Before Nebraska (Mount Carmel HS)
Claude Mpouma exploded onto the scene as one of the most promising offensive linemen in the country. Although he did not move to America until he was a teenager and played only two high school seasons, Mpouma impressed enough to earn an invitation to play in the Navy All-American Bowl.
As a senior, Mpouma started on the offensive line and helped Mount Carmel to a 14-0 record and a Class 8A state championship. Mount Carmel averaged more than 37 points per game in 2025. Mpouma was the starting left tackle at Wendell Phillips Academy in Chicago as a junior, his first season playing organized football. Mpouma was also a state champion in basketball during his high school career.
A consensus four-star recruit, Mpouma was ranked as one of the nation’s top 175 prospects by Rivals and 247Sports, which ranked Mpouma as the No. 153 player in the class and the 18th-best offensive tackle.