Latest news with #RivalsCombineSeries
NBC Sports
20-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Recruiting Rumor Mill: Programs jockeying for position with top prospects
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. An incredibly busy June is right around the corner but there is still a ton going on with high school showcases and official visits still happening. Here's the latest in this Recruiting Rumor Mill from Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney. MORE FROM ATLANTA: Ranking the QBs | Recruiting intel | Position MVPs | Top performers from Saturday's Rivals Combine Series event BEHIND THE COMMITMENT: Five pivotal moments that led Cantwell to Miami 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 A new offer from Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is interesting because he told Brown that the Buckeyes should have already offered and he wanted to make it happen. But we'll just see about timing. Texas A&M and LSU continue to battle it out for the high four-star two-way lineman from Baton Rouge (La.) University Lab. It will be up to Brown's mom if he visits as there is a feeling he could be in the final innings of his recruitment now. Stanford and Indiana could battle it out until the end for the four-star quarterback from Mission Viejo, Calif., as he loves everything – on and off the field – with the Cardinal and with general manager Andrew Luck there, but the Hoosiers are battling hard. A visit there in June will be huge as he gets to know that staff led by coach Curt Cignetti with Oklahoma State, Ohio State and Colorado also involved. Even before the news broke Friday night that Missouri defensive line coach Al Davis was stepping down, Kennedy's commitment to the Tigers was slipping and it seemed like he was going to back off his pledge. That happened late Friday and the word is that the high three-star defensive tackle from Little Rock (Ark.) Central is wide open in his recruitment. Georgia is making a serious push right to the top. A new offer from Ole Miss is definitely interesting to the 2027 defensive tackle from Poplarville, Miss., especially because of its recent defensive line play. The Rebels are near the top, but Notre Dame is the team to beat. Tennessee, Florida State and Arkansas rounding out the favorites. What Moala saw at Stanford and UCLA really impressed him, but it might be a little too early to name those his front-runners. Before Moala goes down that road, he has a big visit planned to Arizona State in June as those three programs have piqued his interest the most so far. An offer from Stanford on Thursday is a game-changer for the rocked-up three-star running back from Los Angeles Loyola and the Cardinal could have surged right to the top of his list. Northwestern is also a main player in Morris' recruitment but it wouldn't be a shock if Stanford is now considered the team to beat. SMU and Washington seem like the two front-runners for the four-star receiver from Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne but there could be a surprise in his recruitment as well. Both those programs should get official visits and he loves the receiver history with the Mustangs and the Huskies. Colorado State could be one to watch as well. Position coach James Finley has a ton of Los Angeles connections and Owens has a lot of comfort with him. UCLA was the dream school growing up and now that the Bruins have offered and an official visit is scheduled for June, they could move up very quickly for the four-star quarterback from Downey, Calif. But Arizona is definitely one to watch and might have a slight edge with Kentucky and Oklahoma State rounding out the top four. A trip to Colorado could also happen, too. USC has shot to the top of Sorensen's list with Miami, Ole Miss, UCLA and others, but a new offer is definitely interesting. Notre Dame came through with an offer in recent days and Sorensen clearly knows the NFL history for tight ends coming out of South Bend and it will be something he considers seriously moving forward. The four-star receiver from Mission Viejo, Calif., has been committed to Georgia since November and he continues to have an excellent relationship with the coaches but there is going to be some serious competition until the end. Miami is the main one to watch (and Spafford wore Miami gloves at a 7-on-7 on Saturday) along with Washington, UCLA and USC. Colorado is in this after a great visit there, too. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH GEORGIA FANS AT The four-star quarterback from Omaha (Neb.) Millard South committed to Iowa State over Missouri and many others in April but now a new offer from Alabama will be one to watch. No date for a visit has been set, but Thomalla is planning to visit Tuscaloosa. He's struck up a great relationship with position coach Nick Sheridan. