Million Dollar Quartet Tour Schedule

June not only ushers in warmer temperatures but is also the time when the recruiting trail really heats up with a blitz of commitments as programs hold official visits and run camps.

Ohio State holds on to the No. 1 class with a commitment list that includes three five-star prospects including new five-star QB Tavien St. Clair. Georgia, which signed the No. 1 class for the 2024 cycle, has surged up the rankings and now sit at No. 2. Recent ESPN 300 in-state defensive additions, such as LB Zayden Walker and DE Isaiah Gibson, helped the Bulldogs rise and get back into the race for the top class.

New Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer is easing any concerns that the Crimson Tide might slip in recruiting with the departure of Nick Saban, as DeBoer has led them into the top three of the class rankings. One catalyst in the move up was flipping ESPN 300 QB Keelon Russell from SMU. He is a passer who can make plays with his legs but also can be accurate with a short, compact release, and he threw for 3,000 yards and completed 75% of his passes as junior.

Built off the foundation of key in-state commitments, Rutgers has shot up the rankings as well, sitting inside the top 15. It managed to keep some key prospects close to home, including two of New Jersey's top-three-rated prospects in receiver Michael Thomas III and linebacker D.J. McClary.

June has reshaped the rankings, but with more than a hundred ESPN 300 prospects still leading the pack of the undeclared, nothing is settled and many changes are still on the horizon.

NEW TEAMS IN: Rutgers, Mississippi State, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Kentucky, Washington, South Carolina, Stanford, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Nebraska, Duke, West Virginia

TEAMS OUT: SMU, North Carolina

coverage: Recruits to know in 2025 rankings CFB's future power rankings Previewing every conference

ESPN 300 commits: 14 Top offensive prospect: QB Tavien St. Clair Top defensive prospect: CB Na'eem Offord

Previous ranking: 1

The Buckeyes missed the College Football Playoff last season, but they're signaling a return to the national title mix soon. They signed a top-five class and have made headlines with impactful transfer portal additions in 2024. While those efforts are exciting, OSU is also enjoying great success with its 2025 class. Defensively, the Buckeyes have commitments from a pair of five-star cornerback prospects in Offord and Devin Sanchez. Offord is a versatile high school player who projects to defense with outstanding quickness and an aggressive style of play. The 6-foot-2 Sanchez has coveted length. He also has the speed and suddenness to match up with a variety of receivers. Sanchez could be in the mold of current Buckeyes standout corner Denzel Burke. 

After bringing in two of the top 2024 quarterbacks in Julian Sayin and Air Noland, Ohio State continues to add more talent to that position room in St. Clair. He's an in-state prospect with physical tools to develop -- his mobility and arm strength. St. Clair has been very productive at Bellefontaine High School, throwing for nearly 6,000 yards the past two seasons while displaying consistency and completing roughly 70% of his passes.

ESPN 300 commits: 13 Top offensive prospect: TE Elyiss Williams Top defensive prospect: LB Zayden Walker

Previous ranking: 15

The Bulldogs signed the No. 1 class for the 2024 cycle and are working to line up a ninth straight top-three class. Tight ends played a key role in their recent title runs, and they're reloading at the position in 2025. Georgia holds commitments from the top two tight ends in the class. Ethan Barbour moves well with good hands. Williams has a 6-7 frame and could develop into a player in the mold of former Georgia tight end Darnell Washington. Bo Walker can give UGA another talented running back. He is a versatile playmaker who possesses good vision as a runner but also has solid hand-eye coordination and can be a receiving target as well. Having sent multiple defenders to the NFL over the last few drafts, the Dawgs are continuing to work to keep that unit elite. In-state linebacker Jadon Perlotte, is a rangy edge defender who can rush the passer and make plays in space. Walker is an explosive LB that can quickly close on ball carriers and get after QBs. Initially headed out of state with a commitment to USC, Georgia was ultimately able to keep Edge defender Isaiah Gibson at home. He has tremendous length and can be a disruptive pass rusher, having notched over 20 sacks in his previous two high school seasons.

ESPN 300 commits: 12 Top offensive prospect: QB Keelon Russell Top defensive prospect: LB Darrell Johnson

Previous ranking: 6

Alabama raced to a fast start in the 2025 cycle, but many of the initial commitments fled following Nick Saban's retirement. The new staff quickly rebounded and returned the Crimson Tide to near the top of the rankings, even if the class looks quite different. Losing highly touted 2024 QB Julian Sayin during the staff transition was a tough blow, but Kalen DeBoer was able to flip Russell from SMU and as a player that reminds us of a right-handed Michael Penix with excellent speed, it seems like a natural fit and big add at the position. Landing one of the state's top prospects, Smith, was a key win. He's a lengthy, explosive player who could contribute at wide receiver but ultimately projects to defense, where he can be a versatile talent who makes plays in space. He also showed the ability to get after the quarterback (11 sacks) as a junior.

