HASTINGS, Neb. – Just five years after forming a varsity baseball program, Adams Central is sending one of their own to the D1 level. 

Junior Kowen Rader announced on X Tuesday evening his commitment to play baseball at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

"I am humbled and honored to announce my commitment to the University of Nebraska!
Thank you first to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, my Mom, Dad and everyone who has partnered with me on this journey. GBR!" said Rader in his post on X. 

The current Patriot pitcher has turned heads in his first two varsity seasons as a freshman and sophomore with an electric fastball that can hit 90 MPH, plus a refined slider and changeup. 

Rader posted a 2.29 ERA in 39.2 innings with 57 strikeouts in 2025. He also notched a 5-3 record and pitched two complete game shutouts for an Adams Central team that made the Class C State Baseball semifinals.

The right-hander was also part of the Hastings little league team that made the 2021 Little League World Series. 

Rader is the first Cornhusker commit in the Class of 2027, and the first Patriot to commit to Nebraska or any Division I program.