Tag: 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 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

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.

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.

Itā€™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.Ā  In a field full of NIL deals and broken promises, it’s not just about making the passā€”it’s about ensuring it’s caught with integrity.

SMU’s journey from the bottom of ACC recruiting to a bright future

Under the visionary leadership of Rhett Lashlee, SMU embarks on its ACC journey, poised to transform its underdog status into a saga of triumph.

SMU’s 2024 recruiting class, ranking last in the ACC with just 10 commitments, might appear dismal on paper.

The conference, known for its competitive edge and streamlining players to the NFL welcomed the Mustangs alongside Stanford and Cal in a significant expansion move. While Stanford managed to sign the No. 6 class in the ACC, and Cal found itself in the middle of the pack, SMU’s entry could be likened to entering a gunfight armed with a slingshot. However, it’s essential to remember that battles are not won on Signing Day, but on the gridiron, where determination, development, and strategy play out in real-time.

SMU’s $100 million facility overhaul and impending ACC debut have ignited unparalleled enthusiasm among blue-chip recruits. Additionally, the Mustangs enjoy substantial financial backing and access to Texas’s prolific recruiting territory, providing an ideal environment for attracting top-tier talent.

At the heart of SMU’s class is Ka’Davion Dotson, a three-star safety from Texas, who, despite the modest star rating, has been pegged as the most “college-ready” player in the Mustangs’ haul. While depth at the safety position might initially limit his on-field contributions, Dotson’s track background and undeniable athleticism hint at a potential for significant impact down the line. It’s a reminder that stars do not always predict success, and in players like Dotson, SMU might have unearthed gems ready to be polished. Look for Scott Symons to get Dotson on the field early.

The transition to the ACC was never going to be seamless for SMU. The Mustangs, under the guidance of head coach Rhett Lashlee, are stepping into a league where the competition level takes a discernible leap. Lashlee, however, is no stranger to overcoming odds. Since taking over the reins, he’s led SMU to its best season since the early ’80s, culminating in an AAC Championship in 2023. The move to the ACC is another chapter in Lashlee’s journey of building a program that can not only compete but thrive among the elite. With a focus on developing talent and a coaching staff adept at maximizing player potential, SMU’s current recruiting class ranking is but a starting point, not a determinant of future success.

Lashlee, bringing his dynamic offense back to the ACC after a stint as the offensive coordinator under Manny Diaz at Miami, is poised to make waves, proving that the Mustangs’ ascendance is no fluke.

The Mustangs have already begun to lay the groundwork for improvement. The commitment from portal players like Jahfari Harvey and Brashard Smith, both transfers from Miami, signals an intent to strengthen the squad with experienced talent. Smith can be a national name under Rhett Lashlee, whom he committed to while at Miami.

The portrayal surrounding SMU’s 2024 recruiting class is not one of doom and gloom but rather a prologue to what could be a compelling underdog story. In sports, as in life, the path to success is often nonlinear. For SMU, the current state of affairs is a challenge to be met with the same grit and determination that has characterized their rise thus far. The ACC might not know it yet, but in dismissing the Mustangs based on their recruiting class alone, they might just be underestimating the heart of a team ready to prove its mettle against the odds.

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 tenureā€”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.

Hurricanes bring in ACC’s top class amid coaching turnover

Miami’s strategic recruitment has set a new standard in the ACC, promising an era of dominance.

In a whirlwind of activity that encapsulates the highs and lows of college football, the Miami Hurricanes have closed national signing day with a flourish, not only by securing the top recruiting class in the ACC but also by navigating the choppy waters of coaching changes.

The departure of secondary coach Jahmile Addae to the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the loss of Alonzo Highsmith to the New England Patriots mark significant transitions within the program. Amid these changes, the Hurricanes have filled an open coaching position by bringing on board Matt Merritt as the new running backs coach.

Addae, a key figure in Miami’s coaching staff, brings his expertise in developing secondary players to the Buffalo Bills after a successful tenure with the Hurricanes. Addae’s impact was profound, notably coaching All-American safety Kamren Kinchens and contributing to the development of NFL draftees Tyrique Stevenson and DJ Ivey. His recruiting prowess, shown during his time with Georgia when he helped secure a top-three class, leaves big shoes to fill at Miami.

Amid these departures, Miami has filled a hole in the staff by hiring Matt Merritt from USF as the new running backs coach. Merritt, recognized for his role in significant team improvements and player development, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Hurricanes’ offense. His recent accomplishments include elevating the performance of USF’s tailbacks, with notable achievements such as Nay’Quan Wright’s breakout season.

The Hurricanes also excelled in recruitment, finishing national signing day with the top class in the ACC. This marks a historic moment for Miami, which achieved the No. 1 spot in the conference in back-to-back seasons for the first time in the 247Sports era. The defensive line class stands out as possibly the best in the country. Among the eight prospects, four defensive linemen are ranked inside the top 150. The addition of talents such as Justin Scott, Armando Blunt and Marquise Lightfoot highlights Mario Cristobal’s commitment to building a powerhouse in the trenches.

