Category: College Football Recruiting

Elite five-star defensive lineman flips from Georgia to USC

A five-star defensive lineman has flipped from Georgia to USC.

When looking back at the past weekend across the college football recruiting world, you will not find a more notable takeaway or piece of news than what happened with Georgia commit Justus Terry.

Terry, who is one of the nation’s premier prospects regardless of position in the 2025 cycle, officially flipped his commitment from Georgia to USC this past Sunday. An in-state prospect for the Bulldogs out of Manchester High School, Terry had previously been committed to Georgia since January of 2023.

The now USC commit ranks as the No. 8 overall prospect in the 2025 cycle according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, as well as the No. 2 player in the state of Georgia. Terry, a five-star prospect, is also the No. 2 defensive lineman nationally in the class.

Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class now holds five total commitments, with five-star Elyiss Williams now taking over the label of the Bulldogs top commit, which was previously held by Terry.

Alabama lands commitment from 2025 four-star linebacker

Alabama lands a four-star 2025 linebacker from California

Only a day after landing a commitment from Darrell Johnson, Alabama and new head coach Kalen DeBoer continue to be red-hot on the recruiting trail, as the Crimson Tide added yet another name to their 2025 class Thursday in Abduall Sanders Jr.

Sanders, similar to Johnson, is rated a four-star linebacker in the 2025 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, as well as the No. 36 overall player at the position nationally. The four-star is also the No. 31 player in the state of California, where he attends national high school powerhouse Mater Dei.

Looking at Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class now, Sanders is the seventh commitment of the cycle for the Crimson Tide, as well as the third coming from out-of-state alongside the aforementioned Johnson and four-star athlete Zymear Smith.

Sanders now joins the likes of former five-star prospects Bryce Young and Zabien Brown to commit to Alabama from Mater Dei in recent years.

Alabama lands commitment from 2025 four-star linebacker

Alabama lands a four-star 2025 linebacker from California

Only a day after landing a commitment from Darrell Johnson, Alabama and new head coach Kalen DeBoer continue to be red-hot on the recruiting trail, as the Crimson Tide added yet another name to their 2025 class Thursday in Abduall Sanders Jr.

Sanders, similar to Johnson, is rated a four-star linebacker in the 2025 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, as well as the No. 36 overall player at the position nationally. The four-star is also the No. 31 player in the state of California, where he attends national high school powerhouse Mater Dei.

Looking at Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class now, Sanders is the seventh commitment of the cycle for the Crimson Tide, as well as the third coming from out-of-state alongside the aforementioned Johnson and four-star athlete Zymear Smith.

Sanders now joins the likes of former five-star prospects Bryce Young and Zabien Brown to commit to Alabama from Mater Dei in recent years.

Alabama lands highly-touted 2025 linebacker Darrell Johnson

Alabama lands the talented 2025 linebacker out of Georgia

Alabama has picked up one of the biggest recruiting wins of the DeBoer era so far on Wednesday afternoon, as the Crimson Tide secured a commitment from highly-touted linebacker Darrell Johnson.

Johnson announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide over programs that included Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UCF, and more.

According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Johnson is a highly-rated four-star linebacker in the 2025 class out of Dodge County High School in Georgia where he is among the state’s top players. Johnson is also rated as the nation’s No. 28 overall player, as well as the No. 3 linebacker in the class.

The four-star linebacker is now the sixth commitment of Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class, as well as the highest-rated of the group. Johnson is also the second of the group to come from out-of-state, joining athlete Zymear Smith out of Maryland.

Alabama’s newest commitment also joins a line of top prospects from the state of Georgia to commit to the Crimson Tide across recent years, joining others such as Caleb Downs, Justice Haynes, Elijah Pritchett, Will Anderson Jr., and Brian Branch, among others.

Get more Alabama coverage on Roll Tide Wire

Auburn lands four-star 2025 offensive tackle Tavaris Dice

Tigers add four-star offensive tackle to 2025 class

Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers continued the early momentum that is currently surrounding their 2025 recruiting class Thursday, as the program secured what is now their eighth commitment of the cycle in Tavaris Dice.

