Tag: Recruiting

5-star OL set to visit Georgia football

5-star OL recruit plans visit to with Georgia Bulldog soon

One of the Georgia Bulldogs’ top recruiting targets is Immanuel Iheanacho, a five-star offensive tackle out of Baltimore’s Georgetown Prep. Iheanacho, who is a member of the class of 2026, is ranked the No. 2 prospect in the nation.

Iheanacho raved about Georgia earlier in the month while competing in the Under Armour All-American Game.

“I love how they’re very raw. They’re gritty. They’re everything that you see with nice, old-fashioned, smash-mouth football. They have Coach Smart, I talk to him. Coach Searles produces guys Amarius Mims, Andrew Thomas, they just won an SEC Championship. They win. I like the campus down there and overall I appreciate the brand of football,” he told On3.

Iheanacho has taken recent visits to Texas A&M, Florida and Auburn. Next weekend he’ll head to either LSU or Georgia, so Kirby Smart and his staff could also have him back in Athens very soon.

The five-star is a player who could step into Athens and immediately compete for a starting spot on the offensive line.

Wisconsin makes final schools for coveted class of 2026 safety

Wisconsin makes final schools for coveted class of 2026 safety

The Wisconsin Badgers made the top four schools for highly-touted class of 2026 safety Kaden Gebhardt on Tuesday.

The Badgers cracked Gebhardt’s final crop of schools alongside Ohio State, Penn State and Clemson. He becomes the third top-ranked prospect to include the Badgers in his list of finalists dating back to Jan. 25, joining four-star offensive linemen Tyler Merrill and Carter Scruggs.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defensive playmaker received his offer from UW back on Feb. 2, 2024. The Badgers were one of his first Power Four offers at the time.Since then, the Olentangy High School product received offer 20 offers from programs including Oklahoma, Illinois, Missouri, Ole Miss, Nebraska, USC, OSU and PSU.

247Sports considers Gebhardt the No. 216 overall recruit in the class of 2026, the No. 17 safety and the No. 8 prospect from his home state of Ohio. Through 11 games with Olentangy in 2024, Gebhardt tallied 94 total tackles, 32 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, five pass deflections and two interceptions.

As of Jan. 28, Penn State appears to be the favorite to land the talented defender. On3’s recruiting prediction machine gives the Nittany Lions a 68.2% chance to earn a commitment. Zero Rivals nor 247Sports insiders have released forecasts for where he’ll land.

Still, Wisconsin’s inclusion in the top four is an indication of the Badgers’ recruiting efforts. The team landed in Gebhardt’s zone of interest months before all three of his other finalists entered the race.

As of Jan. 28, UW’s class of 2026 features one commitment from three-star offensive lineman Benjamin Novak.

Oklahoma Sooners earn commitment from 2026 four-star wide receiver

The Oklahoma Sooners picked up their fourth commitment in the 2026 recruiting class, earning a pledge from 4-star WR Daniel Odom.

In the wake of a strong Junior Day in Norman, the Oklahoma Sooners have earned a commitment from 2026 four-star wide receiver [autotag]Daniel Odom[/autotag]. Odom chose the Sooners over offers from Oregon, Miami, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington.

Odom is considered the No. 25 wide receiver in the cycle by Rivals and is a four-star prospect, according to Rivals, ESPN, and 247Sports.

The first thing that stands out about Odom is his route running. He does a great job setting defenders up with double moves to create separation. He also has excellent hands. He’s a physical player who is able to fight through contact to maintain his route. Odom has the size and athleticism to win in the air and shows off the strength to win 50-50 balls. He’s not easy to bring down after the catch and is willing and able to take on contact and create yardage after the receptions.

He’s the first commitment at wide receiver in the [autotag]2026 recruiting class[/autotag]. He joins quarterback [autotag]Jaden O’Neal[/autotag], TE [autotag]Ryder Mix[/autotag], and OL [autotag]Will Conroy[/autotag].

Odom’s commitment is huge for the Oklahoma Sooners as they look to rebuild their wide receiver room after a 2024 season that was full of injuries and then transfer portal departures. He’s a player that will have a chance to be a big-time playmaker for the Sooners.

