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Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida Spotlight: Five biggest June recruiting visits
Nick Lucero/ June has become arguably the most important month in the recruiting calendar, with prospects crisscrossing the country on official visits and lining up announcement dates. Rivals national recruiting analyst John Garcia Jr. looks at five Sunshine State prospects who are taking key visits this month. Advertisement BIG RECRUITING WEEKEND AHEAD: Top storylines | Five biggest Southeast visits in June | Biggest Midwest visits 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 CJ BRONAUGH - Nebraska, June 6 One of the nation's fastest prospects and fastest risers this spring, Bronaugh has been committed to Nebraska since the fall and has always confirmed a solidity to the Cornhuskers despite adding plenty of offers and taking previous visits to other programs. Advertisement In that time, however, Florida has emerged as arguably the top contender to NU and the Gators are fresh off of hosting the top-100 in-state star. By all indications, including from Bronaugh himself, the trip went well and Billy Napier spent considerable time with the defensive back while in town. Nebraska has long held the ball in its court, but it feels more literal right now, as Bronaugh is scheduled to return to Lincoln this weekend. Matt Rhule and company have a chance to reiterate elements that led to the two-sport star picking the program in the first place, mainly a tangible belief that preceded the more high-profile programs now on his list. Florida State, Penn State and others are working to jump to the top of the list with Bronaugh, and official visits are still to be taken, but Florida and Nebraska back to back feels like a tale of a top two at this stage of the game. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NEBRASKA FANS AT DERREK COOPER - Georgia, June 13 The five-star running back heads to Alabama this weekend and while there is considerable interest both ways, it would project as a major surprise should the South Floridian end up in Tuscaloosa for good. His next scheduled trip, however, could not bring on the same reaction by any stretch. Advertisement Cooper is expected at Georgia beginning June 13, the first time in Athens since he celebrated his birthday there in the spring. Also a one-time Bulldog commitment, however brief it was, there is plenty of love from the Cooper camp and the Bulldog program. For the last year or so since that quick commitment and reset, Georgia looked like the most likely program to bring Cooper in when it counted most. Miami has closed that gap better than most others with the local recruit, and he is fresh off of a detailed return to campus for an official visit. Since even before that point, confidence in him potentially staying home for college has increased, so it's only been reinforced with the official visit in the books. Even if that is the case, Georgia's culture, tradition and sale of development is a tough pitch to overlook, something Cooper has all but admitted at different points in the recruiting process. If UGA has a chance to swing momentum back its way, next weekend will play a critical part. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH GEORGIA FANS AT KENDALL GUERVIL - Texas, June 20 The combination of how relatively quiet the big man has been through the recruiting process and how coveted he is within a not-so-strong defensive tackle class nationally has made every recent step of this one interesting. Guervil was at Florida State last weekend and admitted the Seminoles came from the back-end of his list all the way near the top. Florida, Georgia and Texas have occupied those coveted spots to this point, so a return to Austin for the last official visit of the month of June seems like a key trip if a preseason decision continues to be under consideration. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH TEXAS FANS AT DANNY ODEM - Ohio State, June 13 When Odem picked up the Ohio State offer, a lot of movement was created nearly instantly. The Buckeyes pushed out a Florida official visit for mid-June and the intrigue to get up to Columbus plays as a legitimate wrinkle in the plans of one of the nation's fastest-rising recruits. Odem was at Clemson last weekend and the Tigers look like a major contender for the Orlando-area standout at the moment, and that trip was put together without much time. OSU will be in the thick of the race to try and close that gap along with Penn State, Nebraska and Oklahoma in the coming weeks. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT IZAYIA WILLIAMS - Ole Miss, June 6 One of the most athletic and coveted recruits in the class is set to return to the campus he is currently committed to. On the surface, it doesn't appear to be a big deal, but considering Williams has been committed to a handful of different programs to date, every trip he works in should be under higher consideration than conventional thought. We hear this will be Williams' parents first time at Ole Miss, too, which could prove critical should Lane Kiffin and company hold on to the Floridian fresh off of a strong official visit to Georgia and ahead of potential trips to Florida State, Florida and Texas in the future. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OLE MISS FANS AT
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Five programs that are punching above their weight in recruiting
