Latest news with #FaizonBrandon
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top 2026 football recruits in the state of North Carolina
North Carolina's reputation as a basketball state is well-established, but football is continuing to grow as more and more schools put out top recruits on the gridiron. The 2025 class strong at the top led by five-star Tennessee signees David Sanders Jr. and Isaiah Campbell. But the 2026 crop looks to be even better — headlined by a trio of five-stars and featuring 20 blue-chip recruits in total, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. With football kicking off in the Tar Heel State over the next few weeks, let's take a look at the top players around the state: 1. QB Faizon Brandon – Tennessee commit High School: Grimsley (Greensboro, NC)Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 11 The Skinny: Over the course of three high school seasons, Brandon has amassed 6,300 passing yards, 79 touchdowns and just 9 interceptions, while adding 1,200 rushing yards and 12 rushing scores. The Tennessee commitment led the Whirlies to North Carolina's Class 4A state championship and is poised for a massive final year of high school football. 2. EDGE Rodney Dunham – Notre Dame commit High School: Myers Park (Charlotte, NC)Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 13 Scout's Take: 'He's a top EDGE prospect heading into the season; we continue to feel strongly about his upside. Dunham showed great flashes on the field as a junior, and we love his movement skills — the first-step quickness and ability to bend around the edge. We want to see continued growth and development from him over the course of his senior year. He definitely has a high upside and is one of the top EDGE recruits in a really strong cycle at the position.' — Charles Power, Rivals Director of Scouting and Rankings 3. TE Kendre Harrison – Oregon commit High School: Reidsville (Reidsville, NC)Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 17 A dual-sport star on the hardwood and the gridiron, Harrison is coming off a junior season where he caught 33 passes for 555 and eight touchdowns. That followed a breakout sophomore campaign where he hauled in 50 catches for 800 yards and established himself as one of the country's premier tight ends. On the basketball court, he is a walking double-double at 6-foot-6, 250 pounds and was recently named a top performer at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam. 4. OT Ekene Ogboko – Georgia commit High School: South Garner (Garner, NC)Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 54 Scout's Take: 'Ogboko is a prospect we kept coming back to the more we learned about the offensive tackle group. We felt like he stacked up higher than where we had him. The measurables check out at 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds with arms over 34 inches. He's really filled out his frame impressively over the course of the last 18 months. He carries his weight well and has impressive junior film. The power and run-blocking ability, alongside the athleticism and upside as a pass-protector stands out to us.' — Charles Power, Director of Scouting and Rankings 5. DL Aiden Harris – South Carolina commit High School: Weddington (Weddington, NC)Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 74 As a junior, Harris posted 80 tackles and 13.5 sacks on his way to multiple defensive player of the year awards in the state of North Carolina. He teams up with twin brother Andrew to create one of the most disruptive defensive lines in the Tar Heel State heading into the 2025 season. 'He's just so twitchy and athletic at his size,' his high school coach Andy Capone told 'He can do standing back flips and back handsprings. He'll go in the cheerleading practice and stunt with them. I've never seen somebody be able to do just such special things athletically.' 6. PJ Dean – Georgia commit High School: West Forsyth (Clemmons, NC)Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 81 The Skinny: Originally listed as an interior offensive lineman, Dean began to get recruited as a D-lineman by each of the top schools in his recruitment after dropping more than 40 pounds during the offseason. As a junior, Dean notched 13 total tackles, three tackles for a loss, and three sacks on defense, and was named first-team All-Region and All-State as an offensive lineman. 