Tag: On3

Oklahoma Sooners featured in On3’s way-too-early top 25 for 2025

Oklahoma Sooners were included in On3’s way-too-early top 25 for the 2025 season.

The Oklahoma Sooners failed to meet expectations for the second time in three seasons, finishing 2024 6-7 with a loss to Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Injuries and inconsistent quarterback play were huge factors in the Sooners’ lack of success. Oklahoma is hoping the changes they made on the offensive side of the ball will reignite the OU attack and return them to College Football Playoff contention.

From a national perspective, Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman of On3 are optimistic Brent Venables and his staff can right the ship in 2025. Oklahoma was included in On3’s top 25 for 2025, coming in at No. 18.

The Sooners brought in Ben Arbuckle, who comes from an offensive coaching tree having great success across the college football landscape. He also brought quarterback John Mateer with him. Mateer led the nation in total touchdowns in 2024 and has the experience and leadership capabilities to give the Sooners’ offense a boost.

That’s similar to where the Sooners are in FanDuel’s national championship odds for 2025. Oklahoma has the 19th-best odds of winning the national championship.

While the Sooners have made some strong additions on the offensive side of the ball, they’re a team with a lot to prove next season after the debacle of 2024. Oklahoma can’t afford another losing season or even a year where they fail to make the postseason.

For a program that takes pride in its 50 conference championships and seven national titles, the Sooners haven’t played for a conference title since 2020 and haven’t made the College Football Playoff since 2019.

In the expanded playoff and with the Sooners’ strength of schedule, if they can get to nine or 10 wins, Oklahoma will be in the mix for a playoff spot. But that’s a big if.

The Sooners have a lot to prove. They need their offensive line to take significant strides in 2025. If that can happen and John Mateer is everything he’s expected to be, the Sooners will be in contention when they get to November.

But once again, Oklahoma is tasked with navigating one of the toughest schedules in the nation.

In 2025, the Sooners will face seven teams that are in On3’s top 25. A tall task for any team, but especially one coming off of a losing season.

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Are the Oklahoma Sooners overrated?

One could argue the Oklahoma Sooners are overrated in On3’s top 25. They’re coming off of a 6-7 season for the second time in three years. They have to answer questions along the offensive line, at wide receiver and tight end, and need improved play from the cornerback position on the defense.

The Sooners must also replace key leaders, as Danny Stutsman, Ethan Downs, Billy Bowman, Woodi Washington, and Da’Jon Terry have left for the NFL.

The defense should be all right. Brent Venables has proven Oklahoma can field a defense that can contend in the SEC. But it’s all going to come down to whether or not the offense can pull their own weight.

A defense can’t be expected to hold the opposition under 20 points weekly. You need your offense to score 30 or more regularly and Oklahoma wasn’t capable of that in SEC play in 2024.

Oklahoma may end up one of the 25 best teams in the country in 2025, but they’ll need to prove it on the field for people to buy into this team after their horrendous season in 2024.

But in a year where the field looks wide open, there’s little reason the Sooners shouldn’t be able to find their way into contention next season.

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On3 explains what Notre Dame championship would mean for Marcus Freeman

What would a national title say about Freeman to you?

Notre Dame is in a very admirable spot right now regarding [autotag]Marcus Freeman[/autotag]. Look around the college football coaching ranks, and it’s hard to find many names who have a higher stock. That happens when you’re 39 years old and have the Irish within a victory of a national championship.

But what exactly would Freeman coaching the Irish to their first national title in 36 years mean? On3’s J.D. PicKell sought to answer that question ahead of the Irish’s appearance in the CFP title game against Ohio State.

As far as PicKell is concerned, this season already has been an incredible success for the Irish regardless of what happens against the Buckeyes. However, getting over that final hump would set the program up for a lot more success going forward. That especially would be true in terms of attracting the best recruits, which would set them up very nicely for the future.

