Latest college football commitments, graded: Which recruits truly move the needle?

Our scoring model cuts through the stars and the buzz buzz to reveal which commitments actually change a program's outlook—and which ones are just window dressing.

Not all commitments are created equal -- and in today's college football landscape, that's truer than ever. With roster turnover at an all-time high and player movement spanning coast to coast, the question isn't just who committed. It's how much does it actually matter?

That's why we're rolling out the Commitment Impact Score -- a quick, context-rich metric designed to measure the real-time value of a commitment beyond just stars and rankings.

What it is:

The Commitment Impact Score (CIS) is a 1–10 score that reflects how meaningful a new commitment is to a program at the time it happens. It's not about long-term potential alone — it's about fit, timing, and program trajectory. A 3-star commit can sometimes matter more than a 4-star, depending on who else is on the roster and where the team is headed.

How we score it:

We evaluate each commitment across three simple categories:

• Roster Boost (Does this player fill a current or future need?)

• Momentum Hit (Does the commitment move the needle in rankings or buzz?)

• Program Fit / Narrative (Does it fit the school's culture, timeline, or build a key pipeline?)

Each category is scored from 1 to 5, and we weight them based on impact -- with Roster Boost accounting for 50% of the final score. The total is scaled to a 1–10 score, then tiered into one of four buckets:

Score	Tier
9–10	🟣 Game-Changer
7–8	🟢 Strong Add
5–6	🟡 Solid Depth
1–4	🔴 Low-Impact

We also include a brief explanation for each commit's score -- whether it's a flip from a rival, a future starter at a thin position, or a quiet add that flies under the radar.

Why it matters:

In the transfer portal and NIL era, it's no longer enough to report that a school landed a 4-star. We want to contextualize every move: Is this commitment plugging a hole or stacking talent? Is it a class-altering win or just depth?

You can track the latest college football roster additions here. Below we are gauging the impact scores across college football's biggest programs. 

[Jul 15, 2025 at 7:46 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

4-star DL James Johnson flips to Texas

Our Eval: Game-Changer (9/10)

Pour some more fuel on the emerging Texas-Georga rivalry. After the Longhorns went into the Peach State and beat out the Bulldogs for five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson's commitment​, Steve Sarkisian and his staff flipped James Johnson from Kirby Smart's crew just a few hours later.

Johnson, who ranks as the No. 13 defensive lineman in the class, not only gives Texas a potential difference-maker at the point of attack, but it prevents Georgia from having him on its roster. That is of course if Johnson ends up sticking with the Longhorns.

Owner of a 94 explosion score from NextGen Prospects, the quick-twitched Johnson won't celebrate his 18th birthday until next summer. That makes him one of the younger interior defenders in the class. He needs to figure out how to bring it every snap, but the peaks on his game tape are some of the best in the cycle.

Texas started the day with a class that ranked No. 8 overall and is now up to No. 6 in the rankings. The Longhorns could move even higher if they land blue-chip running back Derrek Cooper​ later this week.

[Jul 15, 2025 at 5:33 pm ET · Gabe Brooks]

3-star RB SirPaul Cheeks commits to West Virginia

Our Eval: Strong add (7/10)

I personally love this addition for West Virginia because of Cheeks' outstanding track and field profile and how it translates to functional, on-field athleticism. Cheeks owns sizzling indoor 55- and 60-meter times, plus a 10.62 100 and a 21.45 200. Those are among the elite times in this 2026 running back class.

On the field, Cheeks has played part-time running back snaps, but extensive reps at receiver, not to mention heavy defensive and special teams duties. He should get to college with relatively little tread wear, so to speak, and valuable varied experience and production -- 10 rushing TDs, six receiving TDs, and two INT return TDs in 2024.

With three of its six running backs for 2025​ at least four years into their college careers, West Virginia likely expects significant turnover in their RB room. Cheeks now gives the Mountaineers three RB pledges in the 2026 class, and he's ranked the highest of that trio.

[Jul 15, 2025 at 12:35 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

5-star LB Tyler Atkinson commits to Texas

Our Eval: Game-Changer (10/10)

Finally, some much-needed good news for the Longhorns. After missing out on a number of high-profile targets in recent weeks, Texas pushed all of its chips in for Tyler Atkinson and secured his commitment Tuesday as he announced for the Longhorns live on The Pat McAfee Show.

