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USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Oklahoma Sooners future nonconference schedules
Schedules have been a major talking point over the last few weeks as the Power Four conferences have met for their annual media days. The SEC has discussed moving to nine conference games, but head coaches and school administrators don't seem all that interested. Greg Sankey spoke last week in Atlanta about the potential to move to nine conference games, but has argued it doesn't make sense with the SEC's strength of schedule. The Big Ten began politicking on Tuesday as Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti took a shot at the SEC for only playing eight league games. The Hoosiers dropped a nonconference matchup with Virginia, leaving the 2024 Cinderella with a nonconference slate that features Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and FCS Indiana State. The three teams combined for an 11-25 record in 2024, buoyed by Indiana State's 5-7 record last year. This year, Indiana plays just three teams that had a winning record in 2024. Schedules aren't always going to be equitable, and that's why it's important to take into account strength of schedule metrics. Are they perfect? Nope. But short of a 64-team playoff (once proposed by the great Mike Leach), you're going to have a hard time finding the right mix of teams for the College Football Playoff. But with nonconference schedules top of mind, I thought it would be fun to take a look at Oklahoma's future nonconference matchups. 2025 - Michigan comes to Norman The headliner this year is the Michigan game. Facing the Wolverines in Norman is the biggest nonconference game inside Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium since Ohio State came to Norman back in 2016. 2026 - Oklahoma to The Big House Oklahoma makes the return trip to Michigan to complete its home-and-home series in what will be one of the biggest games of the nonconference schedule. With the SEC unlikely to move to a nine-game conference schedule, Oklahoma will need to add another game for 2026 to get to 12 games. 2027 - Pac-12 returns to Norman When these games were scheduled, all three of these teams were in different conferences. SMU has joined the ACC and Utah State and San Diego State have joined the Pac-12. This isn't your dad's or even your older brother's Pac-12 as it has been comprised of former Mountain West teams. SMU was a playoff participant in 2024. Their name, image, and likeness game will surely have Rhett Lashlee and the Mustangs a threat moving forward. The Mustangs fulfill the SEC's requirement of playing a Power Four opponent. 2028 - Facing Keisean Henderson On the surface, there doesn't look to be a marquee matchup here, but don't sleep on what Houston's building under Willie Fritz. They landed five-star quarterback Keisean Henderson in the 2026 recruiting class. He's the No. 2 player in the cycle and will provide a test for the Oklahoma defense. 2029 - Big 8 Rivalry Renewed The Oklahoma Sooners trip to San Diego would likely open the season, which would be a refreshing road trip to face the Aztecs. The last time Oklahoma made the trip to San Diego, they lost 51-31 to the Aztecs. That will certainly be a big talking point in the build up to the game. Oklahoma will welcome Nebraska back to town for the first leg of a home-and-home series vs. their old Big 8 and Big 12 rival. The Sooners won both meetings of their last home-and-home, with Spencer Rattler and Dillon Gabriel picking up wins over the Cornhuskers. Notable is that the Oklahoma State Cowboys only have two nonconference games scheduled in 2029. Could Bedlam return for good starting this season? 2030 - Returning to Memorial Stadium The last time the Oklahoma Sooners made the trip to Memorial Stadium to take on the Cornhuskers, OU dominated in a 49-14 rout. Eric Gray ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns and Dillon Gabriel totaled 285 yards and three touchdowns in the win. 2031 - Aztecs come to Norman Sept. 6 vs. San Diego State Though Oklahoma's 1-1 all-time against San Diego State, the Sooners defended their home field in 1995 with a 38-22 win over San Diego State. This is the first season that the Oklahoma Sooners don't have a Power Four opponent on the schedule. You know it'll be someone good. 2032 - Nothing Scheduled Every decade or so, the college football landscape goes through a major shift. Could this see another realignment that changes college football once again? 2033 - In-State Matchup Sept. 3 vs. Tulsa Tulsa always makes for a nice nonconference opponent. It's not a stretch travel wise for either club and it generates a little in-state buzz — certainly not as much as if Oklahoma were playing the Cowboys. 2034 - Nothing Scheduled This year feels ripe for another historic nonconference matchup between Oklahoma and a power team. Maybe Bedlam? 