Latest news with #FaizonBrandon
NBC Sports
17 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Rivals Five-Star: Key QB storylines to follow heading into Indianapolis
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: 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 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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 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 the door for the other highly-rated quarterbacks to make a move and many of them will be competing in Indianapolis. 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. 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. 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. Editor's Note: This article first appeared on the leader in college football and basketball recruiting coverage. Be the first to know and follow your teams by signing up here.
Yahoo
a day ago
- 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
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Major rankings questions remain at premium positions
The spring camp season is about halfway finished with a few more events on the calendar before summer. The 2026 rankings have undergone massive changes since the beginning of the process and over the last few months have seen seismic alterations. Advertisement The top of many of the positions have come into focus but there are still some major questions at premium positions. 2026 RIVALS250 REFRESH: New schedule explained | Updated Rivals250 revealed | Biggest storylines | Prospects on the five-star radar | Three big jumps RUMOR MILL: Intel flows from trip to North Carolina | Big decisions coming for nation's elite 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 Faizon Brandon has held the No. 1 spot in the quarterback rankings since February but he has not separated himself from the pack. The Tennessee commit has all the physical tools you could ask for in a quarterback prospect but it'll be interesting to see how he handles complicated defensive schemes at the next level. Advertisement Meanwhile Ryder Lyons, Jared Curtis and Keisean Henderson are right on his heels in the rankings and each have special qualities that give them a strong case to be at the top of the quarterback rankings. How will Lyons adjust to playing within a system at the next level instead of being able to freelance whenever he wants? Curtis will have to deal with a massive jump in competition in college and adjust to the much faster defenses. Henderson is an outstanding athlete who has grown as a quarterback by leaps and bounds over the last couple years but will he improve fast enough to have a similar impact at the college level? All four of these quarterbacks will face a fairly steep learning curve at the next level but how quickly will they be able to adjust and then continue to improve as potential NFL prospects? The national analyst team will learn a lot about them during the remainder of spring camp season and at the elite summer camps. OFFENSIVE TACKLE The depth of this offensive line class is awfully impressive and the offensive tackles at the top of the rankings are the types of prospects who can make an early impact at the college level. Advertisement Jackson Cantwell has been a five-star and the No. 1 offensive tackle since the beginning of the 2026 rankings cycle. A son of former Olympians, Cantwell put together excellent junior film and performed very well at the Under Armour All-America Game earlier this year. He is also a track and field star, which adds to his high-end evaluation. Playing in Missouri, there will likely be an adjustment period for him as he gets used to the speed and strength combination he'll see from defensive linemen at the college level. Immanuel Iheanacho is one of the most college-ready offensive linemen we've seen in years. The Maryland native is already the size of NFL players and possesses elite strength, flexibility, and overall athleticism for his size. He is extremely intelligent and should have no problem picking up the blocking schemes at the next level but will he be able to bring the necessary intensity to the trenches at the next level? Five-star Felix Ojo is just slightly behind Cantwell and Iheanacho from a physical perspective but his frame, athleticism and technical skills are elite. He has the look of a franchise left tackle and that's likely what he'll become if he's able to add the strength and mass necessary to excel at the next level. The order of these three prospects in the Rivals250 is still unsettled. DEFENSIVE END Richard Wesley is the only five-star defensive end in the 2026 