Darrell Johnson is another versatile player who contributed at multiple positions in high school and is expected to develop on defense. ESPN 300 LB Abduall Sanders Jr. was a nice pickup out of California. He lacks elite height and length but can be active against the run between the tackles with good agility and quickness. Sanders also moves deceptively well and showed he can be productive in coverage and be a three-down defender. Alabama also flipped Antonio Coleman back from rival Auburn. He's an explosive and powerful interior defensive lineman who can be disruptive, having recorded 30 tackles for loss as a junior.

ESPN 300 commits: 10 Top offensive prospect: QB Deuce Knight  Top defensive prospect: CB Ivan Taylor

Previous ranking: 2

The Fighting Irish created buzz with their transfer portal pickup of Riley Leonard at quarterback, but they continue to add young talent to develop at the position.They signed top-five 2024 quarterback C.J. Carr and have Knight, one of the top signal-callers in the 2025 class. He's a lefty who pairs good arm strength and mobility with nice physical tools and upside. Justin Thurman is a running back with a good blend of speed, quickness and explosiveness, which he demonstrated by posting consistently strong testing numbers over the past two camp cycles. Notre Dame is working to keep their offensive line unit a strength with several additions there including a pair in the ESPN 300 in Owen Strebig and Will Black. Black has the physical tools to be one of their next premier big men as he is an aggressive blocker with good flexibility and feet.

Landing James Flanigan, an ESPN 300 prospect, continues Notre Dame's tradition of identifying and developing tight ends. Ivan Taylor is a key defensive pickup. He also has good genes as his father, Ike, won two Super Bowls. Ivan displays solid technique for this stage and good speed.

ESPN 300 commits: 10 Top offensive prospect: RB Alvin Henderson Top defensive prospect: S Eric Winters 

Previous ranking: 8

The Tigers did a nice job addressing their need at receiver in 2024. Now, they're adding to the defensive front in 2025. Auburn has three in-state ESPN 300 defensive linemen on the board: Jourdin Crawford, Jakaleb Faulk and Malik Autry. Crawford is a stout 300-pounder who stands out because he moves quite well for his size. Faulk is an edge player with length, quickness and the ability to redirect. Autry is another 300-pounder who is a big, aggressive presence in the trenches. The Tigers also added several big men to their offensive line unit, including Tavaris Dice, Broderick Shull and in-state ESPN 300 prospect Carde Smith. Dice and Smith are physically impressive offensive linemen with good flexibility and power. Shull is an intriguing and agile big man that brings tremendous upside. A player that could benefit from those OL additions is RB Henderson who the Tigers flipped from Penn State and gives them an aggressive, decisive runner with big play game speed.

ESPN 300 commits: 8 Top offensive prospect: QB Husan Longstreet Top defensive prospect: CB Adonyss Currie

Previous ranking: 9

Mike Elko now has a full year to work on the recruiting trail as he looks to build the Aggies into a consistent SEC contender. Landon Rink is a very good in-state addition to their defensive line. A competitive prospect who has shown consistent improvement throughout his high school career, Rink blends agility, technique and effort. He could be a quick contributor to the defensive line unit once he arrives. One of the top inside linebackers in the class, Kelvion Riggins, can be a physical and active presence.

In the secondary Deyjhon Pettaway needs to continue to fill out but is a corner with nice length and good movement skills. Despite not being a big body, he has shown physicality in his play. Currie was a big addition of California as a corner who blends excellent speed with sound technique as well great effort.

Despite efforts down the stretch of the 2024 cycle, the Aggies were not able to sign an ESPN 300 QB, but they have early on in the 2025 cycle landed one in Longstreet. He is a passer with a quick release and strong arm who also moves well enough to create with his legs. A&M also added a four-star running back in Deondrae Riden who has a nice blend of size and speed and has rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons.

ESPN 300 commits: 9 Top offensive prospect: QB Kevin Sperry  Top defensive prospect: DE C.J. Nickson

Previous ranking: 7

The Sooners' first official class as a member of the SEC already has a strong foundation. It's anchored by offensive firepower, including a pair of ESPN 300 wide receivers in Elijah Thomas, Gracen Harris and Marcus Harris. Gracen Harris is quick and has good hands. Thomas, an in-state commit, is a precise route-runner and offers a wide catch radius. Marcus Harris comes out of West Coast power program Mater Dei and is competitive player with quick hands and can create after the catch. Harris is quick and has good hands. Thomas, an in-state commit, is a precise route-runner and offers a wide catch radius. Running back Tory Blaylock can be an electric playmaker with excellent speed -- he has registered a max speed north of 21 mph in games.

The Sooners also landed ESPN 300 QB Sperry who has a quick release and good accuracy and threw for over 2,500 yards and completed 68% of his passes as a junior. In-state defensive end Alexander Shieldnight has first-step quickness and active hands and tallied 11 sacks as a junior. The top-rated player in the state, Nickson gives OU a lengthy Edge defender that is a multi-sport athlete and two-way player in high school. With focus on football, he is an easy mover with a high ceiling for development. While much of their class hails from OU's primary recruiting base, Trent Wilson was a nice win out of Maryland. He's a defensive lineman with good initial quickness as well as agility, and he can be an active presence in the trenches.