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH IOWA STATE FANS AT After backing off his pledge to Missouri in recent days, Tims was at Georgia over the weekend and landed an offer from the Bulldogs which 'stunned' the three-star safety from Seffner (Fla.) Armwood. Tims has a great relationship with safeties coach Travaris Robinson and that pushes Georgia right into Tims' top five. Louisville and Vanderbilt are the other favorites. The top list has changed a few times for the four-star running back from Peculiar (Mo.) Raymore-Peculiar but Kansas State, Kansas and Nebraska are three regulars that have stayed right at the forefront. A new offer from Oklahoma is intriguing as the Sooners now join the top four as well. Miami, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Georgia are the four front-runners for the four-star defensive back from Rock Hill (S.C.) Northwestern. The other three programs are clearly in his recruitment but the Gamecocks have done well in Rock Hill before and it wouldn't be a surprise if they still lead for Watkins, especially with campus just an hour away. There is no clear leader yet for the four-star linebacker from Jackson (Miss.) Jackson Academy but Auburn has looked strong in White's recruitment. There are definitely others, though, as Florida State, Tennessee, Mississippi State and North Carolina are also high on the list. The 2027 five-star cornerback from Gardena (Calif.) Serra has been to LSU, Miami, Texas A&M, UCLA and USC recently. A ton of visits are coming up as Williams is looking at Ohio State, Georgia, another trip to Texas A&M, Tennessee, Florida State and Auburn. There could be something that really piques Williams' interest but the word is that it's still going to be very tough to beat USC in his recruitment – and Serra has been a pipeline there over the years.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals Camp Series: Ranking the five best QBs in Atlanta
RIVERDALE, Ga. -- The final regional camp stop in the 2025 Rivals Camp Series went down on Sunday outside of Atlanta and many position groups featured top talent. The game's most important spot, quarterback, was no exception. Rivals takes a look at the best in show at QB Sunday. MORE FROM ATLANTA: Recruiting intel | Position MVPs | Top performers from Saturday's Rivals Combine Series event 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 1. JAYCE JOHNSON As coaches on hand put it, the gap between the best in show and those on his heels was razor thin all day long, but Johnson rose to the challenge through every phase of the workout. He was sharp and on-point in drills, even working to his weak side and while throwing on the move. Advertisement Johnson has a clean motion and easy-to-see velocity on the football, something he got to show off more and more as the competition wore on. During the showcase session, the blue-chip talent worked great timing and ball placement into more narrow windows to cap a banner day among plenty of talented peers. Those unaware of his game or how coveted he has become were shown example after example, to all three levels, on Sunday in what was a complete performance. Johnson holds some two dozen scholarship offers, with Wisconsin, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest among the latest added to the list. 2. TEDDY JARRAD The nation's hottest quarterback recruit, fresh off of offers from Georgia and Ohio State over the 24 hours leading into camp, wrapped up a memorable weekend with another head-turning performance. There were probably more eyes on Jarrard than any other prospect at work on Sunday and from the initial full-throttle passes onlookers took in, it was clear the hype for the Peach State talent is just beginning. Advertisement The ball jumps out of the rising junior's hands in a way few could match at the position, complete with accuracy and touch as needed. Jarrard's live arm shouldn't take away from the strong frame and foundation he sports, allowing him to make plays on the move with consistency. As he fills out and matures more, there will be a lot of franchise quarterback talk with the elite 2027 passer. 3. TRAVIS BURGESS A two-sport state champion out of Loganville (Ga.) Grayson High School and one of the biggest passers on-hand, there was plenty of head-turning plays made by Burgess on Sunday. He has tightened up his throwing motion and combined with the natural power in his right arm, it makes for one of the prettiest footballs when he is 'right.' Advertisement Burgess isn't shy about putting plenty of juice on the ball in short to intermediate routes, something known for some time, but he appears to have taken the next step with his touch and anticipation. It was especially evident on his third-level attempts, where he dropped it in the bucket as well as any competitor on the field. Auburn, North Carolina and NC State lead this recruitment ahead of its final stages. 4. BRODIE MCWHORTER The Mississippi State commitment worked a consistent game all afternoon, showcasing strong mechanics and accuracy regardless of setting. McWhorter has added good weight to his frame while he maintains rock solid athleticism, remaining comfortable inside the pocket or out before delivering strikes. Advertisement The maturity and experience the rising senior brings to the table was again apparent, as he threw targets open and worked some of the better ball placement of the afternoon session. The future Bulldog was seen working on recruiting several potential MSU targets before and after the event, too. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MISSISSIPPI STATE FANS AT 5. MASON HOLTZCLAW Another uncommitted recruit heading into his senior season, Holtzclaw also had little issue putting zip on the football on the majority of his throws. He has a condensed, whip-like motion that creates a very quick release and it came with accuracy well more times than not on Sunday. Advertisement Holtzclaw has a strong base and enough mobility to work well beyond the pocket as a passer despite the wheels to make chunk plays as a runner to his name, too. East Carolina and Charlotte are among those in line to host the Peach State prospect for official visits next month.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals Combine Series: Top performers advance to Sunday's camp
