JACKSONVILLE, FL. – There are various impressions from the Media Day on the exhibition A five-star rival. This is the newest from the Rivals Nationwide Director Adam Gorney this week on Tuesdays from Gorny:
PETIACHNA CAN BE A SURPRISE
For months, Texas has been talked about because the group to beat for four-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn, and he’s wrapping up an official go to to Texas A&M, however Ohio State and USC have been closely recruiting him.
The McKinney, Texas standout appeared within the A five-star rival in a USC jersey, and whereas it isn’t the top, the Trojans have impressed him, and the Buckeyes’ recruiting historical past and quarterback recruiting historical past are huge, too.
There could also be a smokescreen at play right here, because the Longhorns are nonetheless a prime contender, however others are actually within the combine for his recruitment.
*****
DOES THE AUTHRE HAVE AN INTERESTING PLOT?
Auburn commit Malik Autry was simply taking pictures the bull with some gamers and reporters after taking footage and interviews when somebody requested him who the Tigers’ subsequent dedication can be.
“I do not know who’s subsequent, however I might say JuJu Lewis is subsequent,” Autry stated.
It might be wishful pondering on the a part of the four-star defensive finish from Opelika, Ala., because the five-star quarterback stays dedicated to USC and seems extra related to the Trojans than ever, however Auburn remains to be very a lot within the operating and Lewis is wrapping up his go to in Colorado.
Is Autry hoping for a five-star drop or does he have a future as a breaking information reporter?
*****
HICKS HAS AN INTERESTING COMMENT
The 2026 four-star security from Carrollton, Ga., will quickly put up a prime 10 and has talked about Auburn, Ohio State and Georgia on digital camera, however Texas is unquestionably value a glance and Florida appears to have his consideration as effectively.
There could also be some visits as Hicks desires to return to Ohio State, and he will likely be in Austin in late July as a dedication is anticipated round that point.
There have been a ton of Auburn rumors just lately with regards to Hicks, and the Tigers might very effectively be the choose, however others will definitely be concerned in his recruitment.
*****
ANDERSON COULD BE ITS OWN SCHOOL
Clemson was one of many first main packages to decide to Logan Anderson, and the Tigers could possibly be the final as effectively.
The four-star linebacker from Fife, Ala., speaks extremely of the Tigers right here at A five-star rival and Alabama did not provide the good-looking 6-foot-2, 215-pound standout who nonetheless feels slightly underrated in his rankings.
Auburn, Georgia and lots of others have provided, however Clemson undoubtedly appears just like the group to beat with regards to recruiting him.
*****
IMPRESSIONS from MEDIA DAY
Listed below are the fast hitters from the lodge:
– Ohio State commit London Merritt appears like an enormous, straightforward robust defender and somebody who may even transfer inside. It is all muscle, so flexibility alongside the road is one thing we might see from Merritt in Columbus.
– The highest finish of the 2026 offensive line class could possibly be for the textbooks. Jackson Cantwell is a multi-sport star who comes from an Olympic household, Kini Pepe has been a high-level standout for years, and Emmanuel Iheanacho, who hit the media a day earlier, appears like a future first-rounder. At 6-foot-7 and 340 kilos, Iheanacho carries himself so effectively. He already has 5 stars, however a step greater is out of the query.
– If five-star Tyler Atkinson stays at exterior linebacker or strikes to linebacker, Kosi Okpala will compete for the highest spot. Houston (Texas) standout Maid Creek appears like 1,000,000 bucks, and if he performs effectively throughout camp on Wednesday, there ought to be some critical five-star dialogue.
– We noticed Michael Carroll final summer season. He was huge. Now he’s in A five-star rival and it’s even greater and extra stunning. Penn State legacy from Doylestown (Pa.) Central Bucks East has moved on to Alabama and now appears prepared for the SEC.
– The Class of 2027 receiver in Texas is in good arms – actually. Ethan “Bubby” Feaster of DeSoto, Texas, and Trenton Yancey of Arlington (Texas) Lamar are each in Jacksonville, and whereas they’re totally different prospects — Feaster is taller and lankier and Yancey a Jalen Waddle kind — they seem like future superstars. We’ll see how each fare towards some elite quarterbacks, however I believe they will each do effectively.