7. CB Samari Matthews – Texas commit High School: William Amos Hough (Huntersville, NC)Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 104 Scouting Notebook: 'After a quiet Day 1 of OT7 yesterday being hardly thrown at all afternoon, teams decided to test Samari Matthews on Sunday and they paid the price. It felt like every time you looked up Matthews was getting his hand on a pass or coming down with an interception. He was dominant in the redzone as well showing off his physicality and hip fluidity in press man coverage, forbidding any receiver the chance of coming down with a touchdown when going up against him. Matthews was shutting down an entire side of the field throughout Day 2 of OT7 and made offenses pay the price for testing him.' — Cody Bellaire, Rivals National Scout 8. EDGE Ebenezer Ewetade – Notre Dame commit High School: South Garner (Garner, NC)Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 107 Scout's Take: 'The long-limbed EDGE rushed out of South Garner (NC) has all the physical and athletic tools to develop into a premier pass rusher. The length, the bend and the hand fighting ability allows him to consistently keep his chest clean while rushing the passer and shedding incoming blockers. And his body is still developing, his frame can carry at least 25 more pounds of mass throughout his frame while still maintaining his athletic ability all while getting stronger and more explosive. He has every chance to develop and mature into a dominant edge defender at the next level due to his traits.' — Cody Bellaire, Rivals National Scout 9. OL Leo Delaney – Clemson commit High School: Providence Day School (Charlotte, NC)Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 110 The Skinny: Providence Day School continues to churn out top talent in the Tar Heel State, particularly along the offensive line. Delaney follows in the footsteps of five-star David Sanders and will now be the leader of the Chargers' offensive line group. Last season, Delaney notched a 92 run-blocking grade for the season and is one of the country's top interior maulers. 10. DL Keshawn Stancil – Clemson commit High School: Clayton (Clayton, NC)Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 124 The Skinny: As a junior, Stancil was one of the state's most dominant players, having posted 63 tackles, including 22 for a loss, with nine sacks in 12 games. He'll look to repeat that in 2025 and help Clayton make a deeper run in the state playoffs. Other notable North Carolina football recruits in the 2026 class WR Gordon Sellars – Clemson commitLB Thomas Davis Jr. – Notre Dame commitDL Trashawn Ruffin – North Carolina commitOT J.B. Shabazz – Tennessee commitCB Camdin Portis – Miami commit DL Noah Clark – South Carolina commitEDGE Andrew RogersEDGE Andrew Harris – South Carolina commitEDGE Zavion Griffin-Haynes – North Carolina commitLB Elijah Littlejohn – Penn State commit
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Four-star linebacker Brayden Rouse commits to Tennessee football over Texas, Alabama
Coveted four-star linebacker Brayden Rouse committed to Tennessee football, choosing the Vols over Texas, Alabama and Michigan.. On July 8, Rouse made his announcement alongside coaches and teammates at Kell High School in Marietta, Georgia. Advertisement Rouse, a 6-foot-3, 220-pounder, is among the top linebacker prospects in the country. He received scholarship offers from more than 40 FBS programs, including every SEC school except Arkansas. He is ranked the No. 5 linebacker, No. 9 recruit in Georgia and No. 86 prospect overall in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports Composite. Rouse is a versatile linebacker who thrives in pass rushing, run stopping and pass coverage. He has shown a comfort level as an edge rusher, linebacker and safety. Here are Tennessee football commitments in 2026 class Rouse is Tennessee's 10th commitment since June 27. Advertisement UT now has 19 commitments in the 2026 recruiting class, led by five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. Defensive lineman Dereon Albert, edge rusher Zach Groves, wide receiver Tyreek King, offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda, tight end Carson Sneed and linebacker TJ White committed to the Vols. They are rated four stars by 247Sports Composite. The class also includes cornerback Zay Anderson, offensive lineman Edward Baker, athlete Legend Bey, edge rusher CJ Edwards, edge rusher Kedric Golston, safety KJ McClain, linebacker Braylon Outlaw, defensive lineman Darryl Rivers, cornerback Javonte Smith, cornerback Jamyan Theodore and safety Luke Thompson. They are rated three stars. Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at Advertisement Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Brayden Rouse: 4-star LB commits to Tennessee football over Texas, Alabama
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
4-star tackle JB Shabazz commits to Tennessee football over Ohio State, South Carolina