2035 - Facing the Tigers What's interesting about this matchup is all of the Clemson ties Oklahoma has. But a decade out, there's no telling what the two coaching staffs will look like. Here's hoping it's a Brent Venables vs. Dabo Swinney matchup because that means things go pretty well for the Sooners over the next 10 years. Making the trip to Death Valley will be a lot of fun regardless of what the coaching staffs look like. 2036 - Dabo comes to town? If Dabo Swinney is still coaching, welcoming him to Norman would feel a lot like legendary Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne coming to town. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X@john9williams.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Recruiting Rumor Mill: Elite prospects wrap up June visits
The final official visit weekend of June is in the books and while our main focus is on the Rivals Five-Star this week there was still plenty of newsworthy items for a Recruiting Rumor Mill. RIVALS FIVE-STAR EVENT: Roster | ACC programs in the spotlight | Big Ten programs in the spotlight | SEC programs in the spotlight | Key QB storylines | Key RB storylines | Key WR storylines | Key TE storylines | Key OL storylines | Key DL storylines | Key LB storylines | Key DB storylines | Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy MORE: Five-star QB Keisean Henderson ready for Houston revival Advertisement CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State The high three-star quarterback from Murrieta (Calif.) Vista Murrieta loved his weekend visit to Oregon and could easily end up with the Ducks but he's still being really patient with things and not rushing his decision yet. That's because LSU and Colorado have offered in recent days and now Auburn is poking around - could that be a little sign that four-star QB Landon Duckworth is leaning more to South Carolina? Virginia Tech is surging in Bergeron's recruitment after he and his father visited there and the word to the high three-star quarterback from Lafayette (La.) St. Thomas More is that it's either him or nobody at quarterback for the Hokies this cycle. Advertisement That pushed the Hokies super high on the list but Bergeron is still considering a Colorado visit. A top three has emerged for Bryson as Indiana, Wake Forest and South Florida have pushed to the top for the three-star athlete from Rabun Gap (Ga.) Rabun Gap Nacoochee. His recent visit to Bloomington could have been a game-changer, though, as Bryson loved what his role would be on offense and special teams and how they'd get the ball in his hands. He's a 2029 prospect so a ton could still happen in his recruitment but USC will be the team to beat for Buchanan, and it wouldn't be a shock if at some point he reclassifies because it would be a stunner if he played all those years of high school football. Advertisement USC has already offered, he loves coach Lincoln Riley and the idea of playing close to home so the Trojans look very solid. It was a busy week as Cartwright saw Miami, LSU and Florida and Saturday's Grille The Ville event was memorable. Coach Billy Napier and his staff made it clear that Cartwright is a top priority as the 2027 four-star tight end from Detroit (Mich.) Country Day is looking to narrow down his list by the end of summer. It wouldn't be a surprise if all three of those programs made it. Texas might be too way ahead for the four-star defensive end from Temple, Texas but Baylor has given him something to consider. Advertisement The Bears have 'always been high' in his recruitment and things got more muddled in Carlton's thinking following his weekend trip to Waco. Others are involved with Oklahoma, Colorado and others in the mix but it really feels like Baylor is so way out in front the Bears could be tough to catch. The four-star receiver from San Antonio (Texas) Madison 'loves being there' and he 'feels like a part of the family already.' Clay's relationship with position coach Dallas Baker is also playing a huge role. Florida's underclassmen event over the weekend really impressed Cole and the Gators are 'definitely high' for the 2027 four-star defensive back from Douglasville (Ga.) Douglas County but the word remains that Georgia is the team to beat. Advertisement Georgia, Florida, Miami, Oregon, Tennessee, LSU, Auburn and Georgia Tech are the main ones to watch. Alabama brought out the biggest gun in college football to meet with the No. 1 running back nationally as former coach Nick Saban took photos with Crowell and it was a 'dream come true.' That was important and Crowell hit it off with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb as well as Grubb described using him in the run and pass game. The 2027 four-star interior offensive lineman from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas had a great time at Florida's BBQ event over the weekend especially chatting it up with position coach Rob Sale and assistant OL coach Jonathan DeCoster. Advertisement The Gators will make Dean's 'top