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USA Today
40 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Why Alabama's 2026 class is set to skyrocket up recruiting rankings
Why Alabama's 2026 class is set to skyrocket up recruiting rankings If you were to take a look at the Alabama Crimson Tide's current position in the 2026 team recruiting rankings, then it might not be something you necessarily expected to see in mid-June. As to why, that is because Alabama's 2026 recruiting class currently sits at No. 45 nationally according to the latest 247Sports Team Rankings with only seven commitments, as of Tuesday, June 17. However, do not be surprised if that ranking changes in the very near future, as things are certainly in place for the Crimson Tide to skyrocket up the class rankings over the next two-to-three weeks. As mentioned previously, Alabama's 2026 recruiting class currently holds only seven commitments, which is among the fewest of any SEC team. Of those seven, one is a five-star prospect in cornerback Jorden Edmonds, while the remaining six are all considered four-star's. Lying ahead for the Crimson Tide however are numerous upcoming commitment decisions that will be made in the coming weeks from some of the nation's elite prospects, many of which have Alabama among their list of finalists. For example, here are a few of the top Alabama targets who are announcing their commitments in the next two-to-three weeks, along with their rating and position, according to the 247Sports Composite recruiting rankings. Alabama football recruiting decisions to watch during June, July 4-star RB Ezavier Crowell - June 26 4-star IOL Deacon Schmitt - June 28 5-star LB Xavier Griffin - June 29 5-star WR Cederian Morgan - July 2 5-star S Jireh Edwards - July 5 4-star LB Nick Abrams II - July 16 With the Crimson Tide trending for some of these prospects as well, it certainly is shaping up to be a loaded late-June and early-July for Alabama, something that you could say has already started with a pair of recent four-star commitments in offensive lineman Sam Utu and quarterback Jett Thomalla. Will it continue in the coming days and weeks for the Crimson Tide? Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
USA Today
7 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
4-Star QB Jaden O'Neal decommits from Oklahoma Sooners
4-Star QB Jaden O'Neal decommits from Oklahoma Sooners The Oklahoma Sooners quarterback recruitment in the 2026 recruiting class has been one of the top storylines as spring gives way to Summer. Late Thursday night, Jaden O'Neal decommitted from the Oklahoma Sooners, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3. This comes after an official visit earlier in the week with Florida State and on the eve of the ChampU BBQ weekend in Norman, which takes place June 20-22. On Wednesday, a crystal ball was issued by Noles247 contributor Zach Blostein. That was followed on Thursday afternoon with a prediction flip from Florida State insider for Noles247, Brendan Sonnone. At that point, it seemed like a decommitment was imminent. Oklahoma's quarterback situation was in flux not long after Ben Arbuckle arrived as the permanent solution at offensive coordinator. O'Neal originally committed to play for the Sooners when Seth Littrell was the offensive coordinator. Though Littrell was relieved of his duties after the loss to South Carolina, O'Neal remained committed. However, Arbuckle and the Oklahoma Sooners offered fast-rising quarterback Bowe Bentley out of Celina, Texas. More: Oklahoma 2026 QB target shines at Elite 11 finals There was discussion that the Sooners were hoping to sign two quarterbacks in the class. However, became more and more likely over the last few months that that wasn't going to be the case. O'Neal began taking visits to Florida State, Auburn, and Arizona while Bentley narrowed his recruitment to Oklahoma and LSU. Bentley hasn't made a decision, but O'Neal doesn't seem interested in waiting around to find out. The eventual landing spot for O'Neal seems most likely to be Florida State at this point. If he commits to Mike Norvell and the Seminoles and signs to play for Florida State, that will be the second quarterback in the last two recruiting classes who was committed to OU but flipped to Florida State. Kevin Sperry was committed to Oklahoma for a long time before changing his pledge before the 2025 early signing period. O'Neal is considered the No. 14 quarterback in the 247Sports Composite rankings and marks the second decommitment on the offensive side of the ball this week, following interior offensive lineman Will Conroy, who committed to North Carolina. Now, the Sooners fully set their sights on locking up a commitment from Bowe Bentley and making sure they keep that pledge to signing day. Statement from Jaden O'Neal It is with deep gratitude and heavy heart that I announce my decommitment from the University of Oklahoma. When I committed to OU nearly a year ago, I felt a genuine connection to the program. I was recruited by Coach Seth Littrell and I believed in the vision and support I felt from the entire Sooner family. More than just my talent or skill set, I appreciated how the staff respected me for who I am and for the values my parents instilled in me. But a lot has changed since last June. I understand that college football is a business, and with that comes constant change and the pressure to produce results. After much prayer, thoughtful conversations with my family and those closet to me, I've made the decision to reopen my recruitment. I want to personally thank Coach Seth Littrell, Coach Jack Lowary, and Coach Ty Hatch for believing in me -- not just as a quarterback but as a young man. I also want to thank Sooner Nation for embracing me and supporting me throughout the past year. That love has never gone unnoticed. To my parents, thank you for your unwavering support from the first time I picked up a football at five years old. And to my coach, Lee Blankenship, and my teammates at Mustang High School, thank you for standing by me. Let's go chase greatness together. This is not the end of my journey, just the next chapter. I will take my talent where it is wanted, appreciated, and needed most. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Notre Dame football offers 2027 Penn State wide receiver commit Khalil Taylor
Notre Dame football offers 2027 Penn State wide receiver commit Khalil Taylor There is a rivalry brewing between Notre Dame and Penn State, and it doesn't just stem from the Irish's College Football Playoff semifinal victory. In the off-season, Notre Dame took the Nittany Lions running backs coach Ja'Juan Seider at the same position, and have been working on recruits like safety Joey O'Brien and cornerback Khary Adams. They've also have had success in landing Pennsylvania offensive tackle Grayson McKeogh on Wednesday. Then on Thursday, the Irish put their hat into the ring for 2027 Penn State commit Khalil Taylor, a 2027 wide receiver. The 5-foot, 11-inch and 180-pounder committed to PSU at the end of March, but that isn't stopping Notre Dame from trying to flip him. Taylor is ranked as the No. 72 overall player in his class by the 247Sports Composite, showing that he's one of the best in the cycle. With the momentum that the Irish have recruiting the state of Pennsylvania, McKeogh and Tyler Merrill committed in the 2026 class, you can't discount Notre Dame from potentially flipping Taylor. This is a recruitment to watch, especially if he makes it to South Bend in the near future.