Daniel Odom’s Recruiting Profile

Film

Hudl

Rating

Stars Overall Position State
ESPN 4 184 28 22
Rivals 4 142 25 18
247Sports 4 — 41 30
247 Composite 4 194 33 25
On3 Recruiting 3 — 56 31
On3 Industry 4 221 36 25

Vitals

Hometown Bellflower, Calif.
Projected Position Wide Receiver
Height 6-foot-2
Weight 190 pounds

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Oklahoma Sooners predicted to land 2026 four-star defensive end

Oklahoma Sooners predicted to land four-star defensive end in the 2026 recruiting class.

The Oklahoma Sooners hosted a number of prospects from the [autotag]2026 recruiting class[/autotag] over the weekend for Junior Day and are already reaping the rewards of their efforts.

One of the prospects Oklahoma welcomed to Norman was four-star defensive end Kevin Ford Jr. On Monday, Sam Spiegelman of Rivals issued a FutureCast favoring the Sooners in his recruitment. Ford is considered the No. 11 defensive end in the cycle, according to 247Sports, and is a top 125 player in the class.

Out of Duncanville High School, Ford is a disruptive defensive end prospect. He’s got a quick get-off at the snap that he uses to knife through the line of scrimmage or get around offensive tackles. Ford shows good play strength, displaying the ability to knock back offensive linemen with his initial strike. He sets the edge well in the run game and shows good discipline in his responsibilities. His speed and athleticism make him a natural pass rusher, but he has the strength to be a force against the run. Ford has a strong motor and is willing to chase down plays from the backside or after the quarterback steps up to avoid his initial rush.

He would be a great addition to the Oklahoma Sooners defensive front. In addition to his Oklahoma offer, he’s being pursued by a number of Power Four programs, including Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M, Miami, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, and Ole Miss.

Kevin Ford Jr’s Recruiting Profile

Projections

  • Sam Spiegelman of Rivals issued a FutureCast favoring the Oklahoma Sooners on January 27, 2025.
  • On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine believes Texas A&M to be the leader as of January 27, 2025.

Film

Hudl

Rating

Stars Overall Position State
ESPN 4 130 16 12
Rivals 4 — 19 41
247Sports 4 111 11 14
247 Composite 4 189 14 26
On3 Recruiting 3 — 36 43
On3 Industry 4 206 20 21

Vitals

Hometown Duncanville, Texas
Projected Position Defensive End
Height 6-foot-3
Weight 245 pounds

Recruitment

  • Offered on March 7, 2024
  • Visited during Oklahoma’s Junior Day weekend of January 25, 2025

Notable Offers

Per 247Sports

  • Alabama
  • Arizona State
  • Arkansas
  • Baylor
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Florida State
  • Houston
  • Kansas
  • LSU
  • Miami
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • Oklahoma State
  • Ole Miss
  • Penn State
  • SMU
  • Stanford
  • TCU
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Texas State
  • UCF
  • USC
  • Marshall
  • North Texas

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UCLA defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe recruits in Hawaii

Ikaika Malloe’s work paves the path for a new recruiting pipeline.

The UCLA Bruins had dozens of questions entering the 2025 offseason, none more notable than if the Bruins would retain defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe. Ultimately, Malloe and the Bruins reached a deal, extending the 50-year-old defensive guru in late December. Less than a month later, Malloe is already hard at work as the Bruins begin their second season in the Big Ten.

In a post on X, Malloe offered an enthusiastic update on his recruiting, returning to his home state of Hawaii.

“Happy Aloha Friday!! Always good for the soul to reconnect with da roots! Blessed to be from da 808 GOD’s COUNTRY! IYKY. Much mahalo for all the Aloha spirit shared from coaches, players, and families. A hui hou, Malama pono. GYMR GOD BLESS!”

Malloe’s exciting update is a positive sign for the Bruins for several reasons. In addition to showing a passion for his job, Malloe’s outspoken Hawaiian pride could play a pivotal role in recruiting.

Hawaii has produced NFL products like quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Tua Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Roman Wilson, and former UCLA kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn.

With Malloe’s help, the Bruins can begin to unlock a pipeline in the Aloha state and continue to build their roster for the future.

Wisconsin makes final schools for top-150 class of 2026 offensive tackle

Wisconsin makes final schools for top-150 class of 2026 offensive tackle

The Wisconsin Badgers made the top 12 schools for top-ranked class of 2026 offensive tackle Carter Scruggs on Sunday.