Rivals250 right now, which is awfully impressive considering he was a 2027 prospect up until recently. The California native is an elite athlete at the position and the fact that he was so dominant as a sophomore but is still held in such high regard should signal our opinion of his potential. Will being a younger prospect slow his development once he reaches the college level? How will he handle competing with older and more physically mature offensive linemen? These are important questions to address before the rankings are final but is his ranking as the No. 1 defensive end in the Rivals250 in danger? That remains to be seen because the defensive ends behind him in the rankings don't have much momentum right now. Advertisement Are there enough uncertainties surrounding Wesley to give an opening to players like Aiden Harris, Tyson Bacon, Bryce Perry-Wright, Pierre Dean or others? Harris is on the smaller side for defensive end but he plays with outstanding energy. Bacon has shown a number of inconsistencies in his game while the ceiling for Perry-Wright is a bit murky. Dean was considered one of the best offensive line prospects in this class but the way he has developed has caused teams to think about him as more of a defensive end and right now he even admits he has a long way to go at that position. EDGE DEFENDER Nick Lucero/ Advertisement The edge defender position is loaded with outstanding pass rushers who college coaches hope to insert as game-wreckers in their scheme. Anthony 'Tank' Jones out of Alabama has been a five-star since August of last year. The dominant pass rusher earned his ranking after an impressive showing last offseason and he continued to show a dominant streak as a junior. Since then though, he has not sought out opportunities to compete against future Power Four prospects, leaving open a window for others to pass him in the rankings. The top pass rushers in the NFL Draft and the ones already playing professionally are ultra competitive. It's what sets them apart from the still incredibly talented players who are selected outside of the first round of the NFL Draft and may still be buried on NFL depth charts. Meanwhile, pass rushers like Jake Kreul, Zion Elee, Jamarian Carlton and many others are charging up the rankings and could soon join Jones among the five-stars. Kreul has flourished in every competitive environment he's been in and he continues to physically mature. His performance during the upcoming season at IMG Academy will tell us a lot about where he is at in his developmental progression. Elee might be the most talented pass rusher off the edge in this class. His physical tools put him in rare air and it's just a matter of time before he rounds out his skill set. Carlton has grown by leaps and bounds during the process and has proven to be one of the more well-rounded pass rushers in this class. He still has plenty of room to grow, which should be scary for college offensive line coaches. CORNERBACK Cornerback has been the most hotly debated position during rankings calls in recent months and there are a number of players who could end up on top of the heap. Elbert Hill was elevated to No. 1 at cornerback in August of last year after an outstanding offseason and impressive performances at multiple elite camps. He had a strong junior season but this offseason has been a little up and down for the Ohio native. Hill has proven to have elite speed and has good arm length but it's been difficult to handle some of the bigger and more physical receivers who are plus route runners. We'll find out more about his development as the offseason continues. Advertisement Right on Hill's heels in the rankings is new member of the 2026 class Havon Finney Jr. The five-star and former 2027 prospect has an elite skill set and is physically mature beyond his years. So far he has seemed unfazed by the step up in competition and could be poised to rise again in the rankings if his performances remain consistent throughout the rest of the offseason. Among the four-star cornerbacks there is a long list of potential five-stars who could challenge for No. 1 at the position. Samari Matthews, Brandon Lockhart and Jorden Edmonds are the three closest to earning their fifth star right now and each bring something a little different to the field. Just over six feet tall, Matthews is the shortest of the three but he has great length, can play physically but isn't too handsy, and has elite instincts. Speed hasn't been an issue for him in the past but it would be good to see him tested against some of the fastest and best route runners this class has to offer. Lockhart and Edmonds are bigger cornerbacks who can deter quarterbacks from even looking their way given their length. They have a knack for forcing bad passes as well. Lockhart has a lot of experience against high-end receivers and it will be interesting to see how he deals with some of the stronger and more physical receivers in this class. Edmonds has no problem covering big, strong receivers but the speed metrics he has posted are a bit concerning and raise questions about how he projects to the college level and beyond. Zyan Gibson, Davon Benjamin, Dorian Barney, RJ Sermons and Jaelen Waters are just some of the other cornerbacks who have made noise as potential five-stars.