ESPN 300 commits: 8 Top offensive prospect: WR Lyrick Samuel Top defensive prospect: CB Daryus Dixson

Previous ranking: 10

In-state offensive talent is en route for the Nittany Lions. Tight end Brady O'Hara has excellent size at 6-foot-6, 240 pounds. He uses it to block effectively, but also runs well for his size. He can contribute as a big target in the passing game. They landed a pair of in-state backs. Tiqwai Hayes is a slashing runner who has already tallied more than 5,000 career rushing yards entering his senior year. Jabree Wallace-Coleman is a downhill runner with good size and power to break tackles. Defensively, Alex Tatsch is a quality in-state addition who has good length, range and body control. He can be a well-rounded defender equally comfortable getting upfield to apply pressure or dropping and playing in space.

While Penn State has done well close to home, it have also found success outside their borders. Samuel is a nice pickup out of New York as he a target with elite length at 6-foot-4 with nearly an 80-inch wing span and also possesses excellent vertical speed for his size. Dixson, from California, is a physical DB with good length.

ESPN 300 commits: 9 Top offensive prospect: QB Bryce Underwood Top defensive prospect: CB Jaboree Antoine

Previous ranking: 4

Few programs protect their home turf like the Tigers, and they're taking advantage of Louisiana's strong talent in 2025. LSU landed commitments from several of the state's top prospects, including the top-rated offensive. Running back Harlem Berry, the No. 1 player in Louisiana, has quick feet and home run speed and can be a playmaker with the ball in his hands. Fellow in-state ESPN 300 RB J.T. Lindsey adds more talent to the position and brings a nice blend of speed and power and rushed for over 1,700 yards as a junior.

The Tigers went out of state as well to land Underwood. A rangy five-star quarterback, Underwood has good mobility and natural arm strength while being a poised, decisive passer. He threw for over 3,100 yards with 40 touchdowns to only two interceptions as a junior. When you land one of the premier passers in the class, you also need to make sure you can protect him, and LSU has added several OL prospects to help do that, including ESPN 300 big men Carius Curne, Devin Harper and Tyler Miller.

ESPN 300 commits: 7 Top offensive prospect: RB Gideon Davidson  Top defensive prospect: S Tae Harris

Previous ranking: 5

Despite ranking just 15th for the 2024 cycle, the Tigers have already checked several boxes in 2025 with big commitments at multiple positions. Davidson and in-state prospect Marquise Henderson are a pair of key running back pledges. Davidson, a top-five running back, runs with a nice blend of size, speed and power. He posted impressive numbers as a junior, rushing for 2,700 yards and 43 touchdowns. Henderson is more slightly built at roughly 5-10, 170 pounds, but has explosive, big-play speed. He rushed for more than 2,300 yards as a junior. Four-star quarterback Blake Hebert missed most of his junior season with an injury, but he has good size, he has a smooth and compact delivery, and he moves well and extends plays.

Clemson landed several defensive linemen ranked in the ESPN 300. Watford is a lengthy player with good initial quickness who can develop into a disruptive edge rusher. In the trenches, Clemson landed defensive tackle Amare Adams, the top-ranked player in South Carolina. The Tigers also pulled tackle Isaiah Campbell out of neighboring North Carolina. Campbell has a big frame and good movement skills. One-time Georgia commit Tae Harris is a nice addition to the secondary. He projects to safety, but he's versatile enough to play corner. He posted some of the top numbers on the spring camp circuit, including a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash.

ESPN 300 commits: 4 Top offensive prospect: OT Douglas Utu Top defensive prospect: DT Ethan Utley

Previous ranking: 14

The Volunteers won a key recruiting battle to keep MacIntyre, the highest-ranked player in Tennessee and one of the nation's top quarterbacks, at home. He's a tall, rangy quarterback who also excels at basketball. He combines athleticism and pedigree with a smooth stroke and good arm strength as a passer. Fellow in-state commit Radarius Jackson could become a key target as he is a lengthy receiver with outstanding body control and can adjust to make tough catches. Three-star running back Justin Baker is a decisive runner who also can be productive without the ball and does well in pass protection.

Keeping tackle Utley at home was a big win for Tennessee's defensive line. He has a nice frame to develop along with good reach and first-step quickness.

They have also added some key pieces to the offensive line unit in ESPN 300 big men Nic Moore, a key in-state keep and Utu who out of national power program Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). A powerful blocker with good flexibility and feet, Utu could be the Vols' next impact OL in the same manner fellow former five-stars Trey Smith (2017) and Darnell Wright (2019).

ESPN 300: 4

Top offensive prospect: WR Michael Thomas III

Top defensive prospect: S Tariq Hayer

Previous ranking: Unranked 

Rutgers has just two winning seasons since joining the Big Ten. Finding success could become even more difficult as the conference evolves. Coming off a seven-win season, the Scarlet Knights are taking the task head-on and working to build their roster with enough talent to compete. Keeping a deep pool of in-state talent at home has always been both key and a struggle for Rutgers, but it successfully did that in the 2025 cycle.