Here’s what PicKell had to say exactly:

In shot, the Irish have been great, but a win over the Buckeyes would make them even greater both now and down the road.

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Michigan football currently ranked top transfer portal class in Big Ten

Better than many would think. #GoBlue

If you ask Michigan football fans how the Wolverines are doing in the transfer portal, you’ll get different answers depending on the person. And the answers may run the gamut from extreme positivity to extreme negativity.

The maize and blue have one blue-chip prospect committed in 2025 via the transfer portal in No. 1 running back Justice Haynes, who came over from Alabama. But given some of the team needs — quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, and cornerback — some of the incoming transfers are somewhat underwhelming. Regardless, when it comes to the On3 transfer portal team rankings, the Wolverines are doing quite well.

So well, in fact, that Michigan football is the No. 5 team overall according to On3, and the best in the entire Big Ten Conference.

With 12 commits thus far, the Wolverines also have 23 outgoing transfers — many of whom were players who didn’t play much, if at all. The big outgoing names include quarterback Alex Orji (UNLV), center Dom Giudice (Missouri), offensive tackle Andrew Gentry (BYU), and wide receiver Tyler Morris (Indiana). Beyond those four, none of the outgoing transfers had started any games for Michigan football.

2027 4-star SG has high praise for Texas A&M amid recent offers

The No. 1 ranked player in the 2027 basketball cycle has the Aggies in his sights

Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams isn’t known for recruiting highly ranked prospects during his time with the program, as he has yet to land a five-star during the past five seasons. Still, the Aggies have made consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances despite the fact.

However, things could be changing after Williams landed three impressive prospects in the 2025 class and looking toward the future, 2027 four-star and potential five-star shooting guard Ryan Hampton has received an offer from Texas A&M.

Hampton’s elite skillset led him to transfer to Dallas Prep in Dallas (TX) for his junior season. The 6-7 wing is a dynamic wing who looks like a pure scorer but has upped his game defensively and become more of a distributor as he continues to develop.

In a recent interview with On3’s Jamie Shaw, Hampton had high praise for the Aggies, who recruited his brother, former first-round NBA Draft pick RJ Hampton, and pointed out the rise of Texas A&M senior guard Wade Taylor IV:

“I’ve been around that program a lot since they recruited my
brother. They have a player presently on their team, Wade Taylor, he is a great player. And he is the guy they need to go out and win them a game.”

After Texas A&M’s 80-78 comeback win over Oklahoma on Wednesday night, the Aggies are getting more attention from recruits who value culture and toughness. In a future Aggie backcourt, Hampton will play a role similar to Wade Taylor IV.

No. 10 Texas A&M will host No. 5 Alabama on Saturday, Jan. 11. The game will air on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. CT.

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Texas A&M is an early transfer portal winner according to On3’s Pete Nakos

Texas A&M’s nine transfer portal commitments earned praise from On3’s Pete Nakos

The success of Texas A&M in the transfer portal comes as no surprise to those who followed the Aggies last offseason. Coach Mike Elko recruited nearly 30 players from the portal, including potential first-round NFL draft pick Nic Scourton.

This month, the Aggies landed nine commitments from the portal, led by former five-star wide receiver Micah Hudson (Texas Tech) and three edge commits, including former Florida defensive end T.J Searcy.

Concerning the Aggie fan base, it’s been hot and cold in terms of trusting Elko and his staff to land the depth pieces needed, especially along the defensive line. Still, patience is a virtue, and Elko deserves the benefit of the doubt based on past success.

While the 2025 roster needs more depth in the defensive interior and at least one more wide receiver, On3’s Pete Nakos praised the Aggies on Christmas Day, adding Texas A&M to his top six early transfer portal winners list.

  1. Texas Tech (17 commitments)
  2. LSU (13 commitments)
  3. Ole Miss (15 commitments)
  4. Auburn (14 commitments)
  5. Texas A&M (9 commitments)
  6. Oregon (6 commitments)

While Texas Tech has had a portal offseason similar to the Aggies last season, all nine of Texas A&M’s acquisitions epitomize quality of quantity. Over the next month, more commitments are expected.