Dice is now the fourth commitment in Auburn’s 2025 class to come from the state of Georgia, where he attends one of the state’s top programs, Langston Hughes.

The now Auburn commit is also rated as a four-star offensive tackle, as well as the No. 26 overall player at the position for the 2025 cycle according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Dice is also considered as the No. 34 overall player in the state of Georgia.

As mentioned previously, Dice is now the eighth commitment of the 2025 cycle for Auburn, and joins fellow four-star Devin Williams, as well as three-star’s Ryan Ghea and Hollis Davidson from the state of Georgia.

Also included in Auburn’s 2025 class are in-state products Jakaleb Faulk, Jourdin Crawford, Malik Autry, and Spencer Dowland.

Can LSU contend for the SEC’s top 2025 recruiting class?

Could the SEC’s top 2025 recruiting class end up residing in Baton Rouge?

If there was ever a framework to land the SEC’s top recruiting class, then you could make an argument that the LSU Tigers certainly have it at the moment.

LSU and head coach Brian Kelly currently hold not only the SEC’s top 2025 recruiting class at the moment, but also one that ranks No. 3 nationally with only nine commits according to 247Sports Team Rankings. The Tigers also have a class average rating of 94.70, which also ranks among the best in the nation and SEC.

Of those nine commits, three are currently rated as five-star prospects, with each also considered as the No. 1 overall player at their position nationally for the 2025 cycle.

The headline prospect in that trio is undoubtedly Bryce Underwood out of Belleview High School in Michigan, who is not only the top quarterback in the 2025 class, but also the No. 1 player in the entire country.

In addition to Underwood, LSU also has the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver in the 2025 class in Dakorien Moore out of Duncanville High School in Texas, who is also the No. 3 prospect nationally. Harlem Berry, who is an in-state prospect out of St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Louisiana, is also a Tigers commit, and is the No. 1 running back in the country.

Alongside those three five-star prospects, LSU also has five more four-star’s included in the class, as well as one three-star.

So, can the Tigers keep up this recruiting momentum to potentially contend for the SEC’s top recruiting class in 2025? Time will ultimately tell, but there is no denying that LSU is certainly hot on the recruiting trail as we enter the spring.

4-star defensive lineman flips back to Alabama from rival Auburn

Antonio Coleman flips commitment from Auburn to Alabama

While the attention surrounding Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this past weekend fell on the Crimson Tide’s basketball team, the football program also made headlines, as Alabama picked up a big commitment from Antonio Coleman.

Coleman, who was originally an Alabama commit, flipped to Auburn back in Dec. of 2023 but opted to flip back to the Crimson Tide on Saturday.

An in-state prospect for the Crimson Tide, Coleman is rated as a four-star defensive lineman out of Saraland High School in Alabama, which is the same school that incoming five-star wide receiver Ryan Williams attended. Coleman is also considered the No. 15 defensive lineman in the 2025 class, as well as the No. 11 player in the state of Alabama according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

The four-star is now the third commitment of Alabama’s 2025 class, each of which comes from in-state. Coleman joins fellow four-stars Anthony Rogers, a running back out of Carver-Montgomery (AL), and Myles Johnson, an athlete out of T.R. Miller (AL).

The ACC boasts two of the top five recruiters in the nation

Two ACC coaches make the top 5 in 247Sports 2024 rankings, setting new standards for talent acquisition in college football.

In the fast-paced ACC football conference, two recruiters have emerged as the vanguards of talent acquisition, dominating the 247Sports 2024 recruiter rankings. Fran Brown, the orchestrator of Georgia’s No. 1 2024 class before taking the helm at Syracuse, and Jason Taylor. He is Miami’s defensive line coach with a Hall of Fame aura, standing out not only in the ACC but nationally for their unparalleled recruiting prowess.