Ja'Elyne Matthews is one of the top offensive linemen in the state. Rutgers also lured linebacker D.J. McClary back home after he previously committed to Penn State. A very productive high school player with more than 300 career tackles, McClary has solid quickness, ability and range. WR Michael Thomas III was another big in-state win. He is a lengthy target with big-play speed, consistently hitting over 21 mph max speed in games.

ESPN 300 commits: 3 Top offensive prospect: QB Ty Hawkins Top defensive prospect: DE Chad Woodfork

Previous ranking: 23

The Horned Frogs made a run to the national title in 2022. But now, coming off a five-win season, they're looking to infuse more talent and spark another ascension. They landed in-state ESPN 300 quarterback Ty Hawkins, a passer with a strong arm and smooth release. He's thrown for over 2,000 yards each of his last two high school seasons, and as a junior, he completed nearly 70% of his passes.

TCU added some potential future receiving targets in Ed Small, who displays strong ball skills, and Chance Ables, who has good length and body control to adjust.

On defense, the Frogs have added some talented pieces to their front. Woodfork was a big in-state win and is an explosive defender while Jared Martin was an excellent addition out of California as he possesses good initial quickness and can bend well and both can not only get after the QB but can be well-rounded defenders. From in-state, defensive tackle Floyd Guidry can use good initial quickness and leverage to be disruptive.

ESPN 300: 3

Top offensive prospect: OL Mario Nash Jr.

Top defensive prospect: LB Tyshun Willis

Previous ranking: Unranked

Jeff Lebby's hire helped the Bulldogs close the 2024 cycle strong and finish with a class on the cusp of the top 25. Now, Lebby has a full year to work. Quarterback Michael Van Buren was a very nice late add last cycle. They already have their quarterback on board for 2025 in KaMario Taylor. A passer with a strong arm and good mobility, he threw for more than 3,000 yards and rushed for nearly 800 yards as a junior. In-state offensive lineman Mario Nash took home offensive line MVP honors at a loaded Atlanta Under Armour camp. He is a big man with very good feet and mobility and does a good job of creating leverage with his hand placement. Nash needs to add some more mass, but he can be a versatile player for them along the offensive line.

Linebacker Tyshun Willis was a big in-state keep. He can play multiple spots defensively, has excellent range for his size, good length and is a productive player who tallied more than 100 tackles during his junior season.

ESPN 300 commits: 5 Top offensive prospect: QB Julian Lewis Top defensive prospect: S Hylton Stubbs

Previous ranking: 3

Lincoln Riley has developed some of the top QBs in college football in recent years. Lewis could be next. USC will have to work to hold on to the five-star passer, who reclassified from the 2026 class to 2025. He has a smooth, quick release, possesses good fundamentals and has shown the tools to become one of college football's next elite quarterbacks. Lewis' commitment is key, but the Trojans need to strengthen their defense, which ranked No. 116 in 2023, if they want to become a true national title contender. They're taking the steps to do it.

That process has had its up-and-downs during this cycle with some key losses, but they have still added talent to that side of the ball. The Trojans have added several ESPN 300 defenders including Hylton Stubbs, a safety, and cornerback Trestin Castro. Stubbs is a safety with good length and instincts and Castro is a fluid player with excellent speed having been measured hitting over 21 mph in game play. Matai Tagoa'i is a versatile linebacker that can play downhill and be active versus the run but also be effective dropping into coverage.

ESPN 300: 5

Top offensive prospect: QB Carter Smith

Top defensive prospect: S Kainoa Winston

Previous ranking: Unranked

The defending national champions start a new era with Sherrone Moore at the helm. Quarterback Carter Smith is a poised passer with good arm strength. He threw for over 2,000 yards, rushed for over 700 and was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida as a junior. WR Jacob Washington is a good, underrated pickup out of Louisiana. He tested very well this offseason on the camp circuit and offers a big target at nearly 6-foot-3 with close to an 80-inch wingspan.

Moore is a former offensive lineman and offensive line coach. So it isn't surprising he added more talent to that unit with a pair of four-star big men in Avery Gach and Kaden Strayhorn. On defense, Kainoa Winston can be a well-rounded defender in the secondary with good speed. He makes plays in coverage and has the physicality to also come up and support the run.

ESPN 300 commits: 5 Top offensive prospect: QB K.J. Lacey Top defensive prospect: DE Lance Jackson

Previous ranking: 16

The Longhorns didn't sign an ESPN 300 quarterback in 2024, but K.J. Lacey is one of the more promising signal-callers in the 2025 class. He lacks ideal size at 5-11 and 180 pounds, but he throws a good deep ball, can create and also change arm angles. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior. Tight end Emaree Winston lacks ideal height at the position, but he's a physical presence with good hands and body control. He can move the chains as a receiver and develop into a productive blocker. RB Rickey Stewart is an explosive runner with proven production, having rushed for over 5,000 yards and 50 TDs over the last two seasons.

Defensive lineman Lance Jackson has coveted size and frame for the position. He could be a disruptive player in the trenches with good initial quickness and agility.