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Texas Tech transfer WR is still heavily predicted to land with Texas A&M

Despite wanting to take other visits, Texas A&M remains the clear favorite to land WR Micah Hudson

Earlier this week, On3 recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong released his official prediction for Texas A&M to land a commitment from one of the top players in the transfer portal for five-star wide receiver and Texas Tech Red Raider Micah Hudson.

After one season in Lubbock (TX), Hudson recorded just eight receptions and 123 yards through the air but did show off his elite ball skills on several occasions during the year. However, his fit in the Texas Tech offense didn’t come to fruition, and a change of scenery while Texas looked like the goal.

After nearly landing a commitment from Hudson out of high school, the Aggies remain the favorite. In a recent interview with 247Sports’ Mike Roach (subscription required), the talented pass catcher felt right at home during his recent visit to College Station.

“It’s just very welcoming,” Hudson stated. “Being able to be around good-hearted people and getting questions answered that I needed to get answered, I was able to feel like myself and be around the culture. I got to see something that felt really good to see because I saw the difference with this year’s staff and last year’s staff.

Concerning head coach Mike Elko, Hudson appreciated his straightforward approach to his potential future role in the offense:

“It was no BS really. I felt like today, every area they didn’t BS me. They told me how it was and either I would do it or I wouldn’t. I was able to understand a lot of things I didn’t understand in my past recruitment.”

While Hudson still plans to make two more visits over the next two weeks, until further notice, the Aggies are the leaders in his transfer portal recruitment.

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Florida football quarterback enters NCAA transfer portal

Gators QB Parker Leise has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Florida football quarterback Parker Leise has entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports.

Leise, a former three-star recruit by 247Sports, attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he set the school’s single-game passing record with 405 yards. He competed in the All-American Bowl combine, earning Top Performer honors and an All-Combine Team honorable mention.

The 6-foot-2-inch, 215-pound pro-style quarterback out of Prairie Village, Kansas, was part of the Gators’ 2023 recruiting class. However, with Florida’s crowded quarterback room featuring DJ Lagway and high-profile recruits, opportunities for Leise to see the field were limited.

For the Gators, Leise’s departure is part of the natural ebb and flow of roster management in the transfer portal era.

With four years of eligibility remaining, Leise will have ample opportunities to develop and grow as a quarterback. Programs in need of a young, dynamic passer will likely express interest in the talented signal-caller.

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On3 names DJ Lagway a True Freshman All-American

The Florida Gators have the best first-year quarterback in the country on its roster in DJ Lagway, an On3 True Freshman All-American.

The Florida Gators might have the best young quarterback in the country in [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag], and On3 named the first-year phenom to its True Freshman All-America Team on Friday.

Lagway started the year as the backup to senior Graham Mertz. He made his first start in Week 2 against Samford while Mertz recovered from a concussion and set a program record for true freshmen with 456 passing yards. Lagway continued to earn playing time as a backup from then on, finally taking over the reins to the offense midway through the Tennessee matchup after Mertz tore his ACL.

Lagway missed the Texas game with a hamstring injury after suffering against Georgia but returned a week later against LSU. He finished the season 4-0 in games that he started and finished. Over 11 total appearances, Lagway totaled 1,610 yards on 93 of 157 passing (59.2%), 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing 46 times for 97 yards.

“No true freshman quarterback had more of an effect on winning at their respective program than DJ Lagway,” On3 national news reporter Thomas Goldkamp wrote. “Lagway took over for Florida following the season-ending injury for Graham Mertz and led the Gators to wins in four of their last five games, providing a bunch of positive momentum heading into the offseason in Gainesville.”