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Consensus SEC Team Recruiting Rankings for 2026 Recruiting Class
There are just over eight months left until the 2026 early signing period in December. In the middle of spring ball with summer recruiting on the horizon teams are beginning to put together their full court press for the top targets on their recruiting board. In the Wild Wild East(?) that is SEC recruiting, a number of teams have already positioned themselves ahead of the pack in team recruiting rankings for the 2026 cycle. But the teams that typically finish in the top three, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, are just getting started. On3 likes Texas a lot more than the other three major recruiting sites. On3 has the Longhorns at No. 6 but the other three sites we looked at had Texas at No. 11. On3 also likes Alabama a lot more than the consensus, with the Crimson Tide coming in at No. 3 but No. 9 with the other three sites. There are some big disparities between sites, like Arkansas ranking No. 11 in the SEC according to On3 but No. 1, according to ESPN. Advertisement Here's a look at how the SEC ranks in team recruiting rankings on an average of the rankings from 247Sports, On3, Rivals, and ESPN. Sep 28, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) talks to head coach Brian Kelly during warmups before a game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Tiger Stadium. The LSU Tigers lead the way in recruiting as we close out the end of March. They have nine total commitments and eight of them are four or five-star players. They lead the way in three of four recruiting services. Top Rated Player: Tristen Keys, 5-Star Wide Receiver Blue Chip Ratio: 88% Texas A&M has been on a roll on the recruiting trail, most recently landing four-star quarterback Jonathan Hatton. Hatton chose the Aggies over Oklahoma in a down to the wire recruiting battle. Advertisement Top Rated Player: Jordan Carter, 4-Star Defensive End Blue Chip Ratio: 100% 3. Tennessee Volunteers Top Rated Player: Faizon Brandon, 5-Star Quarterback Blue Chip Ratio: 62.5% Josh Heupel has done a great job recruiting quarterbacks during his time at Tennessee. He has Nico Iamaleava as his starter and next spring will welcome the top quarterback in the class in Faizon Brandon. Hugh Freeze and the Tigers have one of the higher blue-chip ratios in the SEC. They'll need to find a way to succeed on the field to keep the 2026 recruiting class together. Top Rated Player: Hezekiah Harris, 4-Star Defensive End Advertisement Blue Chip Ratio: 83.3% Sep 28, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) throws past Texas A&M Aggies defensive back BJ Mayes (20) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images It was a bit of a resurgence in 2024 for Sam Pittman and the Arkansas Razorbacks, but he's still riding the hot seat in Fayetteville. They're off to a strong start in 2026 but like Auburn need to win to keep it all together and fend off a late cycle flip or two. Top Rated Player: Colton Yarborough, 4-Star Defensive End Blue Chip Ratio: 18% The Georgia Bulldogs only have six players committed to the class at this time, but you know they'll finish the cycle among the top in the nation. Top Rated Player: Zach Fort, 4-Star Safety Advertisement Blue Chip Ratio: 66.7% Nick Saban may have retired but Kalen DeBoer is still pulling in elite talent, recently earning a commitment from five-star cornerback Jaden Edmonds. They're one of three SEC teams that currently have a 100% blue-chip ratio. Top Rated Player: Jaden Edmonds, 5-Star Cornerback Blue Chip Ratio: 100% 8. South Carolina Gamecocks NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 09: Head Coach Shane Beamer of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after a victory against Vanderbilt at FirstBank Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by) South Carolina has built off of a nine-win 2024 season with a great start