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – More than 1,000 prospects rolled into South Florida to measure up against the rest of the nation in the latest Rivals Combine Series stop. As usual, speed was the name of the game in the region, but there was also a mixture of youth and size across several recruiting classes on hand. Advertisement Among the selections for Sunday's Rivals Camp were these prospects that stood out during the day. COMMITMENT PREDICTIONS FOR THE 2026 RIVALS250: Nos. 1 - 50 | Nos. 51-100 | Nos. 101-150 | Nos. 151 - 200 | Nos. 201-250 YOU DECIDE: What city produces the best high school football talent? 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 2026 EDGE Jvon Hatcher: A late bloomer just now hitting the Power Four threshold from a recruiting standpoint, Hatcher showed up carrying more than 240 pounds very well, showcasing quickness thereafter. It was verified in the shuttle run, where Hatcher was able to touch 4.39 seconds on his final attempt. Advertisement That combination of size and quickness has led to recent offers from Wake Forest and others as his profile rises. 20206 OL Dametrius Hixson: The Lauderdale Lakes (Fla.) Boyd Anderson offensive tackle jumped out because of his big frame standing at 6-foot-7, 325 pounds. Hixson holds offers from Bethune-Cookman, Bowling Green and Morgan State. He'll get to test his skills against some athletic players off the edge on Sunday. 2026 EDGE Maurice Jones: The potential EDGE prospect certainly met the eye test walking around at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. He also moved very well at his size during drills so it'll be interesting to see him work in one-on-ones. Advertisement He's talking to Mississippi State and just came from a visit last week. He'll take a visit to Starkville in June. 2026 WR Saphir Miller: Another speedy tester, the Ivy League prospect clocked a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash on an impressive 6-foot-1, near 200-pound frame. The athleticism has already warranted interest from Nebraska and Purdue in Big Ten country to this point. 2027 QB James Perrone: One of the top passers in the area in 2024, Perrone showed he was one of the quickest in the field as well. The rising-junior clocked a 4.2-second short shuttle and flashed good speed for the position with a 40-yard dash in the 4.7-second range. Advertisement Perrone holds several offers and reports consistent contact with Virginia Tech and South Florida. 2027 WR Jacob Thomas: An early commitment to Pitt who has since seen his profile rise that much more, Thomas was among the fastest prospects in attendance and he had the quickness to match it along the way. Miami, Kentucky, Purdue and others are pushing the early pledge to the Panthers at this time. 2026 RB Andreas Zayas: One of the fastest testers on the day Saturday, the Tampa native hit 4.39 in the 40-yard dash and was in the 4.4 range on the other. He has experience at both running back and slot receiver, so the Sunday setting could be a kick-starter to his recruitment this spring and beyond. Also invited: Desmond Malpress, Ronald Williams III, Jaiden Deluane, Justin Compere, Kaleb Smith, DeMarcus Van Dyke Jr., Samuel Louidort, Delvontay Hunter
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals Camp Series: Commitment predictions from the Los Angeles regional
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. - There were a ton of elite uncommitted prospects at Sunday's Rivals Camp Series stop in Southern California. We make some predictions here: MORE RIVALS CAMP SERIES LOS ANGELES: Ranking the QBs | Programs that should be pleased | Defensive rumor mill | Offensive rumor mill | Rankings questions from the camp | Position MVPs | Top performers from the Rivals Combine Series in Los Angeles | Best players to come through the Los Angeles regional INTERVIEWS FROM LOS ANGELES: Five-star QB Ryder Lyons | Four-star QB Brady Edmunds | Four-star DE Anthony Jones | Four-star OL Tommy Tofi 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 Baker is preparing to get a closer look at several contenders new and familiar, including Texas A&M, Oregon, Georgia and UCLA. The local Bruins have cemented a spot in Baker's group of lead contenders, but the Aggies have pressed a lot of the right buttons since coaches were on the road in January. Texas A&M is in daily contact with Baker ahead of his first visit to College Station this offseason. Prediction: Texas A&M USC holds a strong lead for Dyakonov entering the spring. Ole Miss and Ohio State have also come on strong with the California OL who has made several visits nearby to see the Trojans, including a visit back in January that furthered their position. Prediction: USC Georgia, Oregon, SMU, Notre Dame and Michigan are the five front-runners for the four-star linebacker from Torrance (Calif.) Bishop Montgomery but this very much feels like a two-team race between Georgia and Oregon. While the Ducks have a real shot with everybody especially from the West, Goodwin loves Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann and how the Bulldogs don't take many players at his position out of the portal. Plus, staffer David Hill is close with Goodwin, who's originally from Las Vegas. Prediction: Georgia USC, UCLA, Cal, Michigan, Texas A&M and Miami are all heavily involved with the 2027 four-star defensive tackle from Inglewood, Calif., but the Trojans could be really tough to beat here. Harmon is so familiar with that program and he lives so close to The Coliseum that Harmon said he walked home from a game last season. There will be many others pushing him because Harmon is so talented but USC is the team to beat. Prediction: USC Jones has Tennessee, UCLA, and Washington in his lead group of contenders and is coming off a visit back to Rocky Top in January. Jones will get to all three final programs this spring and again in June before locking in a decision, but there's a sense that the Volunteers have been leading the way since his most recent visit to campus. Tennessee's recent success on defense and as the NFL Draft nears has only further propelled the Vols' stock with Jones. Prediction: Tennessee There could still be some time before Lyons is ready to make his decision but USC, Oregon, BYU and Michigan are the four front-runners and the Wolverines seem to be surging in his recruitment. USC flipped four-star Jonas Williams so while still being considered the Trojans might be on the way out. Oregon could land five-star Jared Curtis so that would be something to watch. There is serious interest in BYU because both of his parents went there, religious factors and the Cougars are winning but coming in after Bryce Underwood and taking over the Wolverines' offense is getting more and more interesting. Prediction: Michigan The Ducks have made a strong impression on Mailangia since the end of his sophomore season. Oregon has identified the massive OL as an early priority and is recruiting him accordingly. Alabama and USC are also still swinging away in this one with a long road to navigate. The Ducks have positioned themselves near the top moving forward. Prediction: Oregon The Huskies have made a string of visits to Ontario (Calif.) Christian since the conclusion of Miele's sophomore season. Washington is trending to get the touted 2027 passer on campus this spring and to throw again this summer. The Huskies' recent success on offense is a major eye-catcher for the 2027 QB. Prediction: Washington The former Washington commit has backed off that pledge (although the Huskies are expected to get him back on campus this weekend) as Utah and USC have emerged as the two front-runners. After the passing of his father, the Draper (Utah) Corner Canyon four-star offensive tackle could be leaning toward staying closer to home plus he loves how the Utes have been recruiting him. There are some major draws to USC but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Tafa not leave the state. Prediction: Utah No program has been after Tavizon harder since the end of his sophomore season than Oregon. Both Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi made their way to Tavizon's high school in January -- and a visit to Eugene is already in the works for this spring. The touted edge defender from Los Angeles is high on the Ducks and the culture of Oregon football -- and the early team to beat in this one. Prediction: Oregon Oregon is coming full throttle for Tofi and beginning to pull away in this race. Tofi has family ties to Cal, and the Bears are keeping things tight here, but the Ducks have been setting the pace in his recruitment since the end of his junior season. We view Oregon as a team that'll be hard to beat when Tofi is ready to reveal his decision this summer. Prediction: Oregon Toilolo has seen his recruitment take off like a rocket ship in recent months as the 2027 four-star defensive end from Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei has landed more than a dozen offers but one stands out much more than the others. UCLA is the early front-runner for Toilolo especially since he has such a great relationship with Ikaika Malloe and after visiting for its recent elite junior day, the Bruins have made the biggest impression by far. Prediction: UCLA
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rivals Camp Series: Ranking the 10 best QBs in Los Angeles
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. - The Rivals Camp Series stop in Southern California is always loaded with top quarterbacks and that was the case again Sunday. We analyze the top 10 we saw during the event as there were more than 40 top quarterbacks working out: MORE RIVALS CAMP SERIES LOS ANGELES: Programs that should be pleased | Defensive rumor mill | Offensive rumor mill | Rankings questions from the camp | Position MVPs | Top performers from the Rivals Combine Series in Los Angeles | Best players to come through the Los Angeles regional INTERVIEWS FROM LOS ANGELES: Five-star QB Ryder Lyons | Four-star QB Brady Edmunds | Four-star DE Anthony Jones | Four-star OL Tommy Tofi 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 Lyons is at his best when he's either throwing from the pocket or escaping pressure, prolonging plays, making people miss and then being a highlight-reel who makes incredible plays look easy. That's not exactly the situation in a camp setting but Lyons was still the best quarterback in a loaded group at the Los Angeles camp as he showed off great timing and