Latest news with #Rivals250
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Three Predictions: Brayden Parks, Ohio State, Alabama
Rivals national recruiting analyst Greg Smith has predictions on a Rivals250 defensive tackle earning his fifth star, Ohio State landing a top offensive target and Alabama zeroing in on a Midwest quarterback. MORE MIDWEST: Rumor Mill | Wisconsin making a push with four-star EDGE McHale Blade 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 BRAYDEN PARKS BECOMES A FIVE-STAR Even though Parks is already a top-150 prospect in the 2027 Rivals250 he is still on the rise. He just wrapped up a visit to Oregon where he camped and has the Ducks coaches impressed with him. He'll visit Notre Dame and Ohio State next. Advertisement His teammate, wide receiver Quentin Burrell, is also generating five-star buzz. It's tough for an interior defensive lineman to reach that status but if someone can do it, it'll be the 6-foot-3, 305-pounder out of Chicago. His blend of size, speed and power makes him a major force along the line. His recruitment is just heating up and will be hotly contested. FAVOUR AKIH JOINS THE BUCKEYES' CLASS AFTER HIS VISIT The long-awaited official visit to Ohio State is happening this weekend for the four-star running back from Ohio. Akih's recruitment has gotten quieter after a huge winter but he's one of the best backs in the country this cycle. Once Ohio State turned up the heat it became very difficult for Miami and others to continue pushing for his pledge. Advertisement After his visit back to Columbus this weekend, I'm predicting that he'll officially join the Buckeyes' 2026 class, which is in the hunt for the No. 1 ranking once again. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT ALABAMA SIGNS A QUARTERBACK FROM THE MIDWEST One of the more underrated storylines of this recruiting cycle has been Alabama quarterback recruiting. Previously under coach Nick Saban there was never a question if they'd get a top prospect. Coach Kalen DeBoer kept that rolling by landing last cycle's No. 1 player, Keelon Russell. It's incredibly hard to follow that up with another top prospect so the Tide staff has taken its time with a deep evaluation. Advertisement Now it looks like Alabama is strongly in the mix for a pair of signal-callers from the Midwest. Ohio's Matt Ponatoski and Nebraska's Jett Thomalla are both atop the board for Alabama's staff. Thomalla took an unofficial visit the weekend of May 30 and Ponatoski will take an official visit the weekend of June 6. I believe the Tide will either flip Thomalla from Iowa State or nab the dual-sport athlete Ponatoski, who also stars on the baseball diamond. Both players have enormous potential with some coaching by a noted QB guru in DeBoer. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ALABAMA FANS AT
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NEW RELEASE: Biggest developments in updated Rivals250
The latest Rivals250 for the 2026 class has been released and there were some big changes near the top of the rankings. Rivals national rankings director Adam Friedman looks at the biggest developments that came out of the most recent rankings meeting. Advertisement NEW 2026 RIVALS250: Ranking | 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 THREE NEW FIVE-STARS With this update to the Rivals250, the total number of five-stars now sits at 25 after Lamar Brown, Mark Bowman and Zion Elee join the ranks. If you've been following the rankings debates over the last few months, these moves should not come as a surprise. Advertisement Brown, now No. 13 overall, is a special prospect in the trenches who could play on either side of the line of scrimmage, which is why he has moved from the interior offensive lineman position ranking to the athlete position ranking. His quickness, strength, technique and physical traits give him one of the highest ceilings of any prospect in this class. We've known for a while that the 2026 tight end class is a special group but now there is a new No. 1 at the position. Bowman, who was No. 30 overall in the previous Rivals250, now finds himself among the five-stars at No. 17. Even though he doesn't exactly fill up the stat sheet during the season, Bowman is a well-rounded tight end with high-end blocking abilities and has proven to be an elite receiving tight end throughout the offseason. Elee, a longtime Maryland commit, is one of the most physically gifted prospects in this class, which is the main reason he now has five stars next to his name. Nearly 6-foot-5, 225 pounds with arms that are 35 inches long, the edge defender posted a sub-4.4 second 40-yard dash and a broad jump over 11 feet on Thursday at the St. Frances Academy pro day. It is very rare to find a player with those physical dimensions and that type of speed and explosiveness. On top of those eye-popping numbers, Elee has also shown progress developing his hand techniques and has improved his playing strength since the end of last season, which helped propel him up to a five-star and No. 1 in the edge