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Yahoo
a day ago
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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.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Houston lands massive commitment from four-star ATH Keisean Henderson
The Houston Cougars have pulled off a massive win on the recruiting trail, landing one of the top overall recruits in the class of 2026. Spring (Texas) Legacy School of Sports Sciences four-star athlete Keisean Henderson has made the decision to commit to his hometown program. Advertisement Henderson, 6-foot-3, 185-pounds, has pledged to the Cougars to play quarterback. In his sophomore season, Henderson accounted for 1,574 yards and 21 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He completed 63-percent of his passes. "Just the feeling of being at home and the connections with the people at Houston just makes it feel even more at home," Houston said of his decision. Houston, a second year Big 12 conference member, is among the programs trending up in the country. With the new staff in Houston under Willie Fritz, Henderson felt an all out pour of support in his recruitment. "They basically just said that I'm their front runner guy. I'm the guy that they're coming after the hardest. They want to build the program around me and keep me in Houston. They also want bring guys in that they know can play as well with me and just use me as a focal point to all the guys that know me personally and have offers from Houston to just bring a bigger like picture to recruiting the city." Advertisement The most previous visit for Henderson to Houston, earlier this month, was the final piece of his decision. "We went and saw the actual campus, beause I usually go and I just see the football facilities. So I brought all my family and we saw the business facilities, talked to like business administrative staff, and everybody around the business side of the school. We talked to the lead athletic director, the, the academic director, really all of the big name people on campus is who we spent our day around mostly. I metCase Keenum and Andre Ware too. It was an eye-opener to see more than just the football side of things." Henderson holds over 25 offers including LSU, Michigan, Texas, Texas A&M, SMU, Oregon, Penn State, Oklahoma, and TCU, among others. Houston is ranked as the No. 32 overall prospect in the 2026 Rivals250. He is also the No. 2 prospect in the state of Texas.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Big 12 Spotlight: Quarterback storylines to follow this spring
There are more commitments each and every week as we move further into the recruiting cycle and quarterbacks are at the center of it all. Big decisions are coming with plenty of critical storylines to track when it comes to the quarterback position. Here are the biggest quarterback storylines in the Big 12. THIS SERIES: Big Ten quarterback storylines to follow this spring | SEC | ACC MORE BIG 12: Invitees to the NFL Combine for each program 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 Keisean Henderson made a commitment to Houston last spring when people were not sure if he was a legit quarterback or would have to move to another position once he got to college because his mechanics were not refined. But the Spring (Texas) Legacy standout has not only proven in recent months (especially at the Navy All-American Bowl) that he's a phenomenal prospect – and one of the best athletes in the 2026 class – but also a dynamite quarterback who throws a beautiful ball and is a running threat as well. As more top coaches see him, the only question that remains now is whether Houston can keep the five-star in its class. Henderson has said all the right things, seems comfortable there and would be an immediate superstar in the program. But it's also tough to turn down all the elite national powers since they've come calling as well. A nice NIL package could be put together at Houston, but every school has the big bucks to pay him. His visit schedule this offseason could be telling. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH HOUSTON FANS AT A top seven is being worked on by four-star quarterback Brodie McWhorter, who had been committed to West Virginia but backed off that pledge when Neal Brown was fired after six seasons. But then West Virginia pulled off a major coaching win by hiring back Rich Rodriguez, bringing in former star quarterback Pat White as an assistant coach and all of a sudden there is excitement back in Morgantown. Over the last few months, Indiana and Mississippi State have emerged as two leading contenders for the four-star quarterback from Kingston (Ga.) Cass but with Rodriguez's offensive prowess and McWhorter still considering a big group of programs, the Mountaineers could make another run at him. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH WEST VIRGINIA FANS AT One of the top uncommitted quarterbacks in the 2026 class is Tayden Kaawa, who's not getting enough recruiting attention considering he's 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, has a really live arm and put up huge numbers in his junior season. In recent weeks, Kaawa has said that Mississippi State is showing the most interest and he's definitely interest in the Bulldogs. UCF offered in recent days and he's only miles from the BYU and Utah campuses. Why wouldn't the in-state Big 12 programs make a bigger run at Kaawa, who had more than 3,000 passing yards last season? UCF could make a move as well especially after the recent offer, but the Utes and Cougars could try to keep him home. Scott Satterfield is 8-16 in two seasons at Cincinnati, a program that went to the College Football Playoff just three years ago, so the Bearcats definitely need a spark. Landing a hometown four-star quarterback would not hurt. There is going to be significant competition from SEC and Big Ten programs but the Bearcats are definitely a major contender for the Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller standout. Landing the state's best quarterback could be the shot in the arm Satterfield needs to show decision-makers there that the program is headed in the right direction. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH CINCINNATI FANS AT Ryder Lyons is Mormon. He's taking a mission after high school. And BYU has clawed its way into his recruitment in such a serious manner that the five-star quarterback from Folsom, Calif., is taking an official visit there. But can BYU finish off the job and land the five-star stud? USC and Oregon will also get an official visit and there are a lot of moving pieces there depending on whether four-star Oregon commit Jonas Williams flips to the Trojans. Michigan is making a major run at Lyons and with his mission coming up the timing would line up perfectly with Bryce Underwood's eligibility in Ann Arbor. Ohio State and Ole Miss remain in the picture as well. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OTHER BYU FANS AT