great chemistry with his receivers and he always throws it where only they can catch it. There is a high level of confidence coming from Lyons that he can do anything on the field - and then he goes out and does that. Michigan is making a push in his recruitment with USC, Oregon and BYU the others heavily involved. It's pretty incredible to believe that Wade is a 2028 prospect because he's physically developed, he has all the arm talent in the world and he was arguably the best quarterback at the event in a loaded group. Wade has been waiting in the wings at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy but now it should be his turn to run that offense and if he is this good during real games then he will be easily in the five-star discussion. Wade has all the tools to be elite and if he was in the 2026 class he'd be among the best in the group as well. Oregon and Texas have caught his attention the most early on. Edmunds found himself squarely in the conversation as the Quarterback MVP on Sunday. The Ohio State commitment from Huntington Beach, Calif., has outstanding arm talent -- to make throws downfield on a rope and also fitting passes into tight windows in the middle of the field. Edmunds was exceptionally accurate during the camp, even impressing with his ability to maintain that touch and delivery while on the move. Regardless of class, Edmunds was among the best players on the field on Sunday. The future Buckeye is well-ahead of the curve in scanning defenses and making smart decisions. He effectively registered his name in the five-star conversation for the 2027 cycle. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT The four-star Oklahoma commit has one of the strongest arms in this 2026 class, which is a deep and talented group from the top down. O'Neal, a top-10 passer in the cycle, has an explosive delivery and can put plenty of juice on his passes. We love the future Sooners' confidence and aura and the fact that he isn't shy about his gunslinging nature. O'Neal was at his best attacking vertically. He's accurate passing downfield and loves taking chances. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OKLAHOMA FANS AT There is a logjam of really talented quarterbacks at Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman but when Amina gets his opportunity, he has superstar potential. For a quarterback on the smaller side, Amina is smooth as can be, throws a really nice ball with zip and precision and carries himself with some confidence that should only help his game once he's the regular starter. Top programs like Arizona State, Nebraska, Oregon and SMU have already offered because they see the potential and it was easy to see why after his performance on Sunday. The former Purdue commit will be in the four-star discussion after numerous events this offseason as he's tall and lean but throws a really nice, catchable ball to his receivers in stride and there is a consistency to his throws. Colorado and others are involved in his recruitment and the high three-star from Downey, Calif., has a smoothness and comfort level to his game that is special. Especially during some early drills, Rios had a bunch of nice throws to prove he's one of the better quarterbacks in California. A few weeks ago at the Los Angeles Pylon event, Pooley was really impressive and had a bunch of nice throws to get on the radar even more. The West Hills (Calif.) Chaminade standout backed that up again Sunday as his number was written down over and over after impressive throws. Arizona State and Arkansas have offered so far but many more could be coming as coaches stop by Chaminade to see how talented Pooley is even as a 2027 prospect. The Covina (Calif.) Charter Oak high three-star committed to Boston College in July, he looked good at some late-summer 7-on-7 events, he then threw 33 touchdowns in his junior season and backed that up with an impressive performance at the Rivals Camp Series. If there's one quarterback in California who might not be getting the attention he deserves it's Berry because he has great size, a great arm and he's been productive on the field. He will definitely enter the four-star discussion soon. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OTHER B.C. FANS AT A massive round of visits is coming up for the 2027 quarterback from Anaheim (Calif.) Western as Thomas will see Fresno State, USC, UCLA, Cal, Stanford, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Arizona State in this month alone. He's already landing big-time offers and more could be coming because Thomas is athletic, he can throw on the run, he can sit in the pocket and deliver and there is a liveliness to his arm. He's emerged in a big way after showing up at numerous events this offseason and then coming to the Rivals Camp Series and performing well again. We didn't see many of Edwards' throws - there is just so much going on to focus on every single throw throughout a camp - but the 2028 quarterback from Tustin, Calif., had outstanding measurements that would already beat some NFL quarterbacks. With offers already from Arizona State, Oregon, Washington and Washington State, Edwards' hand measured at 10.04 inches (the average NFL QB is at 9.7), he has a much bigger wingspan at 79.5 than the NFL guys and at 6-foot-3 and 189 pounds, Edwards has all the physical tools to be elite especially since he has three years of high school ball left.