in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Shane Beamer's done a great job on the recruiting trail over the last few years. Top Rated Player: J'Zavien Currence, 4-Star Cornerback Advertisement Blue Chip Ratio: 66.7% Jeff Lebby is getting more buy in but he'll have to win some games this year to get a bump in his blue-chip ratio moving forward. Adding a four-star defensive tackle in the class will help shore up the defense. Top Rated Player: Emanuel Tucker, 4-Star Defensive Tackle Blue Chip Ratio: 14.2% 10. Texas Longhorns Texas may be low at this point in the cycle, but you can bet they'll be among the top three teams in the conference on National Signing Day. Top Rated Player: Dia Bell, 4-Star Quarterback Blue Chip Ratio: 100% 11. Oklahoma Sooners Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables walks on the field during an Oklahoma (OU) football practice at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The Sooners only have commitments on the offensive side of the ball at this point in the cycle, but the defense will take care of itself. Advertisement Top Rated Player: Jaden O'Neal, 4-Star Quarterback Blue Chip Ratio: 50% 12. Florida Gators If Billy Napier can build on the finish to the 2024 season with a good year led by D.J. Lagway, it'll do wonders for his recruiting efforts in 2026. Top Rated Player: Izayia Williams, 4-Star Linebacker Blue Chip Ratio: 66.7% 13. Ole Miss Rebels Lane Kiffin has the transfer portal thing figured out, but he hasn't quite reached the same heights on the recruiting trail. It's still very early for the Rebels, but Ole Miss hasn't finished higher than ninth in the SEC in recruiting since 2021. Top Rated Player: Ja'Michael Jones, 3-Star Running Back Advertisement Blue Chip Ratio: 0% 14. Vanderbilt Commodores Nov 9, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) breaks the tackle of South Carolina Gamecocks defensive tackle T.J. Sanders (90) during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images It was a resurgent year for the Vanderbilt Commodores and have an intriguing quarterback option coming to campus next year in dual-threat Michael Mitchell, Jr. Top Rated Player: Michael Mitchell, Jr, 3-Star Quarterback Blue Chip Ratio: 0% 15. Missouri Tigers The Missouri Tigers only have one player committed in the class, but he's a four-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings but just a three-star according to 247Sports in Anthony Kennedy Jr. Eli Drinkwitz has done well on the recruiting trail, but he'll need to continue that momentum. Advertisement Top Rated Player: Anthony Kennedy, Jr., 3-Star Defensive Tackle Blue Chip Ratio: 100% 16. Kentucky Wildcats Kentucky is the only team in the conference that doesn't have a player committed in the cycle. Mark Stoops will go into 2025 on the hot seat after a let down season in 2024. Top Rated Player: NA Blue Chip Ratio: N/A 2026 SEC Team Recruiting Rankings Rank Team 247Sports On3 Rivals ESPN 1. LSU 1 1 1 2 2. Texas A&M 2 2 2 3 3. Tennessee 3 5 3 4 4. Auburn 5 4 4 7 5. Arkansas 4 11 6 1 6. Georgia 6 9 5 6 7. Alabama 9 3 9 9 8. South Carolina 7 8 8 8 9. Mississippi State 8 12 7 5 10. Texas 11 6 11 11 11. Oklahoma 10 10 10 10 12. Florida 12 7 12 12 13. Ole Miss 13 13 13 13 14. Vanderbilt 14 14 14 14 15. Missouri 15 15 15 15 16. Kentucky 16 16 16 16 This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: SEC Team Recruiting Rankings at the end of March
USA Today
28-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Consensus SEC Team Recruiting Rankings for 2026 Recruiting Class
Consensus SEC Team Recruiting Rankings for 2026 Recruiting Class There are just over eight months left until the 2026 early signing period in December. In the middle of spring ball with summer recruiting on the horizon teams are beginning to put together their full court press for the top targets on their recruiting board. In the Wild Wild East(?) that is SEC recruiting, a number of teams have already positioned themselves ahead of the pack in team recruiting rankings for the 2026 cycle. But the teams that typically finish in the top three, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, are just getting started. On3 likes Texas a lot more than the other three major recruiting sites. On3 has the Longhorns at No. 6 but the other three sites we looked at had Texas at No. 11. On3 also likes Alabama a lot more than the consensus, with the Crimson Tide coming in at No. 3 but No. 9 with the other three sites. There are some big disparities between sites, like Arkansas ranking No. 11 in the SEC according to On3 but No. 1, according to ESPN. Here's a look at how the SEC ranks in