We have the pedigree to our own fan base and college football fans older than 25-30 years old. Yes, we have the facilities, investment, and the history to match up with almost anyone in the country. However, we haven't been to a bowl game since the current recruits were entering middle school and haven't been a true Top 10-20 program since they were in first or second grade at best.
Therefore,
@Huskerfollower4life makes a valid point that in the eyes of recruits, our program's current standing is no better than the likes of Iowa State, Arkansas, etc. Only when you factor in the off-the-field stuff (facilities, NIL, etc.) do we have more appeal than those programs.