seven for sure' but the team out front right now is Oregon. The Ducks could be tough to beat. Maybe no program is pouring on the love for Gamble like Florida and the Gators did it again over the weekend as they not only told him he's a top priority in the 2027 class but made him feel like one as well. Miami, Florida State, Michigan, Penn State, Notre Dame, North Carolina and Ohio State will all be in the mix as well for the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas cornerback. After another great workout with a bunch of top recruits at USC, the Trojans are definitely the front-runner in Hale's recruitment. Advertisement The 2027 four-star receiver from Los Angeles (Calif.) Cathedral is going to be especially pushed hard by Oregon, Ohio State and others but USC has a big-time edge in his recruitment. The 2027 four-star cornerback from Garland (Texas) Lakeview Centennial is nearing 40 offers but a handful has already emerged as top teams. After visiting LSU, the Tigers are way higher for Jackson and he'll be back for a game because he thinks the 'environment was amazing' as SMU, Oklahoma and Tennessee are battling hard as well. Florida is leading for the 2027 high three-star receiver from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard especially after hitting it off with analyst David Doeker during this visit. Advertisement The two have been in a ton of contact and Jennings is excited to keep building with position coach Billy Gonzales as the Gators have a slight edge over Tennessee, Auburn and Miami for now. Fresh from backing off his Florida State commitment, Purdy was at Florida's event over the weekend and now the Gators are one of the programs highest on his list. The 2027 four-star receiver from Lake Wales, Fla., is going to take his time so he's not bouncing around commitments but Florida is clearly a major one to watch now. Oregon and USC are going to be right at the top during Wright's recruitment but after the 2027 four-star cornerback from Long Beach (Calif.) Poly visited Georgia in recent days, the Bulldogs will be one to watch as well. Wright had so much fun with coach Kirby Smart and position coach Donte Williams in Athens that they let him camp twice - and that left a big impression.
New York Times
20-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Elite 11 takeaways: Bruce Feldman on Texas-bound Dia Bell, rising star Keisean Henderson and more
MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — I've been coming to the Elite 11 quarterback competition for 20-plus years. The 2025 group was one of the better crops I've seen. The most highly touted guys were every bit as good as they were hyped to be. That's often not the case. 'I think this year's group was as competitive, one through 20, as we've had in a long time, and the fight for who made the 11 was tougher than ever,' Elite 11 president Brian Stumpf said, 'just because so many guys had really strong moments or showings in certain components of the event versus typically one to five guys dominate most everything. I think it speaks to the depth of the class and some guys who have really emerged over the past three to four months to join some of the earlier established big names in the class.' Advertisement Two QBs came in ranked in 247Sports' top three overall prospects in the 2026 class — No. 1 Faizon Brandon and No. 3 Keisean Henderson. Those two, along with Dia Bell (No. 24 overall) and Landon Duckworth (No. 50), were especially impressive at the three-day event. Bell took home the camp's MVP honors. Bell, the son of former NBA player Raja Bell, is very accurate and polished. The word that kept coming to mind while watching him each day was smooth. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder is just really smooth. The Texas commit also has a presence about him that stood out with how he interacted with the other players. The Elite 11 coaches raved about his performance in Thursday's 7-on-7 competition. 'What he did today in the 7-on-7 was beautiful,' said former Packers quarterback Craig Nall, one of the camp's coaches. 'It's his command, and it's the little things. On one ball, the receiver was supposed to be off, and (Bell) adjusted. He's never frantic. He's always in control. Doesn't get too high. Doesn't get too low.' A few other QBs had 'awesome days' in Wednesday's accuracy and 'pro day' competitions and were slotted above Bell in the second day's rankings. 'It was cool to see how he responded,' coach Justin Hoover said. 'Like he noticed we moved him down a bit, and went, 'Watch this.' That was super impressive.' The 6-3, 185-pound Henderson, a Spring, Texas, native who is committed to Houston, was the guy numerous Elite 11 coaches told me they thought had the highest ceiling. 'It's like he has just one more gear in terms of arm and sped-up athleticism than Bell,' one of the coaches said Thursday after the event. 