team recruiting rankings on an average of the rankings from 247Sports, On3, Rivals, and ESPN. The LSU Tigers lead the way in recruiting as we close out the end of March. They have nine total commitments and eight of them are four or five-star players. They lead the way in three of four recruiting services. Top Rated Player: Tristen Keys, 5-Star Wide Receiver Blue Chip Ratio: 88% Texas A&M has been on a roll on the recruiting trail, most recently landing four-star quarterback Jonathan Hatton. Hatton chose the Aggies over Oklahoma in a down to the wire recruiting battle. Top Rated Player: Jordan Carter, 4-Star Defensive End Blue Chip Ratio: 100% 3. Tennessee Volunteers Top Rated Player: Faizon Brandon, 5-Star Quarterback Blue Chip Ratio: 62.5% Josh Heupel has done a great job recruiting quarterbacks during his time at Tennessee. He has Nico Iamaleava as his starter and next spring will welcome the top quarterback in the class in Faizon Brandon. Hugh Freeze and the Tigers have one of the higher blue-chip ratios in the SEC. They'll need to find a way to succeed on the field to keep the 2026 recruiting class together. Top Rated Player: Hezekiah Harris, 4-Star Defensive End Blue Chip Ratio: 83.3% It was a bit of a resurgence in 2024 for Sam Pittman and the Arkansas Razorbacks, but he's still riding the hot seat in Fayetteville. They're off to a strong start in 2026 but like Auburn need to win to keep it all together and fend off a late cycle flip or two. Top Rated Player: Colton Yarborough, 4-Star Defensive End Blue Chip Ratio: 18% The Georgia Bulldogs only have six players committed to the class at this time, but you know they'll finish the cycle among the top in the nation. Top Rated Player: Zach Fort, 4-Star Safety Blue Chip Ratio: 66.7% Nick Saban may have retired but Kalen DeBoer is still pulling in elite talent, recently earning a commitment from five-star cornerback Jaden Edmonds. They're one of three SEC teams that currently have a 100% blue-chip ratio. Top Rated Player: Jaden Edmonds, 5-Star Cornerback Blue Chip Ratio: 100% 8. South Carolina Gamecocks South Carolina has built off of a nine-win 2024 season with a great start in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Shane Beamer's done a great job on the recruiting trail over the last few years. Top Rated Player: J'Zavien Currence, 4-Star Cornerback Blue Chip Ratio: 66.7% Jeff Lebby is getting more buy in but he'll have to win some games this year to get a bump in his blue-chip ratio moving forward. Adding a four-star defensive tackle in the class will help shore up the defense. Top Rated Player: Emanuel Tucker, 4-Star Defensive Tackle Blue Chip Ratio: 14.2% 10. Texas Longhorns Texas may be low at this point in the cycle, but you can bet they'll be among the top three teams in the conference on National Signing Day. Top Rated Player: Dia Bell, 4-Star Quarterback Blue Chip Ratio: 100% 11. Oklahoma Sooners The Sooners only have commitments on the offensive side of the ball at this point in the cycle, but the defense will take care of itself. Top Rated Player: Jaden O'Neal, 4-Star Quarterback Blue Chip Ratio: 50% 12. Florida Gators If Billy Napier can build on the finish to the 2024 season with a good year led by D.J. Lagway, it'll do wonders for his recruiting efforts in 2026. Top Rated Player: Izayia Williams, 4-Star Linebacker Blue Chip Ratio: 66.7% 13. Ole Miss Rebels Lane Kiffin has the transfer portal thing figured out, but he hasn't quite reached the same heights on the recruiting trail. It's still very early for the Rebels, but Ole Miss hasn't finished higher than ninth in the SEC in recruiting since 2021. Top Rated Player: Ja'Michael Jones, 3-Star Running Back Blue Chip Ratio: 0% 14. Vanderbilt Commodores It was a resurgent year for the Vanderbilt Commodores and have an intriguing quarterback option coming to campus next year in dual-threat Michael Mitchell, Jr. Top Rated Player: Michael Mitchell, Jr, 3-Star Quarterback Blue Chip Ratio: 0% 15. Missouri Tigers The Missouri Tigers only have one player committed in the class, but he's a four-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings but just a three-star according to 247Sports in Anthony Kennedy Jr. Eli Drinkwitz has done well on the recruiting trail, but he'll need to continue that momentum. Top Rated Player: Anthony Kennedy, Jr., 3-Star Defensive Tackle Blue Chip Ratio: 100% 16. Kentucky Wildcats Kentucky is the only team in the conference that doesn't have a player committed in the cycle. Mark Stoops will go into 2025 on the hot seat after a let down season in 2024. Top Rated Player: NA Blue Chip Ratio: N/A 2026 SEC Team Recruiting Rankings