defender position ranking. CHANGE AT THE TOP OF THE TIGHT END RANKING A month ago, we indicated that the tight end ranking would be under the microscope and that changes were likely. Today, those changes were made public with Bowman moving up to No. 1 followed by Kaiden Prothro (No. 36 in the Rivals250) and Kendre' Harrison (No. 38 in the Rivals250). Each of these players are outstanding prospects with the potential to be selected early in the NFL Draft if they continue to develop. Advertisement The shuffling within the top three at the position has more to do with NFL Draft and NFL performance trends than anything else. Harrison is a special blend of size and athleticism and boasts a strong basketball background. Bowman and Prothro both check more boxes when it comes to key movement indicators than Harrison at this point and now they're both ranked ahead of him. NEW NO. 1 SAFETY Five-star Jireh Edwards has jumped ahead of fellow five-star Blaine Bradford to claim the No. 1 safety crown. The standout from Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances plays like a heat-seeking missile in the secondary. Edwards has developed a reputation for jarring the ball loose when he makes tackles and can consistently get his hands on the ball. Advertisement He has the speed (posted multiple 4.4-second 40-yard dashes on Thursday) and size (nearly 6-foot-2 with 33-inch arms) that favorably projects to the NFL Draft and in-season production that verifies his high-end abilities. OSENDA ASCENDING Oftentimes there are highly regarded prospects who don't take full advantage of the offseason to work on their craft and physically improve. That description is the opposite of how Gabriel Osenda has attacked these last few months. Osenda participated in the Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio earlier this year and his performance left a lot to be desired. The 6-foot-8 offensive tackle was carrying a lot of unneeded weight and it significantly impacted his effectiveness on the field. Advertisement Fast forward a couple months and the Tennessee commit now looks like one of the best prospects in this class. Osenda arrived at the Rivals Camp Series in Atlanta in May at 330 pounds, much leaner than four months ago. He was able to bend better, moved his feet quicker and had the technical skills to consistently keep defensive linemen out of the backfield. If Osenda keeps improving at this rate, he could keep rising up the Rivals250.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Five prospects poised to climb in the next rankings update
May was full of top camps and some of the best prospects in the nation were out and about, showing off their skills. Plenty of players who may not be highly ranked showed they deserve more recognition. Check out five prospects who are going to see their stock rise when the rankings are updated again. Advertisement MORE: Multiple five-stars, blue-chippers hitting Miami for official visit weekend 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 The 2027 class of quarterbacks in Georgia looks pretty special and Jarrad is one of the best. Arm strength, accuracy, timing and touch – Jarrad showed all of the tools in his toolbox at the Rivals Camp Series event earlier this month in Atlanta. Advertisement With a big frame and a strong skill set, Jarrad is expected to see a big jump in the 2027 rankings. Johnson is already a top-30 prospect in the 2027 Rivals250 but his MVP performance at the Rivals Camp Series in Atlanta was awfully impressive. The potential the Georgia native displayed should push him even higher in the rankings. The 6-foot-4 Johnson can throw with touch, timing, power and consistently hit his receivers in stride. Expect him to challenge for a fifth star in the next rankings update. Putting the cornerback vs. safety debate aside, a three-star rating for Odem is clearly too low. The strong, athletic and explosive defensive back has the football instincts and anticipatory skills to be an outstanding playmaker at the next level. Advertisement Odem has the long arms NFL evaluators want along with the tools and techniques to be effective in coverage. He is a well-rounded defender as well, showing the physicality to be an asset in run defense. At the All-American Bowl earlier this year, Osenda left a lot to be desired but it seems like things have started to click for the Tennessee commit. At the Rivals Camp Series event in Atlanta this month, the towering offensive tackle weighed in at 330 pounds, much lighter than he was earlier this year, and he was much more effective on the field. Osenda's technical abilities, quickness and raw strength helped him earn the MVP award at the camp and now his stock is rising. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH TENNESSEE FANS AT Scruggs has been one of the most active offseason participants in the last month. He was one of the best players at the Rivals Camp Series in Dallas and then won the MVP award at the New Jersey Under Armour camp this past weekend. Likely an interior offensive lineman at the next level, Scruggs has a frame that can carry plenty of additional muscle mass but he is already very strong at this stage of his development. He plays with an aggressive streak and uses solid hand placement to keep defensive linemen in front of him. Scruggs has the foot speed and technique to keep rising up the rankings as he continues to challenge himself this offseason.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shocker! Rivals250 No. 1 Jackson Cantwell commits to Miami over Georgia
