Nebraska has great facilities, a terrific campus, great support, tremendous resources and rare tradition, but a minimal player pool in-state or in bordering states. Nebraska is expected to compete with the best of the best, but it can be difficult for prospects to get there on their own dime as sophomores and juniors.
For comparison’s sake, look at Alabama. The vast majority of players they actively recruit are within 300 miles of Tuscaloosa. Prospects can drive in a timely manner and get on campus. In fact, a prospect could drive and get on the campus of Georgia, Auburn and Alabama all in one day.
These are oversimplified scenarios that illustrate the point. Early official visits will matter, but likely more to programs in less populated regions or rural cities. The hope for programs like Nebraska is that it can make a great impression on juniors each spring.