ESPN 300 commits: 0 Top offensive prospect: WR Darien Williams Top defensive prospect: DE Sharlandiin Strange

Previous ranking: 12

Former Georgia assistant Fran Brown hit the recruiting trail running. He quickly boosted Syracuse's 2024 class to a strong finish. Now, with a full year to work, he's ready to build on that momentum in the 2025 cycle. Maintaining a strong presence in the tri-state area -- New York, New Jersey and Connecticut -- is key for the Orange. They have landed multiple good commitments from that footprint, including wide receiver Williams and corner Javon Lawrence. A hometown prospect, Williams is a polished route-runner for a player at this stage and has good body control to adjust to the ball. Lawrence possesses a solid frame with length and brings upside.

Defensive end Strange was the first player to come aboard for 2025 and was a tone-setter for the class. He possesses good size and strength and can become a productive presence in the trenches with more technical development. Antoine Deslauriers is a commit to watch. A Canadian that played his junior year in the states, he is a physically impressive and instinctive LB that can develop into a highly productive and punishing presence in the middle of their defense.

ESPN 300: 2

Top offensive prospect: OL Justin Hasenhuetl

Top defensive prospect: CB Dalen Penson

Previous ranking: Unranked

The Yellow Jackets are wisely taking advantage of the deep pool of prospects around them in talent-rich Georgia. Versatile defensive back Dalen Penson is an excellent pickup. He contributed at wide receiver, quarterback and secondary in high school. He's also a good track and field athlete. Projecting to defense, Penson plays aggressively with good quickness and ball skills.

Andre Fuller and Kamron Cullins are among Georgia Tech's strong in-state defensive line additions. Cullins moves well for his size, uses his reach well and displays good power. Fuller is simply a good football player with active hands. Both lack some ideal measurables, but have the tools to be tough, productive players up front for the Yellow Jackets. Head coach Brent Key has an offensive line background and landed a promising one in Justin Hasenhuetl. He has very good physical tools to develop because he is a flexible big man with good mobility.

ESPN 300: 1

Top offensive prospect: OT Logan Powell

Top defensive prospect: LB Mason Posa

Previous ranking: Unranked

Known for fielding big, powerful offensive lines, the Badgers keep one of the state's top big men at home in Michael Roeske. He moves well with good strength and balance and has a big frame to develop into one of the Badgers' next massive people movers. They pulled OT Logan Powell out of Arizona. He is a versatile lineman that has filled out his frame nicely throughout high school. He also moves well and can offer the unit position flexibility.

Former Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell returned to the area to land talented three-star corner Jai'mier Scott. He pairs good overall height and length with speed and closing ability. Wisconsin went outside its normal recruiting base to land LB Mason Posa. A state championship wrestler in New Mexico, he has good length, flexibility and instincts. He tallied just shy of 100 tackles as a junior with seven sacks. The Badgers pulled quarterback Landyn Locke out of Texas. He has a good frame, arm strength and throws an accurate deep ball, plus he has tools to develop.

ESPN 300: 1

Top offensive prospect: RB Shane Marshall

Top defensive prospect: LB Emmanuel Karmo

June is a hectic recruiting period and few schools were busier than the Golden Gophers. They added nearly 20 commits this month, including RB Shane Marshall. A standout performer at the Under Armour North Carolina camp this spring, he looked like a steal for South Florida, but Minnesota flipped him to add a powerful and explosive runner that can create yards after contact. He looks to be an excellent fit for the Golden Gophers.

Tight end Cross Nimmo was a nice addition. He has good hands, body control and is a physical player with tools to develop into a productive blocker as well. Minnesota pulled 6-foot-4, 220-pound quarterback Jackson Kollock out of California. He has good size, a live arm and moves well for his size. Minnesota also held off challengers to keep Emmanuel Karmo, the state's top prospect. He's an aggressive linebacker with good range.

ESPN 300 commits: 8 Top offensive prospect: WR Dallas Wilson Top defensive prospect: LB Nasir Wyatt

Previous ranking: 15

The Ducks are bringing in a familiar name at the QB position in the son of former Oregon QB Akili Smith. At 6-5 and 225 pounds, Akili Smith Jr. is a lean prospect with good physical upside. While he needs to fill out, he already displays good arm strength which should only improve, and is good at adjusting and changing arm angles. In 2023, he led his high school to an 11-1 record while throwing for over 2,400 yards with 25 TDs. Oregon signed a handful of four-star WRs during the 2024 cycle but are looking to add more big-play talent to that position with several ESPN 300 prospects committed. Dallas Wilson, out of Florida, is a tall, rangy target (6-3) with good hands and feel for getting open. Cooper Perry could be a quick contributor as he is a polished route runner for this stage. On defense, Wyatt can be a disruptive edge rusher with good initial quickness and bend, while showing the ability to get after the QB. He has over two dozen sacks over the course of his sophomore and junior seasons.