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Commitment season is here and there will be massive changes to the 2026 team rankings over the next month and a half. Taking a look at the team rankings as they stand right now, there are programs near the top of the list that haven't been associated with elite recruiting classes in recent years. Advertisement Here are five programs that are currently punching above their weight in the team rankings. RECRUITING RUMOR MILL: Latest buzz on nearly three dozen prospects | June kicks off with a bang | Baltimore | Detroit NEW RIVALS250 RELEASED: Ranking | Top storylines | Ten prospects who could rise with a big June 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 ARIZONA STATE Marshall Levenson/ Advertisement RELATED: Arizona State 2026 commit list Head coach Kenny Dillingham has certainly "activated the valley" with this recruiting class, which currently sits at No. 15 in the team rankings. It's been more than 10 years since the Sun Devils have finished with a top-20 recruiting class and it's not out of the question to think Arizona State could reach that threshold this year. Just one season after its unlikely run to the College Football Playoff, Arizona State currently holds commitments from three four-star prospects, which is more than in any Arizona State class since the 2021 recruiting cycle. The Sun Devils may not be known as a recruiting power but the arrow is certainly pointing up. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ARIZONA STATE FANS AT ILLINOIS Nick Lucero/ RELATED: Illinois 2026 commit list Head coach Bret Bielema has been making waves in the media this offseason but don't let that distract you from the success the Illini have been experiencing on the recruiting trail. Illinois currently has a top-10 recruiting class, something the program has never had at the end of a recruiting cycle. In fact, Illinois' highest-ranked recruiting class was in 2007 when it finished at No. 20 in the team rankings. With five four-star prospects onboard, Illinois is set up to finish with one of the best recruiting classes in program history. If they crash the College Football Playoff this season, who knows how high the Illini could finish. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ILLINOIS FANS AT LOUISVILLE Nick Lucero/ RELATED: Louisville 2026 commit list The Cardinals were fully engaged with recruiting the transfer portal earlier than the majority of college football teams and have been aggressive there over the last few years, signing just 15 or 16 high school prospects in each of the last four years. In this cycle though, head coach Jeff Brohm and company already have 17 commitments and find themselves just outside the top 10 and the team rankings. With two Rivals250 commitments and an additional four-star commitment, the Cardinals are in position for their highest-ranked recruiting class since the 2023 cycle. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH LOUISVILLE FANS AT RUTGERS RELATED: Rutgers 2026 commit list Rutgers and head coach Greg Schiano have had highly ranked recruiting classes early in the recruiting process in previous years only to see teams surpass them by the time National Signing Day rolls around. Still, the Scarlet Knights have put together a strong recruiting class with five four-star prospects and currently sit inside the top 10 of the team rankings. Rutgers has never finished with a top-25 recruiting class, but there is still time for the Scarlet Knights to pick up momentum with key prospects and reel them in before the end of the recruiting cycle. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH RUTGERS FANS AT USC RELATED: USC 2026 commit list The Trojans are a far cry from the Pete Carroll years when they were consistently signing top-five recruiting classes, but head coach Lincoln Riley and general manager Chad Bowden have seemingly reversed that trend. USC currently sits at No. 1 in the team rankings with a total of 27 commitments, including two five-stars and three other top-100 prospects. The Trojans will need to continue to add elite prospects to this class if they hope to hold onto that top spot, but they've already positioned themselves to finish well inside the top 10. In the last seven recruiting classes, USC has finished in the top-10 just twice. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH USC FANS AT
NBC Sports
27-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Predictions: Where the top five uncommitted RBs will land
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. The big visit month of June is coming up so before all of that happens, Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney takes a look at the top five uncommitted prospects at each position. We move to running backs. MORE PREDICTIONS: Where the top five uncommitted QBs will land 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 Getting a great read on Cooper's recruitment is getting a little tougher as some major programs make a serious push. The five-star all-purpose back just returned from an excellent visit to Auburn as the Tigers are trying to push even higher in his recruitment. The Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna standout heads to Miami this weekend and then goes to Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State. Texas is working on getting a trip as well after a strong visit to Austin recently. An argument could be made in numerous ways here as former Chaminade Madonna standout Jeremiah Smith is starring with the Buckeyes, he continues to show significant interest in Georgia and Miami is going to do everything possible to keep