We've got a major shocker in the 2026 recruiting class. Jackson Cantwell has committed to Miami. The five-star and No. 1 prospect in the 2026 Rivals250 did not take an official visit to the Hurricanes. Yet after a multi-day unofficial visit to Coral Gables, he came away impressed with the set up the team has in place. Advertisement MORE: Colorado trending up with five-stars, blue-chippers after official visits 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 'Getting to learn from them at walkthroughs and learn more about what being a student athlete there is like stood out to me a lot,' Cantwell said. 'Their emphasis on academics and the size of the school makes it really cool to study there. Their path to me succeeding in my desired major also seems very clear.' Advertisement Miami pulled off what many consider a monster upset here over Georgia and Oregon and NIL certainly played a factor here. The buzz has been that Miami has a $2 million deal on the table for Cantwell and his agent is Drew Rosenhaus who is closely linked with the Hurricanes. But that's not all Miami had going for it here. The alignment of an offensive line minded head coach plus Alex Mirabal has been a good combination for the program throughout the process. It's been a whirlwind recruitment for the potential cornerstone offensive tackle. That's expected for the No. 1 player in the country. Missouri, Michigan, Oregon and Georgia all had claim to leading in this recruitment at one point. There is a reason that so many elite programs recruited (and still will) Cantwell. His coach at Nixa, John Perry, couldn't give the player more praise. 'The team he picks is getting a six-star player in a five-star world that brings a tremendous work effort and that will influence others to be their absolute best," Perry said. "A game-changer." Standing at 6-foot-8 and 300-plus pounds Cantwell definitely has the look of a true game changer for Miami. He's a true left tackle prospect that plays with power and finesse. The son of two Olympians, he's an offensive line coach's dream. Now the hope is that the U will mold him into their next high-level NFL Draft pick one day. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MIAMI FANS AT
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals250 Update: Position-by-position breakdown of 2027 ranking
Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney breaks down his thoughts position-by position as we release the new Rivals250 for the 2027 class. NEW 2027 RIVALS250: Ranking | Biggest decisions 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 is only one five-star quarterback so far in Baton Rouge (La.) Dunham's Elijah Haven, who is heavily leaning toward LSU with others involved, but over time we will move others to five-star status because the position is so valuable in the first round of the NFL Draft. Advertisement After Haven, though, there could still be a lot of movement. Considering college and draft trends where teams are looking for more mobile quarterbacks who can also throw there might be a ton of changes as well. Ohio State commit Brady Edmunds and Nebraska pledge Trae Taylor lead the way among four-stars and Taylor is the more mobile of the two but Edmunds has a ton of pocket talent. Colton Nussmeier, Garrett's brother, is a talented lefty. Gunner Rivers, Philip's son, is a really intriguing prospect for obvious reasons. Jayce Johnson, Kavian Bryant and Peyton Houston are three of the most interesting quarterbacks in the class because of what they can do with the ball in their hands. RUNNING BACK There is an abundance of talented running backs at the top but not one that has absolutely separated themselves from the pack. That means there could still be a good deal of movement as we see more of them to close out the offseason and into their junior years. Advertisement Brandon, Miss., standout Tyson Robinson leads the way but Chandler (Ariz.) Basha's Noah Roberts is incredibly smooth with the ball in his hands. The most interesting one to see in the coming months is Penn State commit Kemon Spell, who recently got offered by Ohio State, and could quickly shoot up the ranks. Dallas Rivals Camp position MVP Lathan Whisenton is a new four-star and moving up fast. The more coaches see of Gainesville, Ga., standout Nigel Newkirk the more offers he receives. WIDE RECEIVER There is a Midwest flavor to the top of the receiver rankings as Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne's Jamier Brown is a new five-star. Brown has all the athleticism, speed, separation and playmaking