'And I think Bell's awesome too.' Henderson is an enormous get for the Cougars and coach Willie Fritz, and he figures to be someone other schools will keep pursuing — though he recently announced he is shutting down his recruitment. 'Sometimes you see a throw from a kid and you think 'Wow!' But it isn't often that same kid is able to replicate that 'wow' type of throw that less than 1 percent of humans can make,' former Michigan QB Devin Gardner said. 'For Henderson, he was able to replicate it over and over again, over a three-day period. He's special, and as long as he stays the course and continues to develop mentally, physically and emotionally, I believe he has a chance at being a household name some day soon.' Advertisement Henderson has elite arm talent and athleticism, but it was his personality that folks at the event kept gushing about. One of the coaches who has worked the Elite 11 for almost a decade said that five-star QBs can often have an air about them that can be off-putting. But Henderson wasn't like that at all. Zero entitlement. Just full of life and full of joy. He still needs to hone his passing skills, one of the coaches pointed out, saying once he refines his ability to get some throws up and down — a bucket throw — more consistently, he'll be even more impressive. 'He's a really, really good quarterback, but he's an even better human,' Hoover said. 'I can't wait to watch him continue to grow and develop because he is so talented. He just has 'it.' People gravitate towards him. I'd want him in my locker room, I know that. He was the most talented kid there. His ceiling is so high, and his floor also is high, so with that comes high expectations.' Nall said Henderson is one of the most impressive high school quarterbacks he's ever seen. 'This is my 13th season coaching the Elite 11, and I'd put him in the top 10 percent of all our QBs in arm talent,' he said. 'We've had some super special guys, like Trevor Lawrence and Tua (Tagovailoa), but he's in that discussion. Wherever he lands, they're getting a special kid. 'He's super athletic. He's very gifted. He's constantly smiling. He made me feel special as a coach by the way he'd thank you and look you in the eye. He has this sense of gratitude about how glad he was to be here, and then he went out and did his thing.' Brandon, a Tennessee commit from North Carolina, was one of the youngest QBs at the event, having just turned 17 earlier this month. He won the event's Rail Shot competition on the first night. I thought he stepped up when the lights were brightest, especially on Day 1 and then again on Day 3. 'Tennessee hit a home run,' said George Whitfield, one of the Elite 11's most senior coaches. 'He has a big arm. Good lower body. You can tell he worked on his feet, hits his drops, no false steps. You can tell he's figured some stuff out. He should be fun to watch.' RAIL SHOT 🎥🎯 — Elite11 (@Elite11) June 18, 2025 Duckworth, a 6-3, 195-pound three-sport athlete from Alabama who has won state titles as a basketball player and as a sprinter on a 4×100 relay team, is the subject of a big Auburn-South Carolina recruiting battle. The Elite 11 coaches really buzzed about his potential, a guy with a great frame and a big arm who is really fast. He's still pretty raw, but coaches said it's more inexperience than immaturity. One coach told me that he probably needs two years of seasoning, and with that, 'he could be special. But who's that patient and can develop him?' Advertisement • The most pleasant surprise to me was Ohio's Matt Ponatoski, ranked as the No. 29 QB by 247Sports. The two-sport star has an electric arm, having been clocked at 97 mph as a pitcher. That arm wowed me Thursday morning in his 7-on-7 performance. The 6-1, 196-pounder, who is uncommitted, made two 'wow' throws to receivers who didn't look open at all, but he fired the ball into the only spot he could and completed the passes. It was impressive. 'He had a couple of those every day we were here,' Hoover said. 'He's got some confidence to put it in places that others wouldn't even attempt to throw. He really stood out.' I was told Ponatoski was looking at taking a visit to Oregon this weekend. • Bryson Beaver, a three-star recruit from Southern California (No. 54 QB in the class), turned a lot of heads as well this week. The 6-2, 200-pounder, who recently decommitted from Boise State, is getting a lot of interest from some Power 4 powers, including Oregon. It wasn't hard to see why. He has an excellent arm and good feet. 'I loved him,' Whitfield said. 'Him and Henderson (are) guys you want to go coach because of their personality and charisma and how guys want to follow them.' • Texan Bowe Bentley is another hot prospect who colleges are scrambling to land. He's about the same size as Beaver, but more highly ranked, at No. 78 overall and the No. 7 QB. LSU and Oklahoma are both after him. I thought he was one of the most impressive guys I watched Wednesday. He's got a lot of juice in his arm and exudes confidence in it. He's a guy I could see putting up big numbers in major college football. 