ESPN 300 commits: 4 Top offensive prospect: RB Girard Pringle Jr. Top defensive prospect: LB Elijah Melendez

Previous ranking: 20

After signing a top-10 class in 2024, which included some key in-state wins, Miami is looking to build upon its success in 2025. Linebacker Elijah Melendez saw his junior season cut short by injury, but he has a nice blend of speed, explosiveness and instincts when healthy. Running back Girard Pringle Jr. shows good power to break tackles and quick lateral movement to elude defenders. He ran for over 1,600 yards as a junior. 

They went to the Midwest to land a pair of ESPN 300 tight ends in Luka Gilbert (Ohio) and Brock Schott (Indiana). Gilbert, at 6-7, is a massive target who can develop into an asset as a blocker, and Schott is a nice compliment, who while not as big, possesses good speed and body control and can be a productive receiving target.

ESPN 300: 3

Top offensive prospect: QB Matt Zollers

Top defensive prospect: DE Daeden Hopkins

Previous ranking: Unranked

The Tigers are looking to build on their 11-win season in 2023. Quarterback Matt Zollers has good arm strength, a tight release and can also adjust arm angles. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards as a junior and is mobile enough to move the ball with his legs when necessary. Missouri has battled to keep top talent within the state. The Tigers landed the No. 1 player in Missouri for 2024 in Williams Nwaneri. They've now added the top two in-state players in 2025 as well in offensive lineman Jack Lange and defensive end Daeden Hopkins, who is lean, but long with good first-step quickness. Hopkins shows promising upside as an edge defender.

ESPN 300: 3

Top offensive prospect: RB Marquise Davis

Top defensive prospect: S Martels Carter Jr.

The Wildcats' offense featured Ray Davis, one of the top rushers in the SEC now with the Buffalo Bills, in 2023. Marquise Davis gives them another talented rusher, even if it'll be another season before he arrives. A versatile player that could also project to defense, Davis has a sturdy build at 5-foot-11, 204 pounds with a nice blend of speed and quickness. He's a productive runner who rushed for over 2,000 yards as a junior.

Kentucky has utilized transfers in recent years at quarterback, but ESPN 300 QB Stone Saunders give them a promising option to develop within the system. A competitive player with good arm strength, Saunders will be a four-year starter in high school. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 50 touchdowns as a junior. The Wildcats kept one of the state's top prospects at home in ESPN 300 safety Martels Carter Jr. He has good speed, ball skills and can contribute in the return game.

ESPN 300: 1

Top offensive prospect: TE Vander Ploog

Top defensive prospect: LB Jonathan Epperson

Previous ranking: Unranked

Jedd Fisch did a nice job rebuilding Arizona through recruiting. Now he heads into a more favorable situation at the helm of a Huskies program coming off a national championship appearance. He did a good job of retaining some key pieces of the class he inherited. He also used transfers to solidify his transitional 2024 class. Now with a full year to work, Fisch looks to keep a strong foundation of high school talent coming in.

The class includes a pair of quarterbacks in Dash Beierly and Treston McMillan. The quarterback MVP at this spring's Under Armour Seattle camp, Beierly is a focused player and a smooth operator as a passer who can throw with power and accuracy. McMillan, last year's Gatorade Player of the Year in Hawaii, should deepen the depth of the quarterback room and strengthen competition. In the trenches, Washington landed ESPN 300 offensive lineman Champ Taulealea, a flexible and powerful big man that can quickly get into defenders and generate push. TE Ploog was among the most impressive TE prospects we saw on the camp circuit this offseason and is tall, lengthy target with good body control and can be a tough matchup down the seam and in the red zone.

Four-star linebacker Jonathan Epperson is a key in-state win. He has good movement skills and can make plays in coverage in addition to being an aggressive downhill defender.

ESPN 300: 1

Top offensive prospect: WR Brian Rowe

Top defensive prospect: CB Shamari Earls

Previous ranking: Unranked

Coming off a five-win 2023 season, the Gamecocks are working to elevate within the SEC. They signed a top-20 class in 2024 and are adding more talent this cycle as well. Shamari Earls was a big win on the recruiting trail. The 6-foot-2 corner is tall, explosive, covers ground and makes plays on 50-50 balls. In-state defensive back Damarcus Leach is another strong addition to their secondary. He also possesses very nice height and length and blends it was excellent play speed, having been recorded hitting over 21 mph in game play.

On offense, wide receiver Brian Rowe is slightly built, but he can fly. Rowe has excellent leaping ability and can create after the catch. He had over 1,000 yards receiving as a junior. In-state receiver Jayden Sellers is another slightly built target, but brings good speed as well to their receiver room.

ESPN 300 commits: 3 Top offensive prospect: RB Akylin Dear Top defensive prospect: LB Jarcoby Hopson

Previous ranking: 17

The Rebels have made some noise in the transfer portal, but for 2025, they have also been active on the recruiting trail and mining some of the in-state talent. Dear, the No. 2-ranked player in Mississippi, can be a hardworking back. With a powerful build (6-feet, 205), he can break tackles, but also possesses the speed to pull away and create big plays when he gets into space. Hopson is one of the top defenders within the state and can be a physical presence with his range and ability to deliver punishing hits as a tackler.

