Carter Kutz was leaning heavily toward Nebraska baseball anyway. A couple of testimonials from former Huskers from his home state sealed the deal.
The two-way standout and Hartford, Wisconsin, native committed to the Huskers and their 2025 class late last week. He and his family visited in October, soaking up the electricity of a football game against Northwestern and volleyball match against Wisconsin. The baseball coaches and Haymarket Park impressed, too.
The clincher, though, was feedback from two other alums of his high school travel program that went on to play at Nebraska, Joe Acker and Alex Henwood. Kutz could have reached out to more, including former slugger Scott Schreiber and current NU catcher Josh Caron.
“They all wrote me pages about how amazing it is,†Kutz said. “It really gave me reassurance and closure that this is what I can do. It helped me see people like me that have been there and been successful.â€
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Kutz is the 10th known member of the class, which can sign in almost exactly a year. Eight members are from Nebraska, with the right-hander joining fellow two-way recruit Ty Miller of Olathe (Kansas) West from outside the state.
Illinois and Central Florida also received visits from Kutz, who is considered one of the top prospects in Wisconsin. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder projects as a corner infielder with power upside. On the mound, he throws a fastball touching 90 mph along with a change-up and curveball. Early discussions imagine him as a lineup regular who could pitch in relief.
“It doesn’t happen to a lot of people from my area,†Kutz said. “I’m very grateful for it, and my family and I have worked very hard for it. It’s emotional, for sure. Everyone is in support of Nebraska in my family now.â€
Photos: Nebraska baseball falls to Maryland in the Big Ten tournament
Maryland's Eddie Hacopian (39) celebrates a double during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Maryland's Matt Shaw (6) attempts to tag Nebraska's Cole Evans during a Big Ten Tournament game Saturday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
Nebraska's Max Anderson (4) and Brice Matthews walk off the field Saturday following a season-ending loss to Maryland at the Big Ten Tournament at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
Nebraska's Max Anderson (4) holds his head in his hands following the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday. Anderson was the last out of the game. Maryland won 4-2.
Nebraska's Kyle Perry, left, and Gabe Swansen, right, react following the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday. Maryland won 4-2.
Nebraska's Gabe Swansen (44) attempts to catch a home run ball during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday. Maryland won 4-2.
Maryland's dugout cheers for a strikeout during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday. Maryland won 4-2.
Nebraska pitcher Jake Bunz #27 reacts following the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday. Maryland won 4-2.
Nebraska Head Coach Will Bolt speaks to his team following the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday. Maryland won 4-2.
Nebraska's Brice Matthews (14) puts his arm around Max Anderson (4) following the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday. Maryland won 4-2.
Nebraska's Max Anderson (4) throws to first base for an out during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Nebraska's Max Anderson (4) bats during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Maryland's Elijah Lambros (11) celebrates scoring a run during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Fans watch as Nebraska's Corbin Hawkins (39) throws to first base during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Fans ask for baseballs during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Maryland's Jason Savacool (45) celebrates a strikeout during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Nebraska's Max Anderson (4) catches a ball at first base for an out during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Nebraska's Max Anderson (4) hits a single during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Maryland's Matt Shaw (6) attempts to tag Nebraska's Nebraska's Cole Evans (12) out at second base during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday. Evans was ruled safe after Maryland challenged the play.
Nebraska's Kyle Perry (19) pitches during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Nebraska's Shay Schanaman (8) pitches during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Nebraska's Max Anderson (4) throws to first base to attempt a double play during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
Nebraska's Dylan Carey (15) throws to first base during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
A lone fan sits in the outfield stands during the Maryland vs. Nebraska baseball elimination game at the Big Ten tournament in Omaha on Saturday.