The Badgers cracked Scruggs’ list of finalists alongside Oregon, Oklahoma, USC, Clemson, Michigan, Alabama, Virginia Tech, Miami, Penn State, South Carolina and Georgia.

Scruggs becomes the second top-rated offensive lineman to include the Badgers in his list of finalists in the last week, joining four-star offensive lineman Tyler Merrill.

The 6-foot-6, 270-pound playmaker received his offer from UW on Dec. 4 — the same day as its early signing day for its class of 2025. 247Sports considers Scruggs the No. 134 overall recruit in the class, the No. 8 iOL and the No. 5 prospect from his home state of Virginia.

As of Jan. 26, Penn State appears to be the favorite to land the four-star recruit. On3’s recruiting prediction machine gives the Nittany Lions an 84% chance to earn a commitment, plus three Rivals insiders have released forecasts in early November projecting that exact conclusion.

Still, Wisconsin’s inclusion in the top 12 suggests Luke Fickell’s program is alive in the recruiting race. Big Ten powers Michigan, Oregon and PSU stand in the way, but the program’s history in producing some of the sport’s greatest offensive linemen should factor in to Scruggs’ decision.

As of Dec. 4, UW’s class of 2026 features one commitment from three-star iOL Benjamin Novak.

Top ranked TE compared to Brock Bowers reclassifies

Tight end recruit compared to Brock Bowers reclassifies. Georgia football is interested

The Georgia Bulldogs are a pipeline for top tight end talent.

Elite tight end recruit Mark Bowman’s reclassification to the 2026 class adds even more intrigue to their recruiting efforts. Bowman’s transition from the 2027 class into the 2026 cycle will surely elevate the competition among the nation’s elite programs.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end is a physical mismatch with tremendous upside as both a receiver and blocker who is already drawing comparisons to Georgia great Brock Bowers, per 247Sports. His No. 5 ranking in the 2027 class and designation as the nation’s top ranked tight end indicates his potential.

Georgia’s approach to tight end development resonates with prospects like Bowman. The Bulldogs’ consistent use of multiple tight ends ensures rotation and showcases the value placed on the position. The Bulldogs’ knack for maximizing tight end performance in high-pressure games, such as their showdown against Tennessee, solidified Bowman’s admiration for the program while he was in attendance.

Despite Georgia being the early leader in Bowman’s recruitment, Texas and Oregon remain formidable challengers, and plenty of other programs are bound to pursue him aggressively. Bowman’s mentality is focused on earning playing time and that aligns well with Georgia’s “iron sharpens iron” culture.

If Georgia continues its momentum, Bowman could play a pivotal role in maintaining their tight end legacy. With commitment Lincoln Keyes already in place for the 2026 class, Bowman’s addition would bring immense versatility and depth to an already talented tight end room. This will be an exciting recruitment to follow as December approaches.

Wisconsin makes final schools for top class of 2026 offensive lineman

Wisconsin makes final schools for top class of 2026 offensive lineman

Wisconsin made the top five schools for class of 2026 offensive lineman Tyler Merrill on Saturday.

The Badgers made the list along with Notre Dame, Clemson, Penn State and Alabama.

Related: Power ranking all 18 Big Ten football programs after the 2024 season

247Sports ranks the four-star prospect as the No. 87 player in the class of 2026, the No. 7 interior offensive lineman and the No. 2 recruit from the state of Pennsylvania.

The recruiting service has yet to issue any predictions for his landing spot. On3’s prediction machine, on the other hand, gives Notre Dame a 76.2% chance to land his commitment. Notably, longtime Wisconsin assistant Joe Rudolph currently coaches the Fighting Irish offensive line.

Wisconsin currently has one player committed in the class of 2026: three-star interior offensive lineman Benjamin Novak. That is the case after quarterback Jarin Mock decommitted following changes to Wisconsin’s offensive staff.

Luke Fickell and his staff are working to continue a strong run on the recruiting trail. The program finished the 2024 cycle at No. 25 in the nation (with a Blue-Chip Ratio of 50%), then finished 2025 at No. 29.

The Badgers have done well to make Merrill’s final schools. They now will face significant competition to land his commitment.

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Oklahoma Sooners offer fast-rising 4-star quarterback out of Texas

Oklahoma Sooners offer 2026 four-star quarterback.