'I was high on his tape coming in,' Nall said. 'I could tell the competitive temperament that he has. I think the sky is the limit for that kid.' • Clemson commit Tait Reynolds came into the event as a three-star prospect, ranked the No. 26 QB by 247Sports. Expect him to jump up the rankings. The 6-2, 220-pounder from Arizona is intriguing. He's got this big, muscled-up frame and looks like a guy who really knows his way around a squat rack, but he threw and moved much more fluidly than most of the coaches expected. Advertisement • Jeff Brohm has long proven to be one of the brightest minds in football, and it seems like he's ahead of the curve when it comes to Louisville commit Briggs Cherry. He came into the event ranked No. 84 on 247Sports' QB board. I suspect the 6-4, 210-pounder from Tennessee will soar up a few dozen spots after this week. His accuracy was really impressive Wednesday and Thursday. 'He absolutely shredded it in 7-on-7,' Nall said. 'It was absolutely one of the best performances in this format that I've ever seen. He didn't miss a throw.' • Jett Thomalla, who made news at the start of the week when he flipped from Iowa State to Alabama, also really impressed me. The 6-4, 210-pound four-star from Nebraska is a really good basketball player who's thrown down some eye-catching dunks. That athleticism shows up on the field. He's a big, rangy kid who was firing the ball downfield effortlessly and also displayed some deft touch, floating the ball in on big bucket throws. In addition, he displayed a good demeanor. • Helaman Casuga, a 6-1, 220-pound four-star committed to Texas A&M, was one of the most accurate QBs at the event. The coaches said he loves Tagovailoa, and you do see some of that in him. • USC commit Jonas Williams finished the week with a flurry. He made one spectacular deep throw on a corner route that beat double coverage for a touchdown, one of seven TD passes he threw in the 7-on-7 competition. The 6-1, 215-pound four-star from Illinois definitely improved his stock. (Photo of Keisean Henderson courtesy of Elite 11)
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals Five-Star: Key QB storylines to follow heading into Indianapolis
Nick Lucero/ The Rivals Five-Star is being held June 23-24 at the Indianapolis Colts' practice facility. Here are five quarterback storylines we're following heading into one of the biggest events of the summer: Advertisement BEST OF RCS: The five best QBs of the 2025 Rivals Camp Series regionals | Five best RBs | Five best WRs/TEs | Five best OL | Five best DL | Five best LBs | Five best DBs RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info SHOULD HENDERSON BE RANKED EVEN HIGHER? There are five five-star quarterbacks in the 2026 class currently with Tennessee commit Faizon Brandon and Ryder Lyons, who is highest on Oregon and BYU, ranked ahead of Houston pledge Keisean Henderson, who is one of the quarterback headliners expected in Indianapolis. Advertisement It has been quite a year or two for Henderson since there was a discussion about whether the Spring (Texas) Legacy would even play quarterback at the next level or beyond or whether it was just a high school pipe dream and then he would move to another position. With his outstanding athleticism, it was not out of the question for him to move to receiver or defensive back but Henderson has developed so well over that time period, he looked outstanding at the Navy All-American Bowl over the holidays and now Henderson has a chance to move even higher than seventh nationally. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH HOUSTON FANS AT WHO IS THE TOP QUARTERBACK IN 2028? It is far too early to answer this question but two of the top quarterbacks in the 2028 class will work out in Indianapolis in Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy's Jayden Wade and Vero Beach, Fla., standout Wonderful 'Champ' Monds IV and they can hash it out on the field. Advertisement Another 2028 star under serious consideration is Miami Northwestern's Neimannn Lawrence, who unfortunately won't be at the Rivals Five-Star but has all the tools to be really special and in consideration for No. 1 quarterback. Florida is unusually loaded at QB in 2028 and two of the best will be competing in Indy. WHAT IS O'NEAL PLANNING TO DO? Jaden O'Neal is coming to Indianapolis to compete and prove he's one of the best quarterbacks in the 2026 class but the Oklahoma commit will also have some explaining to do on exactly where his recruitment stands. Maybe the new Mustang, Okla., four-star standout doesn't even know yet until the situation with four-star Bowe Bentley is cleared up as he's down to the Sooners and LSU. Advertisement But there has been a lot of chatter that O'Neal isn't thrilled with Oklahoma pursuing a second quarterback and that Arizona, Florida State and others are working to flip him. As June visits draw to a close right before the Rivals Five-Star, there will be no better time to catch up on his recruitment. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OKLAHOMA FANS AT 2027 FIVE-STAR QUARTERBACK WATCH Right now, the only five-star quarterback in the 2027 class is Baton Rouge (La.) Dunham's Elijah Haven, who was invited to the Rivals Five-Star but declined. That opens to door for the other highly-rated quarterbacks to make a move and many of them will be competing in Indianapolis. Advertisement Ohio State pledge Brady Edmunds, Nebraska commit Trae Taylor, Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus' Colton Nussmeier and Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian's Peyton Houston, USC's top quarterback target in the 2027 class, will all be working out in Indianapolis. Let's see if another five-star quarterback emerges from that group. DOES USC LEAD FOR HOUSTON? USC has made it clear: Houston - no one else - is the top target in its 2027 quarterback class. The Shreveport Evangel Christian standout has also made it clear that he has serious interest in the Trojans after two recent visits to campus. But there will be stiff competition. Advertisement Oklahoma had been considered the front-runner in his recruitment with Texas, Texas A&M and LSU all involved among others but USC's pursuit especially in the last few months has intrigued many including Houston, who knows full well coach Lincoln Riley's success over the years with quarterbacks. It will be interesting to see based on his performance whether Houston should be more in the five-star conversation. At media day for the Rivals Five-Star, it will also be interesting to see if the Trojans have moved to the front of the pack in his recruitment.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals250 Update: Position-by-position breakdown
Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney breaks down his thoughts position-by position as we release the new Rivals250 for the 2026 class. NEW 2026 RIVALS250: Ranking | Toughest decisions RIVALS CAMP SERIES DALLAS: Position MVPs | Ranking the QBs | Recruiting rumor mill CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker QUARTERBACK There are not many changes at the top but by the end of summer – and especially after the Elite 11 and Rivals Five-Star – there could be significant changes. Advertisement Five five-star quarterbacks remain with a slight change to the list as Houston commit Keisean Henderson moves ahead of Jared Curtis. There are still a lot of possibilities for more five-stars with USC commit Jonas Williams and Landon Duckworth leading the way plus Texas commit Dia Bell could move up quickly as can Miami pledge Dereon Coleman. Louisville commit Briggs Cherry has moved all the way up No. 13 nationally at the position after some terrific offseason performances and rave reviews by 7-on-7 coaches. RUNNING BACK There are a ton of talented running backs in this class but no five-stars yet. Ezavier Crowell and Savion Hiter lead the way as both remain uncommitted. New Notre Dame commit Javian Osborne and Jae Lamar are also elite and Carrollton (Ga.) Central's Jonaz Walton could move even higher after some excellent track times. Advertisement The only five-star in this group is at all-purpose back in Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna's Derrek Cooper, who is a phenomenal mix of power, speed and versatility. This group is strong with KJ Edwards also in the five-star discussion (with Crowell) and then Oregon commit Tradarian Ball is a fringe top-50 player. WIDE RECEIVER Nick Lucero/ Four five-stars lead the way and it's pretty much a lock that LSU commit Tristen Keys, Cederian Morgan and Ethan 'Boobie' Feaster are at the top and then Chris Henry Jr., who should return this summer from a knee injury and does have some proving to do to stay that high. Advertisement Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei teammate Kayden Dixon-Wyatt is pushing for five-star status after a tremendous offseason and great junior season. Rochester (N.Y.) James Monroe standout Messiah Hampton is moving up fast, but maybe not fast enough. Wolfforth (Texas) Frenship's Chase Campbell is moving up as well. At slot receiver, Tennessee commit Tyreek King, Georgia pledge Vance Spafford and Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech's CJ Sadler remain the top three but none have punched through to five-star status – yet. King and Spafford have already signed up for Rivals Five-Star and can earn that extra star with a huge performance there. TIGHT END For a few years, tight end was a position that was losing steam in the rankings because of NFL Draft trends – much like running back and linebacker – but it's becoming much stronger and should continue that way through an outstanding 2026 class. Advertisement Two tight ends were taken in the first round of the draft in Michigan's Colston Loveland and Penn State's Tyler Warren and three more in the second