ESPN 300 commits: 2 Top offensive prospect: RB Taevion Swint Top defensive prospect: S Kendarius Reddick

Previous ranking: 21

The Knights have recruited well with their transition to the Big 12 under Gus Malzahn and are in the mix for one of the top classes in the conference. They're leaning on a deep pool of surrounding talent in the Southeast. In-state running back Swint has a compact, sturdy build with good lateral quickness and vision. He has rushed for over 2,000 yards over the past two seasons.

WR Santonyo Isaac is another in-state offensive weapon. Though he has a slight build, he has some wiggle in the way he moves and tracks the ball well. On defense, UCF flipped Reddick, an ESPN 300 top-10 safety from Auburn. Out of south Georgia, he is fluid in his movements and an active defender who hauled in four interceptions and forced two fumbles as a junior. Rukeem Stroud, a one-time Wisconsin commit, was another good flip the Knights were able to keep closer to home. He is a lean prospect that needs to fill out, but is still aggressive in is play and is smooth in his movements with good game speed.

ESPN 300: 1

Top offensive prospect: QB Grayson Wilson

Top defensive prospect: ATH Markeylin Batton

Previous ranking: Unranked

Arkansas' win totals have steadily decreased since its nine-win season in 2021. The Razorbacks are working the recruiting trail to help get them rising once again. Keeping in-state quarterback Grayson Wilson home was a nice start. He's a coachable player that has shown good accuracy and the ability to change ball speeds. Wilson also runs well and can make plays with his legs. He had a strong performance at the Under Armour Next Dallas camp this spring, sharing quarterback MVP honors with Alabama commit Keelon Russell.

Markeylin Batton is a versatile addition. His upside might be highest on defense as a corner, but he could also contribute on offense. Wide receiver Kamare Williams out of Florida is a big target at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds with nice reach and can use his size to win contested matchups.

ESPN 300: 1

Top offensive prospect: RB Deandre Desinor

Top defensive prospect: CB Terrance Edwards

Previous ranking: Unranked

The Mountaineers are using their nine-win season in 2023 to help cultivate success on the recruiting trail. RB Deandre Desinor has bounced around a bit in high school, but has displayed good tools and physical promise at each stop. He has still rushed for nearly 2,000 yards the previous two seasons. He is powerful enough to be effective between the tackles with good speed to finish when he gets in space. Three-star quarterback Scotty Fox has a strong arm and lightning-quick release. He seems like a nice fit for Neal Brown's offense.

West Virginia landed ESPN 300 offensive lineman Kyle Altuner out of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (MD) in 2024. The Mountaineers returned to the same school to land Gavin Crawford, another promising interior lineman. He has quick feet and good power. Crawford was an MVP performer at the Under Armour Next New Jersey Camp stop. Amir Leonard-Jean Charles is an interesting prospect to watch in the class. At 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, he's a big body who can be effective as an interior defender, but arguably has better upside as an offensive lineman. If he makes the move and buys in, West Virginia could have an even greater impact from this class.

ESPN 300: 0

Top offensive prospect: QB Adam Schobel

Top defensive prospect: DE Michael Riles

Previous ranking: Unranked

Mike Gundy has done a nice job identifying and developing quarterbacks over his tenure at Oklahoma State. Schobel might become his next productive signal caller. A passer with consistent mechanics and good touch, he has thrown for over 2,000 yards each of his first three high school seasons. Wide receiver Jaden Perez could be an early contributor. He's a polished route runner for this stage.

On defense, Michael Riles flashes good explosiveness off the ball and possesses good strength. He does a nice job of taking and defeating blocks. Three-star defensive lineman Alexander McPherson was a good pickup out of IMG Academy and further adds to their defensive line unit. Simply put, he's a good football player that can utilize leverage and stay sound in his assignments.

ESPN 300: 0

Top offensive prospect: QB Bear Bachmeier

Top defensive prospect: DE Adam Shovlin

Previous ranking: Unranked

Bachmeier has a thick, sturdy build and displays good anticipation while throwing with accuracy. The quarterback has thrown for over 2,500 yards each of the last two seasons while completing at least 66% of his passes each year. He can also move well and rushed for over 600 yards each of the last two years.

On defense, Shovlin is a competitive, high-energy player that can win battles with power and moves well for his size. He can be a disruptive presence. Fellow defensive line commit Kole Briehler has some similar traits and should complement Shovlin well.

ESPN 300: 1

Top offensive prospect: TE Mikkel Skinner

Top defensive prospect: DE Erik Gayle

Previous ranking: Unranked

Mikkel Skinner is one of several promising under-the-radar Bearcats prospects. A versatile player, he has been utilized as a tight end, running back and kick returner in high school. Skinner tested well on the camp circuit this spring. On the field, he displays good hands and body control. Skinner rushed for over 500 yards as a junior while racking up over 500 yards receiving.

On defense, Erik Gayle impressed us on film as an edge defender with good explosiveness and a physical style of play. He added a fourth star with a strong camp performance, backing up what we saw on film. Gayle gives Cincinnati a promising defender once they further develop his frame. High three-star running back Zion Johnson can quickly hit top speed and exploit daylight as a runner.