Four-star offensive tackle JB Shabazz committed to Tennessee football over Ohio State and South Carolina, giving the Vols a key piece in their 2026 class. On July 11, Shabazz announced his decision surrounded by family, coaches and teammates. Advertisement Shabazz is a 6-foot-6, 315-pounder from East Forsyth High in Kernersville, North Carolina. He is ranked the No. 29 offensive tackle and No. 320 prospect overall, according to 247Sports Composite. Shabazz received scholarship offers from more than 20 FBS schools, including seven in the SEC. He took official visits to South Carolina, Penn State, North Carolina State, Tennessee and Ohio State before making his decision. Here are Tennessee football commitments in 2026 class Shabazz is Tennessee's 12th commitment since June 27. UT now has 21 commitments in the 2026 recruiting class, led by five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. Advertisement Defensive lineman Dereon Albert, edge rusher Zach Groves, wide receiver Tyreek King, offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda, tight end Carson Sneed and linebacker TJ White committed to the Vols. They are rated four stars by 247Sports Composite. The class also includes cornerback Zay Anderson, offensive lineman Edward Baker, wide receiver Legend Bey, safety Jowell Combay, edge rusher CJ Edwards, edge rusher Kedric Golston, safety KJ McClain, linebacker Braylon Outlaw, defensive lineman Darryl Rivers, athlete Javonte Smith, cornerback Jamyan Theodore and safety Luke Thompson. They are rated three stars. Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tackle JB Shabazz commits to Tennessee football over Ohio State, South Carolina
USA Today
07-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Updated look at SEC recruiting rankings after official visit season
The 2026 recruiting cycle has just over five months to go until the early signing period in December. Most classes will be finalized in the next month or two as prospects look to make their decisions prior to their senior seasons. but that doesn't mean there won't be movement. College football has faced more parity over the last few years as name, image, and likeness and the transfer portal distribute the talent across the board. Despite the changes in college football, the SEC still has some of the best recruiting schools in the country. And while the transfer portal has become a quick fix to fill holes are find significant upgrades in talent, coaches still put a heavy emphasis on high school recruiting. As things stand on July 7, here's how the SEC stacks up in team recruiting rankings, taking an average of their standing according to 247Sports, Rivals, and On3. 1. Georgia Bulldogs Total Commitments: 27 Top Rated Player: Jared Curtis, 5-Star Quarterback Kirby Smart may not want to play the name, image, and likeness game that's run rampant through college recruiting, but that hasn't slowed down the top coach in college football. He's on track for another top five class after the Bulldogs SEC title win in 2024. 2. Texas A&M Aggies Total Commitments: 24 Top Rated Player: Tristian Givens, 5-Star ATH Recruiting has rarely been the problem for the Texas A&M Aggies but Mike Elko is having a great 2026 cycle. Of the 24 players pledged to the Aggies, 20 of them are blue-chip prospects, the most in the SEC. 3. Alabama Crimson Tide Total Commitments: 19 Top Rated Player: Xavier Griffin, 5-Star EDGE Kalen DeBoer is off to a fantastic July, picking up a pair of five-star commitments after earning a pledge from their highest-rated player in the class on June 29, edge Xavier Griffin. Any recruiting concerns in the post-Nick Saban era should be put to bed as DeBoer has the most five-stars committed in the conference. 4. LSU Tigers Total Commitments: 14 Top Rated Player: Tristen Keys, 5-Star Wide Receiver Brian Kelly has a top 10 recruiting class right now, headlined by a five-star commitment on both sides of the ball. If the Tigers have the season that many think possible, they could be in line for a great fall on the recruiting trail as well. 5. Texas Longhorns Total Commitments: 17 Top Rated Player: Dia Bell, 5-Star Quarterback Texas may have missed out on five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo, but the pivot to John Turntine might work out better in the long run. 6. Tennessee Volunteers Total Commitments: 17 Top Rated Player: Faizon Brandon, 5-Star Quarterback The Nico Iamaleava drama from the spring may have been a setback for this season but it hasn't put a damper on Tennessee's recruiting efforts in the 2026 class. With five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon and five-star offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda leading the way, the Volunteers are on pace for another strong recruiting class. 7. Florida Gators Total Commitments: 15 Top Rated Player: C.J. Bronaugh, 4-Star Cornerback The end of the season run for Billy Napier and the Gators has helped Florida to be in a good spot at this point in the recruiting cycle. Florida has a chance to make even more noise this year against one of the tougher schedules in college football. 8. Arkansas Razorbacks Total Commitments: 26 Top Rated Player: Bryce Gilmore, 4-Star Offensive Tackle This may be the last hurrah for Sam Pittman as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks but he's got a huge class coming to Fayetteville in 2026 headlined by a trio of blue-chip prospects. 