, Akey has been a statistical powerhouse, throwing for 8,980 yards and 171 touchdowns while also rushing for 2,769 yards and 35 scores. Her dual-threat ability makes her a perfect fit for Nebraska's fast-paced flag football system.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking addition came in late January, when Orange Lutheran (Calif.) junior quarterback Makena Cook became the first female athlete ever to receive a Division I, Power 4 flag football offer—and she chose Nebraska. Cook, who is already committed to Georgia for soccer, completed an incredible 74% of her passes this season for 7,083 yards and 112 touchdowns, showcasing the elite talent now flocking to the sport.
With these commitments, Nebraska is rapidly establishing itself as a powerhouse in women's flag football, attracting top-tier talent from across the country. For fans of the game, it's an exciting time to watch the Cornhuskers build something special.