ESPN 300: 1

Top offensive prospect: WR Gerritt Kemp

Top defensive prospect: LB Cameron Smith

Previous ranking: Unranked

Mike Elko wasted little time identifying talent and building the Blue Devils' class while he was there. New head coach Manny Diaz seems to be taking the same approach. The defensive-minded Diaz landed linebacker Cameron Smith, who he knew dating back to his time as Penn State's defensive coordinator. Smith is an explosive, physical linebacker who can be a productive playmaker.

Defensive lineman Sampson Onuoha was a nice pickup out of Massachusetts. The defender has good burst off the ball, displays good flexibility and active hands. Julius Columbus is another good addition to their defensive line unit. He is excellent with his hands and can quickly press and shed blockers and develop into an active run defender. On offense, Duke added a pair of high three-star wide receivers out of Georgia in Gerritt Kemp and Jaivon Solomon. The latter is a smooth strider with good vertical speed and can track the ball well.

ESPN 300: 2

Top offensive prospect: QB T.J. Lateef

Top defensive prospect: ATH Caden VerMaas

Previous ranking: Unranked

The Huskers made headlines signing five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola last cycle, but maintaining quarterback depth and optionality has never been more vital. Nebraska added T.J. Lateef, another ESPN 300 quarterback, who is a confident player with an effortless release. Lateef can drive the ball into tight windows when needed, but can also throw with touch. Jamarion Parker can be a versatile offensive weapon as a multi-purpose back. He is elusive with the ball in his hands in space and has the speed to finish plays. Tight end Bear Tenney is a big target at 6-foot-6, 260 pounds that offers a wide catch radius with good hands and body control.

In-state recruiting is always important to the Cornhuskers. They have several top prospects from Nebraska, including athlete Caden VerMaas, who projects to defense and is the longest-tenured commit in the class. Tyson Terry is another. He is a competitive, physical and stout defensive lineman that can be a sound, consistent performer in the trenches.

ESPN 300 commits: 0 Top offensive prospect: WR Bryson Jones Top defensive prospect: LB Brock Golwas

Preview ranking: 24

Joey McGuire elevated the Red Raiders' recruiting upon his arrival in Lubbock. He's looking to build on the momentum of a top-25 class in 2024 that featured five-star receiver Micah Hudson. Texas Tech has landed additional talented in-state receivers in Jones and Tristian Gentry. Jones is a lengthy target and is an excellent route runner at this stage and Gentry has excellent burst, good quickness and makes plays after the catch. Preztynn Harrison is listed at tight end but the multisport athlete is a hybrid-type target with outstanding length and good ball skills.

Texas Tech has done a good job with early evaluations and might have landed a defensive steal in linebacker Golwas. He's a thickly built player with versatility, having played multiple positions in high school including wildcat quarterback. He has good body control and excellent range and has been recorded running over 21 mph in game play.

ESPN 300 commits: 0 Top offensive prospect: WR Adrian Wilson Top defensive prospect: S Joseph Smith

The Sun Devils have been very active in the transfer portal to rebuild their roster but as they transition to the Big 12, Kenny Dillingham has also kept a focus on brining in younger talent to develop within the program. Wilson was a big win out of Texas. He has a slight build but runs good routes and can be dangerous after the catch. Tight end A.J. Ia is a bigger target with good body control who can offer a wide catch radius. QB Michael Tollefson is a poised passer and displays good anticipation and touch. He should be a good fit in his system.

ESPN 300 commits: 0 Top offensive prospect: QB Elijah Oehlke Top defensive prospect: DT Nicco Maggio

Previous ranking: 18

Dave Clawson is building upon the theory that games are won and lost up front. Maggio is a defensive tackle who also plays baseball. He's a physical presence who uses his hands well and could contribute quickly once he arrives. On the edge, Cole Funderburk demonstrated the ability to pressure the quarterback, racking up 16 sacks as a junior. Adding to Wake's defensive line haul, Terry Nwabuisi-Ezeala is a big body who can play with leverage and be a stout interior defender. The Deacons have also added strong talent to their offensive line with Will Saba, who blends lower-body flexibility and agility with a tenacious play style.

Wake landed a sleeper at QB with nice upside in Oehlke, a passer who can make plays from the pocket. He also tested very well at the UA Next Charlotte camp this spring and can make plays with his legs.

ESPN 300 commits: 0 Top offensive prospect: QB Cole Geer Top defensive prospect: LB Isaiah Reese

Previous ranking: 22

Virginia finished over .500 for the first time since 2019, but is building for a brighter future with some strong additions in the 2025 class. Reese is a versatile defender with very good range and brings a high ceiling for development. A multi-sport athlete who is one of the nation's top javelin throwers, he should only improve with focus on football once arriving at Virginia.

Geer is a sound passer with a strong arm and good footwork. From within state, receiver Isaiah Robinson is a rangy target with good hands and speed, and he can adjust well to the ball.