9 (tied). Oklahoma Sooners Total Commitments: 14 Top Rated Player: Bowe Bentley, 4-Star Quarterback The Oklahoma Sooners have several big-time prospects they're hoping to land over the next couple of months in four-star prospects Jake Kreul, Davian Groce, and Jordan Clay. Oklahoma is also in a favorable position for three-star talents like Tyler Ruxer and Braxton Lindsey. 9 (tied). Ole Miss Rebels Total Commitments: 12 Top Rated Player: Damarius Yates, 4-Star Running Back Ole Miss had a good year and was a play away from the College Football Playoff but Lane Kiffin hasn't turned that into success on the recruiting trail yet. 11. Mississippi State Bulldogs Total Commitments: 25 Top Rated Player: Jaiden Taylor, 3-Star Athlete Jeff Lebby and the Mississippi State Bulldogs are going for quantity as they look to find some diamonds in their class that can help elevate a program that's become arguably the worst in the SEC. There were some positive signs in the second half of last season. If he can build on that the Bulldogs may not be long for the basement. 12. South Carolina Gamecocks Total Commitments: 10 Top Rated Player: J'Zavien Currence, 4-Star Cornerback It may be a small class for South Carolina and head coach Shane Beamer but they have a 70% blue-chip ratio at this point. If Beamer can put together another strong class, he'll have the Gamecocks as contenders for a long time. 13. Vanderbilt Commodores Total Commitments: 16 Top Rated Player: Keeyshawn Tabuteau, Jr, 3-Star Wide Receiver Clark Lea found success on the field in 2024 and has found some success in recruiting as well. Last year, they brought it just 13 players in the 2025 recruiting class. Lea's already put together a bigger class for 2026 with five months until the early signing period. 14. Kentucky Wildcats Total Commitments: 14 Top Rated Player: Messiah Tilson, 4-star Safety Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats earned a big win, pulling Dallas Dickerson from Oklahoma and flipping Denairius Gray from Auburn. 15. Missouri Tigers Total Commitments: 10 Top Rated Player: Keenan Harris, Jr., 3-star linebacker Eli Drinkwitz has done a nice job in the transfer portal and earned some big wins on the recruiting trail, but Missouri isn't reaping the rewards of another 10-win season on the recruiting trail. 16. Auburn Tigers Total Commitments: 7 Top Rated Player: Hezekiah Harris, 4-Star Defensive End Back in March, Auburn had a top-five class in the SEC team rankings. They've gone through a rough patch, losing players to other SEC squads in the process. Hugh Freeze is in a critical year for the Tigers. 2026 SEC Team Recruiting Rankings *As of July 7, 2025 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
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nation's No. 1 QB Sends Message To Latest Tennessee Commit
Nation's No. 1 QB Sends Message To Latest Tennessee Commit originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Although there aren't any college football games for another couple of months, summer is a huge time for recruiting. Advertisement Coaches across the country are vying for significant commitments that can potentially shift the trajectory of their program or attract even more marquee recruits to follow suit. One program that is looking to climb up the rankings are the Tennessee Volunteers. As revealed via social media, the Vols landed a commitment from three-star wide receiver Zaydyn Anderson. The Greenville, Tennessee, product chose to play for Josh Heupel and the Vols over programs such as Cincinnati, Toledo and Memphis, among others. While Anderson isn't the most highly touted recruit, his commitment received the stamp of approval from Tennessee's top recruit and five-star quarterback, Faizon Brandon. The No. 1 player in the nation took to X to welcome his new classmate, and express his excitement about him joining the Tennessee brotherhood. Advertisement "Yessir welcome home‼️#GBO," wrote Brandon. Football coach Josh Heupel and Tennessee Volunteers land commitment from three-star wide receiver Zaydyn Anderson.© Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images With the addition of Anderson, the Volunteers currently have 13 commitments in their 2026 class. Per 247Sports' recruiting rankings, their class currently ranks as the No. 22 class as we head into what will be an action-packed next couple of weeks on the recruiting trail. While the class is currently ranked inside the top 25, the average caliber of recruit in the class ranks comes in as the 13th highest, meaning quality-wise, they are already among the best in the country. If Brandon continues to be active on the recruiting trail and lures more players to Knoxville, the Vols could end up with a stellar class when things are all said and done. Related: Arch Manning Says he Can Take Shots at the Bar if he Wants This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