Fran Brown’s journey to the top of the recruiting world is highlighted by his authentic connections with recruits and their families. His ability to forge deep, meaningful relationships was instrumental in securing commitments from top talents, including Ellis Robinson IV, Justin Williams, and KJ Bolden for Georgia’s class, which ranked No. 1. Brown’s commitment to family and his genuine approach has set a new standard, evidenced by his swift impact at Syracuse, where he assembled the best recruiting class in the modern era for the Orange in just a few months.

Jason Taylor, on the other hand, leverages his NFL legacy and coaching acumen to make an instant impact at Miami. His significant role in recruiting the best defensive line class Miami has seen emphasizes his effectiveness on the recruiting trail. Taylor’s ability to attract top talent, including flipping five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott from Ohio State, and defensive end Armando Blount from rival Florida State, speaks volumes of his influence and the trust recruits place in him.

These two recruiters, along with other notable names like Holmon Wiggins (now at Texas A&M), Frank Wilson, and Marcus Davis, who also grace the list, have shaped the future of their respective programs with relentless recruitment efforts.

Brown and Taylor understand that the foundation of a strong recruit-coach relationship is trust, built on honest communication and genuine interactions. Their success proves how important the power of authenticity is in an environment often clouded by uncertainty.

It’s their genuine nature that breaks through defenses, proving that, in the ever-evoling game of recruitment, integrity, and trust are not just game plans but the endgame itself.  In a field full of NIL deals and broken promises, it’s not just about making the pass—it’s about ensuring it’s caught with integrity.

Miami leads the 2024 ACC’s final recruiting rankings

In a year that saw the ACC’s competitive landscape redefine itself, the 2024 recruiting class rankings are revealed.

The ACC’s 2024 recruiting class rankings have crystallized following National Signing Day, showcasing a league brimming with talent and ambition. Miami commands the spotlight with a top-tier class, while Clemson and Florida State keep the pressure on with their impressive hauls. Florida State has revitalized its program in recent years, leveraging the transfer portal to great effect. It was a perfect 13-0 season that propelled the Seminoles to secure their most impressive recruiting class under the guidance of Mike Norvell.

From SMU and Cal’s foundational efforts aimed at future competitiveness to the intrigue of coaching changes at Boston College and Duke. This year’s recruitment efforts set the stage for a fiercely competitive landscape season in a conference ripe for the taking. Below are the final recruiting rankings for the ACC per 247 Sports.

The Hurricanes led by Mario Cristobal, nabbed the top spot with 27 commits, including three five-stars. Their class, highlighted by a strong defensive line, aims to elevate Miami back to national prominence. Headlined by defensive stars Justin Scott, Armondo Blount, and Marquise Lightfoot, this class boasts seven top-100 talents, with an impressive average rating of 91.01.

Dabo Swinney’s Tigers focused on revamping their offense, adding two top-50 wide receivers. Their class of 22 commits includes two five-stars, with the addition of five-star TJ Moore and four-star Bryant Wesco, alongside standout linebacker Sammy Brown, Clemson’s recruits are poised for early impact.

Get more Clemson coverage on Clemson Wire

Despite losing KJ Bolden to Georgia and five-star edge Armondo Blount to Miami during the early signing period, the Seminoles secured a robust class with 16 four-stars, showcasing their continued appeal to top talent.

Get more Florida State coverage on FSU Wire

The Tar Heels’ 27-man class lacked a blue-chip quarterback but added depth across other positions, maintaining their explosive offensive reputation.

Get more North Carolina coverage on Tar Heels Wire

Focusing on future stability, NC State’s class is highlighted by four-star quarterback Cedrick Bailey, signaling potential growth under Dave Doeren.

The Cardinal’s class is marked by resilience and talent, in highly touted QB Elijah Brown who led the Monarchs to their second state championship in three years and finished off a remarkable four-year run as a starter. Also in four-star defensive lineman Benedict Umeh, who battled through Hodgkin lymphoma.