Goldkamp noted Lagway’s “top-shelf arm,” sturdy pocket presence and scrambling ability to support Lagway’s placement on the list. He also questioned whether the injury Lagway suffered hampered him from playing at full strength. True freshmen rarely play their best ball in Year 1, which means an already high ceiling for Lagway could be an underestimate.

Pro Football Focus gave Lagway a 71.8 overall offensive grade, good for 4th among true freshman quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks. His 75.5 passing grade is first along the same criteria.

Even more impressive, Lagway’s 97.3 passing grade on deep balls (20 yards or more) leads all FBS quarterbacks. He threw 30 deep balls this year, making up 18.6% of his total attempts.

On3 2025 True Freshman All-American List

Offensive True Freshman of the Year – WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

QB – DJ Lagway, Florida

RB – Isaac Brown, Louisville

RB – Ahmar Hardy, Louisiana-Monroe

WR – Ryan Williams, Alabama

WR – Cam Coleman, Auburn

OL – Jordan Seaton, Colorado

OL – Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame

OL – Cash Cleveland, Colorado

OL – Tyler Mercer, North Texas

Bonus – RB Caden Durham, LSU

Defensive True Freshman of the Year – EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

EDGE – Colin Simmons, Texas

EDGE – Kyran Duhon, UTEP

DL – Jayden Jackson, Oklahoma

LB – Sammy Brown, Clemson

LB – Simeon Coleman, Cincinnati

CB – OJ Frederique, Miami

CB – Jay Crawford, Auburn

CB – Eli Bowen, Oklahoma

S – Koi Perich, Minnesota

S – KJ Bolden, Georgia

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LSU drops a spot in On3 SEC power rankings after Texas A&M loss

The Tigers unsurprisingly lost some ground in On3’s latest SEC power rankings after Saturday’s frustrating loss.

The Tigers had a chance to make a major statement on the road on Saturday against Texas A&M, and for the first 30 minutes, it looked like they were going to.

LSU dominated the first half against the Aggies, taking a 10-point lead to the locker room. But a quarterback change to Marcel Reed that the Tiger defense had no answer for and defensive adjustments from TAMU that had [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] seeing ghosts flipped the script in the second half as LSU fell 38-23 on the road.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Tigers are dropping in most SEC power rankings as a result, but in On3’s, it was only a one-spot drop to No. 6.

LSU held a 17-7 halftime lead and all of a sudden, it was gone. Like Texas A&M, the Tigers had a six-game winning streak coming in but fell flat in the second half.

Looks like Brian Kelly and crew fell victim to a tough place in the SEC and the 12th man ran rampant in the second half. LSU had no answers for Marcel Reed in the latter stages.

The loss essentially removes any margin for error if the Tigers want to remain in the race for a College Football Playoff spot. That means games against Alabama, Florida, Vanderbilt and Oklahoma are all must-wins, and the Tigers will need to fix the issues that cost it on Saturday before it hosts the Crimson Tide following a bye.

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Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard named to one outlets Heisman top-10 list

Some national love for Leonard

With the NCAA college football season already passing the unofficial midway point, many outlets including On3 have been compiling its Heisman Trophy contenders list.

For the first few weeks of the season, Notre Dame quarterback [autotag]Riley Leonard[/autotag] didn’t perform up to expectations, but then the light switch turned on. Over the course of the last 6 games, all wins for the Irish, the starter has turned the corner and played at an extremely high level.

While it was surprising to see Leonard on On3’s contender list, as he came in tied at No. 9, it is still an encouraging sign that he is moving in the right direction.

On the season, he’s completing 66.2% of his attempts for 1,360 yards with 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He’s been great running the ball as well, as Leonard has carried the ball 85 times for 539 yards with 11 touchdowns.

While the numbers alone aren’t impressive, what stands out are his total stats, as Leonard is currently No. 10 in scoring, No. 8 if you exclude kickers. Many were calling for a change earlier in the season, or at least to see what backup Steve Angeli could do, but clearly the Notre Dame coaching staff knew what they were doing all along.

Oct 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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