USA Today
18 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Clemson freshman Marquise Henderson dismissed from the team, per report
Clemson freshman Marquise Henderson dismissed from the team, per report Clemson freshman Marquise Henderson has been dismissed from the football program, the school announced Thursday, marking the first player Dabo Swinney has removed from the team since linebacker TJ Dudley was dismissed in 2023. 'Clemson has made the decision to dismiss Marquise Henderson from its program. We wish him the best as he moves forward,' a school spokesperson said in a statement. No reason was given for Henderson's dismissal, but he is expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal once he completes the necessary compliance steps. The Belton, S.C., native had only recently arrived on campus, enrolling in January 2025 after signing with Clemson as a four-star athlete in the 2024 recruiting class. Henderson was limited during spring practice due to a lingering hamstring injury. He did not participate in the spring game, and Swinney noted on April 5 that the team hadn't seen much of him. '(Practiced) like two days. Maybe? I do not know if he even got two full days in,' Swinney said. 'So, we do not know much about him… It is unfortunate.' Though he never played a snap at Clemson, Henderson came in with strong credentials. At Belton-Honea Path High School, he was one of South Carolina's top prospects. He rushed for a school-record 6,369 yards, averaged 11 yards per carry, and totaled nearly 8,000 all-purpose yards over four seasons. Henderson was rated the No. 4 player in the state and a top-200 national recruit, per the 247Sports Composite. With both NCAA portal windows for 2024 already closed, Henderson's eligibility status for this upcoming season remains unclear. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Alabama football 2025 season preview, predictions: Duke Johnson II
Alabama football 2025 season preview, predictions: Duke Johnson II When looking at the Alabama Crimson Tide's 2025 football recruiting class, there are few position groups altogether that stick out more than at linebacker. In the Crimson Tide's 2025 class, Alabama added a total of three linebackers, the highest-rated of which was Duke Johnson II, a talented prospect who was a two-way star in high school. Johnson was also one of the first names to commit to Alabama in the class, and comes to Tuscaloosa as a name that could very easily make an impact in year one as a true freshman. Here is everything you need to know about talented true freshman linebacker Duke Johnson II entering the 2025 Alabama football season. Duke Johnson II player information Position: Linebacker Linebacker Jersey Number: No. 15 No. 15 Height: 6'1 6'1 Weight: 220 220 Class: Freshman Freshman Hometown: Eastman, Georgia Eastman, Georgia High School: Dodge County Duke Johnson II career stats Johnson is not only new to Alabama this season, but the linebacker is also a new face to college football overall. The 2025 season will be Johnson's first at the collegiate level. Duke Johnson II 2024 stats As mentioned previously, Johnson is new to college football this season, but is however coming off a strong year at the high school level in which he played both ways at Georgia's Dodge County High School. Defensively, Johnson amassed 122 tackles and 11 TFL across 11 games, while the now Alabama linebacker also rushed for 1,097 yards and 22 touchdowns on 115 carries, along with eight receptions for 129 yards and another score, on offense. Duke Johnson II recruiting ranking According to the 247Sports Composite recruiting rankings, Johnson was considered as the nation's No. 130 overall player in the 2025 class, as well as the No. 9 linebacker nationally. A four-star prospect who committed to Alabama back in March of 2024, Johnson was also considered the No. 16 player in the state of Georgia out of Dodge County High School. Duke Johnson II 2025 season outlook There is no denying that Alabama's 2025 linebacker class is one that could make an impact in Tuscaloosa for many years to come, with Johnson as the highest-rated of that talented group. As for 2025 in particular however, Alabama enters the season with two starters cemented at inside linebacker in the returning Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson, while Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green is likely to play a massive role also. Because of this, Johnson is likely buried on the depth chart entering his true freshman season, meaning that the former four-star is not likely to see a significant amount of action defensively in 2025. However, Johnson is a name that could make an impact on special teams this season in some form. Duke Johnson II 2025 season prediction 2025 Prediction: 5 tackles, 0.5 TFL Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