him home. It seems like the Hurricanes have a slight edge heading through this month. Prediction: Miami It would be an absolute shocker if the four-star running back from Jackson, Ala., does not commit to Alabama on his June 26 commitment date. Texas has worked hard to stay involved with Crowell. Auburn keeps working on him and his teammate four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth. Georgia is also in the picture. But the Crimson Tide have led for a long time here and that has not seemed to change in recent weeks. Crowell reclassified from 2027 to 2026 and Alabama has always led. That should remain the same heading into his decision. Prediction: Alabama Texas remains the front-runner in Edwards' recruitment but things have gotten much more interesting for the four-star running back from Carthage, Texas, in recent weeks. Edwards replaced two seemingly throw-away visits to Baylor and SMU (he was never going to either of those programs) with Alabama and LSU. Texas A&M is still battling for the East Texas standout but his relationship with new Texas running backs coach Chad Scott is growing all the time and the Longhorns remain the team to beat – maybe by a wide margin. Prediction: Texas There is a little opaqueness in Hiter's recruitment as Michigan had been the front-runner for a long time and it looked like things were heading in that direction with Georgia very much involved with the four-star from Mineral (Va.) Louisa County. Tennessee is now surging in this recruitment and while the Volunteers might not be the clear front-runner things are definitely trending in that direction. Ohio State is getting more in the mix as well so things could keep changing. But Tennessee is starting to take a lead in his recruitment, overtaking Michigan and others. Prediction: Tennessee Auburn and Florida State are making this interesting and Clemson seems to be surging a little bit for the Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County standout, but it would still be a shocker if Lamar doesn't end up at Georgia. The Bulldogs have made him a priority for the longest time. Georgia position coach Josh Crawford used to coach at Colquitt County and the SEC power has the edge in his recruitment. Clemson could make this super interesting especially since he's visiting there this weekend. Florida State is less than 90 minutes away with former teammate Landen Thomas there. But the Bulldogs are the favorite. Prediction: Georgia
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Nebraska football set to host a four-star edge defender
Nebraska football set to host a four-star edge defender Nebraska football is set to host 2026 four-star edge defender Zavion Griffin-Haynes for an official visit on June 13. This was reported by On3's Chad Simmons earlier this week. The edge defender is the 169th overall player in the 2026 class, the eighth overall player in the state of North Carolina, and the 17th overall player at his position, according to Rivals rankings. Griffin will visit Clemson on May 30, Michigan on June 6, Nebraska on June 13, and Florida State on June 20. He had 48 total tackles last season and 12.5 tackles for loss, according to statistics from He proved his worth as a pass-rusher as well, recording 20 quarterback hurries. The 2026 Nebraska football recruiting class has four commitments. That ranks 60th overall in the country according to team rankings. Griffin would give the Nebraska football program another talented edge defender that could rush the passer. He could fit well schematically in John Butler's defense. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Recruiting Rumor Mill: Calendar packed with visits, showcases
Nick Lucero/ With visits happening, college showcases going on and so much more, another Recruiting Rumor Mill was needed this week. Here's the latest from Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney. Advertisement MORE: Best recruiting class at each position in 2026 cycle 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 LSU recognizes it's a little late to Ainsworth's recruitment but during a recent visit position coach Brad Davis and others made it blatantly clear they want to be a top contender for the four-star offensive tackle from Biloxi, Miss. Ainsworth loved his trip to Baton Rouge and while NC State, Nebraska, Florida State, Ole Miss and Liberty have been more involved, the Tigers can be a major contender down the stretch. A whole host of major programs are involved with the 2027 four-star cornerback from Cincinnati (Ohio) Anderson as Ohio State, Alabama and many others are in the mix. LSU will be a 'serious option' moving forward as well. Alston loved his time with position coach Corey Raymond and he's fully aware of all the receiver and defensive back history within the program. Oregon is 'very high' on Bowens' list following a recent visit to Eugene where he loved, basically, everything. The 2027 three-star defensive end from Sutter, Calif., loved the coaches, their youthful energy, their attention to detail, how they treat their athletes and even the weather. Oregon is the program to beat. Kansas State, Boise State and Arkansas are going to play a role in Collins' recruitment but Texas Tech is going to be right there as well, especially after the three-star offensive tackle from Amarillo (Texas) West Plains loved his visit to Lubbock over the weekend. Advertisement If the Red Raiders land Collins it will be because of his relationship with coach Joey McGuire as Collins believes he's the best head coach he's met through the recruiting process. After his visit to Colorado, Deck got all the answers to the questions he had about the Buffaloes. The main message was if he takes care of everything on and off the field, then he will be rewarded. Penn State, Michigan and Baylor are the other three standouts for the three-star safety from Frisco (Texas) Lone Star. A new offer from Texas is definitely big as the 2027 four-star cornerback from Miami (Fla.) Norland is excited since the Longhorns made the playoff last season. But Miami is still the favorite. Advertisement It could be nearly impossible to beat the Hurricanes since they're down the road and they've now been ahead for some time. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MIAMI FANS AT It's super early for the 2028 quarterback from Tustin, Calif., but Oregon is tracking as the early front-runner because there's 'nothing like the coaches' in Eugene and he loves the development and growth he sees from the players there. Washington and Penn State are two other early standouts but Oregon has an edge right now. Florida is the leader for the four-star linebacker from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy but Michigan is right there as well as the Wolverines are 'just short of neck-and-neck' with the Gators. Colorado could be moving up quickly as well since Forkpa has never laughed so much with a coaching staff during his weekend visit and he loves position coach Andre' Hart and all the NFL experience the coaches have in Boulder. UCLA is working hard to keep the 2027 three-star defensive tackle from Hesperia (Calif.) Oak Hills home and his recent visit to Westwood went really well as the event was super fun and the coaches were 'transparent about everything.' Advertisement The Bruins are right there with Oregon, Notre Dame and Utah as the early favorites. UCLA, Utah and BYU are the three standouts for the Provo (Utah) Timpview four-star safety so if he leaves the state, the Bruins look best. Galea'i loved a recent trip to Westwood as he saw the family-oriented culture there and the idea of setting himself up in football and for life after football. But it could still be tough to pull him out of Utah. After backing off his Florida pledge in April, the four-star safety from Orlando (Fla.) First Academy was in Oregon over the weekend and the Ducks are starting to really build a strong relationship there. Advertisement Jackson loved the background of the coaching staff as Oregon joins Nebraska, LSU, Florida and Miami as the new front-runners. A Mother's Day breakfast at UCLA really stood out to Ili and his family and was the 'home run' moment of his time in Westwood as the Bruins and USC continue to battle it out for the four-star linebacker from Kahuku, Hawaii. It's big that Ili is related to Nico and Madden Iamaleava and got to do the visit with his cousin Malaki Soliai-Tui as the family feel at UCLA was clear. Auburn has made a major impression on Javorsky, who landed the SEC offer without much more big attention in his recruitment, but now others are coming around as UCLA is his newest offer and it's a big one. Advertisement The San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) San Juan Hills interior offensive lineman has a great relationship with UCLA position coach Andy Kwon and Javorsky was at a loss for words now that the Bruins are involved. The four-star running back from Boca Raton (Fla.) West Boca Raton has been committed to Miami since March and the Hurricanes have always been the front-runner. But Alabama won't stop coming after him and sent two reps to meet with Mallory earlier this week. The message was that Mallory remains a 'high priority' for the Crimson Tide, his character aligns with the program and he's physically ready to play early. Advertisement It's 'more than likely' a visit to Tuscaloosa happens for the Miami commit. UCLA is definitely a front-runner for the three-star defensive end from Orem, Utah, especially after his recent visit and his opportunity to spend time with assistant coaches Jethro Franklin and Ikaika Malloe. Their ability to develop players for the NFL was a big standout for Moala and could help the Bruins down the road. Spafford did not get to meet Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who was dealing with an emergency, but he had an 'amazing' visit to Colorado over the weekend. The four-star Georgia receiver commit from Mission Viejo, Calif., loves how that coaching staff develops players and lets freshmen play. Advertisement Miami is still the biggest threat to flip Spafford, but Washington and Colorado are right there, too. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH GEORGIA FANS AT The high three-star defensive tackle from Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek loved the hospitality at UCLA over the weekend and the message that 'everyone on the defense eats' for the Bruins. The position is taught differently at his high school than at UCLA but Umu-Cais doesn't mind since in Westwood it's more of an NFL feel on the defensive line. He's keeping all options open and not hinting at front-runners, but the Bruins are very clearly a contender. Ohio State, LSU and Michigan have been the three front-runners in Webb's recruitment and more could be added for the four-star safety from Frisco (Texas) Panther Creek. Webb didn't have a chance to talk with coach Deion Sanders during his Colorado visit because of an emergency, but the four-star did sit down a lot with defensive coordinator Robert Livingston. Webb feels Colorado is 'like the training ground for the NFL both mentally and physically.'