ability of any receiver in the class. Advertisement But Harper Woods, Mich., standout Dakota Guerrant is not far behind and is now the No. 2 receiver in the class with definite five-star potential. New Orleans (La.) Brother Martin's Easton Royal moves to the third spot, another shorter receiver who produces, gets open and has game-breaking ability. Julian Caldwell and Quentin Burrell are two that have moved up quickly after big offseasons and Las Vegas (Nev.) Arbor View's Damani Warren is someone who could still shoot up the rankings once he's on the field more regularly. Dontay Tyson, Osani Gayles and Quentin Hale are three others on the watch list to move up for various reasons. Other than a freakshow like Tetairoa McMillan, the draft has favored smaller - and quicker, more sudden - receivers higher in the draft. Our rankings will consider that as we look at the best receivers in the class. TIGHT END We have been spoiled by some high-level tight end classes in recent years and while the 2027 class is excellent as well, it doesn't have the depth of others - yet. Advertisement Ruston, La., recruit Ahmad Hudson and Libertyville, Ill., standout Brock Williams lead the way but Milton, Ga., prospect Grant Haviland is moving up quickly and while he's third at the position it might not be high enough. Like the 2026 recruiting class, there is an incredibly strong Midwest presence for tight ends who could move even higher as Cleveland (Ohio) Villa Angela St. Joseph's D'Angelo White, Detroit (Mich.) Country Day's Anthony Cartwright, Norwalk, Iowa's Luke Brewer, Dexter, Mich., recruit Holden Niemi and Pierre (S.D.) Riggs' Cooper Terwilliger could all make moves higher OFFENSIVE LINE There is a new No. 1 offensive tackle in Kingwood, Texas, standout Kennedy Brown followed by Qua Ford, Mark Matthews, Kaeden Scott and Jake Hildebrand, a solid top five but no five-stars yet. When it comes to draft trends and offensive tackles, it almost doesn't matter about height as much as wingspan and that will be a massive consideration moving forward as we look at the position. It's not the most loaded class ever but there are always some first-round offensive tackles so we'll have to look deep. Advertisement We're still trying to figure out the interior offensive line as well. Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei's Lex Mailangi is the new No. 1 inside as he almost never loses a rep. Gilmer, Texas standout Ismael Camara has moved up to the second spot after a great showing at the Rivals Camp Series in Dallas but there could still be a ton of movement here. DEFENSIVE LINE No. 1 overall LaDamion Guyton is the lone five-star defensive lineman but that is almost guaranteed to change because there are so many talented edge rushers and interior guys with tons of potential in the class. New Orleans (La.) Jesuit's Zyron Forstall has some of the best film in the 2027 class regardless of position. Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson's KJ Green along with Chris Whitehead, Justin Weeks, Alabama commit Jabarrius Garror and others. It's a loaded edge group. Advertisement At defensive end, Roswell (Ga.) Blessed Trintiy's David Jacobs leads the way and we still like Recarder Kitchen from Muskegon, Mich., a whole lot but we just wish he would show up to a regional or national event so he can gauge himself against better competition. There is a lot to like at defensive tackle as the list is led by Jalen Brewster and Elijah Brown. After seeing Kasi Currie at a few events recently, the Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon standout has the potential to be a future star. LINEBACKER Cooper Witten, Jason's son, is the new No. 1 linebacker in the country and there is a lot of talent at the top end here but the difficulty is that this position has been significantly downgraded in the NFL Draft. That means it will become even more difficult to achieve five-star status and to earn that level of ranking, the player almost definitely has to come down and blitz a lot as well. Advertisement Texas commit Taven Epps and Chicago (Ill.) Mt. Carmel's Roman Igwebuike are two that moved up. DEFENSIVE BACK The cornerback spot is so loaded it might be the best group in the 2027 class. Gardena (Calif.) Serra's Duvay Williams is the lone five-star so far but that will almost definitely change with John Meredith, Joshua Dobson, Kenton Dopson, Aaryn Washington and others leading the way. Ace Alston is a mid-level four-star who could surge much higher as well. Safety is an interesting group but still unsettled. Jayquan Snell leads the way and he's a special-looking kid followed by Corey Hadley Jr., Kamarui Dorsey and Jerry Outhouse, Jr., who could move even higher after a great offseason. ATHLETE As the 2027 class settles out, more of these players will be moved to a specific position but many of these players are legitimate two-way threats as well. Long Beach (Calif.) Poly's Juju Johnson has tons of speed and Sequel Patterson has had a great offseason. DeSoto, Texas standout Myson Johnson-Cook still leads the way.