Furthermore, Miami’s success in keeping local talent home is evident in this year’s recruiting class. With 14 players from the Sunshine State, including eight ranked in the Florida top 25, the Hurricanes are making significant strides in retaining top local talent.

Going into his third year as Miami’s head coach, Cristobal secured more five-star prospects than the rest of the ACC combined. He flipped notable blue chips Jordan Lyle and Justin Scott away from Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. He also finished strongly and came close to securing the No. 1 player in the country, Jeremiah Smith, who signed with Ohio State.

Michigan State signs Texas wide receiver Jaylan Brown

Spartans added a wide receiver from the Lone Star State.

The second and final National Signing Day took place today, putting the bow on recruiting classes across college football. Although most players signed back in December, there are several who waited to officially sign on Wednesday. Standout 2024 Nacogdoches (Texas) High School wide receiver Jaylan Brown, who committed to Michigan State a couple of weeks ago, finally put pen to paper and signed with the Spartans.Ā 

Brown opted for Michigan State over other offers from Washington State and North Texas. He is rated as a three-star recruit by On3, 247Sports and Rivals. 247Sports has him pegged as the No. 60 player in the state of Texas in the 2024 class, a state that traditionally puts out talent at an extremely high level.Ā 

The 6-4, 185-pound pass catcher was the leading receiver for the Nacogdoches Dragons as a senior. In 10 games as a senior, Brown hauled in 55 receptions for 908 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging a healthy 16.5 yards per reception. The Texas native also recorded an interception on limited reps defensively.Ā 

Heading into the day, Michigan State is currently ranked as the No. 37 overall team in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings. Brown becomes the 19th player to sign with the Spartans in the 2024 class. He is the third wide receiver signee in the class, including four-star Michigan star Nick Marsh and Ohio standout Austin Clay.

Ohio State continues to add with commitment from Caleb Downs

Ryan Day is continuing to stock up for the 2024 season.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are hitting the recruiting trail hard with so many talented players entering the portal, thanks in large part to the recent coaching moves.

Most recently, the Buckeyes and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles added to their unit with the addition of former five-star safety Caleb Downs. He made his decision on Friday, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Downs was one of many talented players on the SEC champion Alabama Crimson Tide roster to enter the portal following the retirement of the legendary Nick Saban. In his first year with the program, Downs played in 14 games with 2 interceptions to go along with his 107 total tackles, 3.5 TFLs, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Downs was rated as the No. 6 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class and the top player from the state of Georgia. He was also rated as the No. 1 player in the transfer portal. Many believed he was Georgia-bound but instead he opted to join the Buckeyes.

Ohio State is also projected to land the top quarterback from the 2024 recruiting class, Julian Sayin. Safe to say that The Ohio State Buckeyes are thriving in the portal at the moment. They still have plenty of work to do given they have lost 19 players to the portal. Of the 19, 16 are still available to withdraw just as wide receiver Bryson Rodgers has. Three are already enrolled at other schools.

Here is the running list of commitments at the moment:

  • Caleb Downs, Safety (Alabama)
  • Quinshon Judkins, Running Back (Ole Miss)
  • Seth McLaughlin, Offensive Line (Alabama)
  • Will Kacmarek, Tight End (Ohio)
  • Will Howard, Quarterback (Kansas State)

Check out Buckeyes Wire for more on Ohio State

Elite 11 Finalist Trever Jackson commits to Seminoles

In a major snag for Florida State University, Trever Jackson, a standout quarterback and Elite 11 Finalist, has committed to the Seminoles. Jackson, previously aligned with Ole Miss, brings impressive talent to an already talented QB lineup for FSU’s 2024 season.

Florida State has made another significant addition to its roster, securing the commitment of Trever Jackson, a highly-touted quarterback from the class of 2024.

Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 190 pounds, Jackson hails from Winter Garden, Florida. His journey to FSU was marked by a previous commitment to Ole Miss, which he retracted in late October.

This commitment follows the Seminoles’ recent successful signing of Luke Kromenhoek, another top prep quarterback. Both are Elite 11 Finalists. With only two scholarship quarterbacks available for the Orange Bowl, FSU further strengthened its lineup by securing Oregon State’s DJ Uiagalelei, bringing their quarterback count to four for the spring.

Ranked as the No. 348 player nationally and the No. 22 quarterback, Jackson shows promise despite being considered somewhat raw with a high upside. An Elite 11 Finalist, notably winning the “Rail Shot Challenge,” Jackson’s recruitment journey included 28 offers and an official visit to Pittsburgh in the summer of 2023.

His initial top choices were UCLA, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma. This latest commitment to FSU marks a significant step in his athletic career and a notable addition to the Seminoles’ quarterback lineup.

Contact/Follow us at theĀ College WireĀ on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onĀ FacebookĀ to follow ongoing coverage of College Sports news, notes, and opinions.