The Oklahoma Sooners have a commitment from one of the top quarterbacks in the [autotag]2026 recruiting class[/autotag] in four-star prospect [autotag]Jaden O’Neal[/autotag]. But that hasn’t stopped the Sooners from looking at another blue-chip prospect.

This week, the Sooners offered Celina, Texas quarterback Bowe Bentley. Bentley is considered a four-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports and ranks as high as the No. 11 quarterback in the class.

According to 247Sports, he’s the No. 180 player in the class and has seen his recruitment take off of late. In addition to the offer he picked up from the Sooners this week, Bentley received offers from Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, Missouri, and UCF in the last few days. In January, he’s received 15 offers and has a total of 14 Power 4 offers.

He’s a multi-sport athlete, playing soccer and lacrosse for Celina. According to 247Sports, Bentley threw for 3,211 yards, 47 passing touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He also ran for 923 yards and 16 touchdowns leading Celina to an undefeated season and Texas class 4A state championship.

He was selected to participate in the Navy All-American Bowl his recruitment has taken off since then.

Bentley told On3’s Steve Wiltfong, “This is huge for me being a childhood dream,” Bentley said. “Coach Arbuckle has really caught my eye and his plans for the offense.”

Under Brent Venables, the Oklahoma Sooners have shown a willingness to take two quarterbacks in a recruiting class. They did so with Michael Hawkins Jr. and Brendan Zubrugg in the 2024 recruiting cycle. In 2025, they added Jett Niu out of the high school ranks along with John Mateer and Cole Gonzales via the transfer portal.

If the Sooners anticipate Mateer going to the NFL after 2025 or some portal departures, it would make sense to bring in multiple quarterbacks in the class to fill out the depth chart.

Bowe Bentley’s Recruiting Profile

Rating

Stars Overall Position State
ESPN 3 — — —
Rivals — — — —
247Sports 4 180 11 21
247 Composite 4 242 16 25
On3 Recruiting 4 — 21 40
On3 Industry 3 402 26 51

Vitals

Hometown Celina, Texas
Projected Position Quarterback
Height 6-2
Weight 200 lbs

Recruitment

  • Offered on 1/24/2025

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Oklahoma Sooners offer 2026 4-star linebacker Brayden Rouse

This week, the Oklahoma Sooners offered one of the best linebackers in the 2026 recruiting class.

The Oklahoma Sooners are looking to add to their [autotag]2026 recruiting class[/autotag] with an offer going out this week to four-star linebacker Brayden Rouse.

Rouse hails from Marietta, Georgia, and is considered the No. 4 linebacker in the 2026 cycle by 247Sports. Rivals ranks him as the No. 9 linebacker in the class. Rouse has received 17 Power 4 offers, including SEC schools like Oklahoma, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Mississippi State, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.

According to his Hudl profile, Rouse recorded 105 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one interception as a junior in 2024. He also had 25 receptions for 378 yards and eight touchdowns, lining up at tight end for Kell High.

Rouse’s athleticism is the first thing that jumps off the screen. He displays the ability to carry receivers one-on-one down the field. He’s got good length to make plays on the football in the air. His ability as a tight end shows up in the way he attacks the football in the air on defense. He displays great instincts but also plays disciplined football within the scheme, flowing to the ball and maintaining gap integrity. When lined up on the edge, Rouse uses his athleticism, quickness, and strength to defeat offensive linemen on the pass rush. He displays good timing when blitzing from an off-ball linebacker position.

He has the frame to grow into a weakside linebacker at the collegiate level but also has the athleticism to operate in Oklahoma’s cheetah role.

Brent Venables and Miguel Chavis made the trip to Kell High School earlier this week to meet with Rouse and give him his offer. The Sooners have gone light at linebacker each of the last couple of recruiting classes, so 2026 could be a cycle they try to add a number of talented players and Rouse has a chance to be one of the best in the class.

Brayden Rouse’s Recruiting Profile

Film

Hudl

Rating

Stars Overall Position State
ESPN — — — —
Rivals 4 214 9 32
247Sports 4 67 4 7
247 Composite 4 195 17 23
On3 Recruiting 3 — 29 51
On3 Industry 4 275 22 33

Vitals

Hometown Marietta, Georgia
Projected Position Linebacker
Height 6-foot-3
Weight 205 pounds

Recruitment

  • Offered on 1/21/25

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