With a focus on tapping into Georgia’s rich talent pool, the Yellow Jackets’ class includes key four-star prospects, aiming to elevate the program’s profile. Wide receiver Isiah Canion from Warner Robins High and tight end Luke Harpring from Marist School in Atlanta, whose father is basketball player Matt Harpring, are notable additions.

Fran Brown’s impact on recruiting at Syracuse is immediately evident, as the team secured four four-star recruits under his tenure—surpassing the total from the last four years combined, with three committing after Brown took the helm as head coach

Feeling the effects of a tough 3-9 season, Pittsburgh’s recruiting is highlighted by four-star offensive lineman Caleb Holmes.

The Hokies led by coach Brent Pry significantly bolstered their in-state presence by securing Virginia’s premier talent, including the state’s leading receivers, Virginia Beach’s Keylen Adams and King George’s Chanz Wiggins.

Without a top-500 player, Wake Forest aims to find hidden gems, like quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski, to return to their competitive ways.

With a strategy shift toward Texas recruits signing nine this cycle, Cal’s class, including a standout four-star receiver Trevor Rogers from Northern California, might signal a new direction for the program.

Leaning heavily on the transfer portal, Louisville’s approach under Jeff Brohm focuses on immediate-impact players, possibly at the expense of high school recruiting depth. Louisville alum Jeff Brohm added only one Kentucky native to his roster: three-star wide receiver Shaun Boykins Jr.

After coaching changes and player defections including four-star quarterback Tyler Cherry heading to Indiana and four-star offensive tackle Robert Bourdon joining Elko at Texas A&M. Diaz, known for his recruiting prowess at Miami, faces the challenge of gaining momentum at Duke.

Get more Duke coverage on Duke Wire

Struggling in high school ranks and securing only two players ranked in the top 1,000. Virginia’s class looks to the transfer portal for immediate impact, hoping to improve under Tony Elliott.

Following coaching changes, Boston College’s class faces uncertainty, with the program aiming to stabilize and build for the future with new head coach Bill O’Brien.

Transitioning to the ACC, SMU’s small class of ten signees focuses on long-term growth, with the program already eyeing talent upgrades in upcoming cycles. The Mustangs boast three top-500 prospects for their 2025 class, positioning SMU under Rhett Lashlee’s leadership for a substantial talent boost in the coming years.

Ohio State a big winner from national signing day

The Buckeyes did well this offseason.

The 2024 recruiting classes were finalized on Wednesday with the passing of national signing day. That means it’s time to rank them. 

When it comes to the Big Ten, there is one major winner. It should be no surprise the Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the winners, especially after their strong finish. Paul Myerberg from USA TODAY Sports was one person who included the Buckeyes. 

Here’s what Myerberg had to say about Ohio State: 

Sayin is the second impressive prospect to join the Buckeyes’ quarterback room, following December signee Air Noland. After landing five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston during the early period, Ohio State added a key flip in former Washington commitment Dominic Kirks. While the defensive line was a point of concern in recruiting leading into December, the threesome of Houston, Kirks and Eric Mensah is a solid group given where things stood before the first signing date. Overall, the Buckeyes are headed for another top-five class and one of the top two classes in the Big Ten. Ohio State has also been on a tear in recruiting for the 2025 class, recently adding a second five-star cornerback to the currently eight-member class in Alabama prospect Na’eem Offord.

Myerberg also mentioned a couple of losers during the piece from national signing day. The Washington Huskies were one of those unfortunate teams, which makes sense given their coaching transition. 

Here is what Myerberg had to say about the Huskies 2024 recruiting finish: 

While Fisch has done a good job replenishing the Huskies’ ranks, losing DeBoer to Alabama decimated what had been a very strong haul of defensive linemen. Beyond losing Carter to the Tide, the Huskies lost edge rushers Ratumana Bulabalavu and Jaxson Jones to Southern California and Oregon, respectively, while fast-rising prospect Keona Wilhite signed on Wednesday with Nebraska.