Latest news with #IowaState
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
HC Mike Elko believes Texas A&M junior DL will 'fulfill his potential' in 2025
HC Mike Elko believes Texas A&M junior DL will 'fulfill his potential' in 2025 Texas A&M's defensive line depth became an immediate talking point early in the offseason, mainly due to the departures of Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, and Shemar Turner, who were all selected in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, after adding five defensive linemen from the transfer portal, including four edge rushers, interior defensive line depth remains an issue, putting pressure on the starting rotation to perform effectively. On Wednesday night, head coach Mike Elko spoke during the annual Dallas Coach's Night, previewing the 2025 season for what seems like the tenth time this year. Still, it has not yet become redundant, as the second-year leader had plenty to say regarding several players, including junior defensive tackle DJ Hicks. This is a critical season for the former five-star prospect, who was the crown jewel of Texas A&M's 2023 recruiting class, but has yet to live up to his high school production, mainly due to the depth in front of him during his first two seasons. Still, during his first season as a starting defensive tackle, Hicks recorded just 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass deflections. This offseason, Hicks has reportedly worked hard to build more strength in the weight room and work on his technique as a run defender, which, paired with senior nose tackle Albert Regis, needs to reach a level of consistency, as former Iowa State DL Tyler Onyedum is already a proven run defender who also brings notable pass rusher ability to the depth chart. Despite his lack of production, Elko is very high on DJ Hicks to take that next step and finally live up to his immense potetnial as "the guy" on the D-line. "I think DJ Hicks is probably that guy who is going to step into that limelight this year and fulfill his potential." This vote of confidence is a good sign knowing the amount of talent from the transfer portal, as Elko could have named any one of the new additions that have stood out, but remains steady that Hicks will become one of the defense's more reliable defenders. With just one year of eligibility remaining after this season, 2025 needs to be the year that Hicks shines. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
New Alabama QB Commit Shines at Elite 11
New Alabama QB Commit Shines at Elite 11 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Look away, Iowa State Cyclones fans; new Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback commit Jett Thomalla might be the next great college football quarterback. Advertisement On Thursday, Thomalla made waves at the Elite 11 competition, being on target with 18 of his 20 throws, per Charles Power of On3. South Carolina is embracing NIL changes.© Will McLelland-Imagn Images The Elite 11 Finals, a competition among the country's top high school football players, entered its second day of competition, with Thomalla earning high praise. The Alabama commit dominated his Pro Day, throwing precise passes on nearly all of his scripted plays. Power praised Thomalla for his footwork and ability to push the ball downfield. 247Sports ranks Thomalla as the eighth-best quarterback following the conclusion of the second day of the recruiting period. Advertisement Thomalla's standout performance comes on the same week he decommitted from Iowa State and pledged his allegiance to Alabama. On Tuesday, just weeks after taking his official visit to Iowa State, Thomalla decommitted from the Big 12 power. On the same day, he committed to the University of Alabama. Alabama was the last of 12 teams to offer Thomalla but unquestionably had enough of an impact to sway his decision. The four-star quarterback in the 2026 class earned MaxPreps Nebraska Player of the Year honors last year, throwing for 3,663 yards, 47 touchdowns, and three picks. Barring another decommitment, he will join a Crimson Tide roster flush with blue-chip quarterback talent. This season, head coach Kalen DeBoer will welcome five-star passer Keelon Russell, while former five-star prospect Ty Simpson will likely start the season under center. Related: Former Alabama Stars AJ McCarron and Trent Richardson Reveal Huge News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top QB Recruit Jett Thomalla Flips His Commitment
Top QB Recruit Jett Thomalla Flips His Commitment originally appeared on The Spun. One of the nation's top prep quarterbacks has reportedly had a change of heart when it comes to his football future. According to four-star Millard South QB Jett Thomalla has flipped his commitment from the Big 12 to the SEC in a massive shakeup for the Class of 2026. Advertisement Per national recruiting reporter Hayes Fawcett, Thomalla has rethought his commitment to Matt Campbell and the Iowa State Cyclones and has instead decided to roll with Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Thomalla was easily the highest-rated prospect in ISU's upcoming recruiting class and had fans in Ames buzzing when he committed just a few months ago. At 6-foot-4, 200-pounds Jett is the top recruit in the state of Nebraska and originally chose the Cyclones over Arizona, Duke, Missouri and Virginia Tech. However, Alabama pushed hard to land him in Tuscaloosa and their efforts were rewarded. Advertisement Thomalla set multiple single-season state records as a junior; throwing for the most completions, yards, touchdowns and total offensive yards in Nebraska history on the way to leading Millard South High to a 12-1 record and its first state title in 15 years. Millard South QB Jett Thomalla (4) looks for receivers against Basha during a game at Basha High School in Chandler, Arizona, on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024.© Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK In many scouts' eyes, Jett projects to being a multi-year starter at the Power Four level with plenty of traits that could eventually lead to him being a star. Kalen DeBoer made his name as a quarterback developer prior to arriving at Bama. And he'll definitely have a talented QB to mold in his image with Thomalla potentially suiting up for the Tide in '26 and beyond. Advertisement Related: SEC Quarterback Eviscerates Quality Of Play In The Big Ten Top QB Recruit Jett Thomalla Flips His Commitment first appeared on The Spun on Jun 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Where Alabama commit Jett Thomalla sits in 2025 Elite 11 Finals Day 1 rankings
Where Alabama commit Jett Thomalla sits in 2025 Elite 11 Finals Day 1 rankings This past Tuesday, the Alabama Crimson Tide landed a commitment from 2026 quarterback prospect Jett Thomalla, who flipped to the program from Iowa State. A four-star prospect, Thomalla is one of the nation's top 2026 quarterbacks, and as a result, is one of the numerous names who is also out in Los Angeles, California this week participating in the 2025 Elite 11 Finals. An event that Alabama is certainly familiar with as well, Thomalla is apparently impressing against some of the best high school quarterbacks in the country, as the Crimson Tide's newest commitment currently sits in the No. 9 spot in the official Elite 11 Finals Day 1 rankings. A multi-day event lasting from June 17-19, Thomalla is looking to become the third consecutive Alabama commit to win Elite 11 MVP, joining Keelon Russell (2024) and Julian Sayin (2023). Sayin won the Elite 11 MVP while he was an Alabama commit, and later transferred to Ohio State. Other Alabama commits to win Elite 11 MVP include Tua Tagovailoa (2016), Blake Barnett (2014), and Brodie Croyle (2000). Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Omaha quarterback Jett Thomalla commits to the Alabama Crimson Tide
Omaha quarterback Jett Thomalla commits to the Alabama Crimson Tide Class of 2026 four-star quarterback and Omaha native Jett Thomalla flipped his commitment from Iowa State to Alabama on Tuesday. This was according to On3's Hayes Fawcett. The Nebraska native is ranked as the No. 13 overall quarterback in the 2026 class and the top player in the state of Nebraska, according to the On3 industry rankings. The quarterback had several offers on the table. This included schools such as Alabama, Iowa State, Arizona, Iowa, Missouri, Virginia Tech, and Washington State. The Huskers never offered Thomalia. The quarterback threw for 3,664 yards, 47 touchdowns, and three interceptions last season for Millard South, according to statistics from He led the Patriots to a 13-1 record and a Class A Nebraska state championship. The state of Nebraska has seen a rise in local talent over the past couple of recruiting cycles. Thomalla is certainly the latest example of that, and part of a positive trend for Nebraska high school football overall. With Dylan Raiola on the roster, future quarterbacks Dayton Raiola and Trae Taylor, it's not that surprising that the Huskers never offered a scholarship. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