round and that definitely got our attention. Oregon commit Kendre' Harrison is the only five-star so far but it seems like a near-lock that Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei's Mark Bowman will end up with that elite ranking as well. Many others will get serious consideration as well as Kaide Prothro, Mack Sutter, Brock Harris, Carson Sneed, Lincoln Keyes, Ian Premer, JC Anderson and Matt Ludwig could all make a case to be inside the top 100. OFFENSIVE LINE The top of the offensive tackle group is absolutely loaded. There could be conversations about their order but Jackson Cantwell, Immanuel Iheanacho and Felix Ojo have proven time and again that they have very bright futures. Advertisement More five-stars could be on the way at the position because Penn State commit Kevin Brown was so athletic and physical at the Rivals Five-Star as an underclassman and he'll be back in Indianapolis this summer. Sam Greer and John Turntine are different types of offensive tackles – Greer massive and physical, Turntine smaller but with great wingspan and athleticism – and are also one notch from five-star status. There are no five-star interior offensive linemen but that could definitely change as well as two-way standout Lamar Brown has been dominant this offseason and Richmond (Va.) St. Christopher's Darius Gray have been phenomenal. Clemson commit Grant Wise and Iowa commit Hudson Parliament could probably lift an 18-wheeler they're so strong. DEFENSIVE LINE LSU commit Richard Anderson is the lone five-star at defensive tackle and he's a physical force who carries 330-plus really well but he's probably topped out physically. Anderson is dominant and four-star Deuce Geralds will be under serious consideration for five-star status, especially with the NFL bloodlines, but we haven't pulled the trigger there yet. North Fort Myers, Fla., standout James Johnson has moved up a lot in the position rankings but we just need to see him more in person. Advertisement At defensive end, five-star Richard Wesley showed dominance again at a camp Sunday where he's just a physical force that looks like Abdul Carter coming off the edge. He's definitely filling out physically and just dominant at the point of attack. Only having one defensive end isn't ideal but no one else has stepped up there yet. At edge rusher, Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul's Anthony 'Tank' Jones is the only five-star but there are many to consider. Jake Kreul is the Energizer Bunny with a relentless motor, Zion Elee is lean but has maybe the best burst off the line of scrimmage in the class and Jamarion Carlton is a physical specimen who's a nice combination of both. More five-stars are needed along the defensive line by the end of this recruiting cycle. LINEBACKER Based on NFL Draft considerations, linebacker is a position that has been dramatically reduced in importance when it comes to the rankings process because they're just not being picked at a rapid clip by pro teams. That has to play a factor in our thinking and that has been represented as Loganville (Ga.) Grayson's Tyler Atkinson remains the lone five-star prospect. Advertisement There will also be some things to consider such as Talanoa Ili and Xavier Griffin staying at linebacker since their height could move them to edge rusher over the long term based on draft trends. Ohio State lean Cincere Johnson could move up much higher and new Ole Miss commit Izayia Williams is a physical specimen and great at the position but five commitments already for him is a concern. DEFENSIVE BACK New USC commit Elbert Hill remains the top cornerback and one of only two five-stars at the position along with LSU pledge Havon Finney Jr., but there could be changes coming to the top end of this group. Advertisement Four-star Samari Matthews is excellent and has had maybe the best offseason of anybody. Brandon Lockhart, also a USC pledge, is super smooth and showed it off again this weekend at an event. Alabama pledge Jorden Edmonds more than held his own at the Navy All-American Bowl. More needs to be seen from fellow Bama pledge Zyan Gibson and he'll be at the Rivals Five-Star. Safety could also see some significant changes. Ohio State commit Blaine Bradford and Jireh Edwards are the five-stars and they'll battle for that top spot until the end. But there are many other long athletes behind them including Aiden Hall, Chace Calicut, Jett Washington and others who could compete for five-star status. Bralan Womack, who has the Buckeyes high on his list among others, remains the top nickel. ATHLETE Through this recruiting cycle, we'll try our best to place a lot of these athletes at their future positions – if they only have one. Five-star Brandon Arrington is truly a two-way star and while he projects at cornerback, the Spring Valley (Calif.) Mount Miguel recruit is also a standout receiver because of his speed. No one else there is probably close to a five-star ranking yet.