Atkinson was linked to a variety of different schools throughout the recruiting process, but many believed that in the end Georgia was going to be too hard to beat. But like we learned last cycle when five-star defensive lineman Justus Terry​ picked Texas over Kirby Smart's Bulldogs, the powerbrokers in Austin are going to do what it takes to build a College Football Playoff winner.

A tackle machine the past three years in one of the Peach State's highest classifications, Atkinson has what it takes to play all three downs in the SEC and could give the Longhorns another Anthony Hill Jr.​ to build around. He should be viewed as the future of the Texas defense while Elite 11 MVP and five-star quarterback commit Dia Bell​ should be viewed as the future of the Texas offense.

[Jul 15, 2025 at 8:36 am ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star RB Evan Hampton flips to Vanderbilt

Our Eval: Strong Add (7/10)

Diego Pavia was the straw that stirred the drink for the Commodores, but the running backs were just as important to the team's success. That's why Evan Hampton's decision to flip his verbal commitment from Louisville to Vanderbilt late Monday night is notable.

A former Kentucky baseball commit, Hampton is a shifty outside zone runner with a naturally low center of gravity that can make defenders miss in the hole. He's the type of running back that could have a ton of success in Tim Beck's spread-option scheme.

Vanderbilt has been heavy on the transfers in recent years, but Hampton and quarterback commit Michael Mitchell Jr. give Clark Lea & Co. some young offensive pieces to start building around.

[Jul 14, 2025 at 2:59 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star SAF Tamarion Watkins commits to Texas A&M

Our Eval: Strong Add (7/10)

Texas A&M added yet another exciting piece to its elite defensive haul Monday in Tamarion Watkins, who some thought was leaning towards South Carolina.

A lanky defensive back with impressive range, Watkins could settle in as a safety or grow into a linebacker in the coming years depending on how he fills into a frame that's believed to be over 6-foot-3 and north of 200 pounds. He's likely going to need some time to find his bearings, but his length and movement patterns are similar to Kendal Daniels​, who started 28 games the past three years at Oklahoma State as a hybrid linebacker/safety before transferring into Oklahoma.

Watkins joins five-stars Tristian Givens​, Brandon Arrington​ and Bryce-Perry Wright​ in a Mike Elko class that sits No. 3 in the rankings.

[Jul 14, 2025 at 7:58 am ET · Andrew Ivins]

4-star WR Jayden Warren commits to Houston

Our Eval: Game-Changer (9/10)

We have been waiting and waiting to see if and when Houston would capitalize on having five-star quarterback Keisean Henderson​ and it has finally happened.

Jayden Warren became the second blue-chip wide receiver to pick the Cougars this month as he announced a commitment Sunday live on the 247Sports YouTube channel​. A good-sized pass catcher that turned heads at the Navy National Combine back this past winter, Warren captured district titles this spring in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes. He caught just 26 passes as a junior, but 14 of them went for touchdowns.

Henderson is going to have some weapons to work with in the Space City as Warren joins a Houston class that also includes four-star Paris Melvin Jr.​ and two more big-play threats in Jeremiah Bushnell​ and Kevaon Roberts​.

[Jul 14, 2025 at 7:47 am ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star SAF Blake Stewart commits to Clemson

Our Eval: Solid Depth (6/10)

Clemson got a perfect program fit over the weekend as Blake Stewart announced a pledge to the Tigers on Sunday. 

A rare five-sport athlete out of the Atlanta area with a higher GPA, Stewart also took official visits to Michigan, Miami and Vanderbilt last month. He should offer some alignment flexibility for Clemson with his longer frame, processing speed and ball skills. The tape suggests that Stewart is a safety, but he could find a home at cornerback much like Ashton Hampton​ has for the Tigers.

Dabo Swinney's class ranks No. 11 overall on Monday morning. That's behind only Miami in the ACC.

[Jul 13, 2025 at 3:39 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star TE Zachery Turner commits to SMU

Our Eval: Strong Add (8/10)

RJ Maryland​ played a big part in SMU's run to the College Football Playoff last year before going down with an injury. It's never easy trying to find a carbon copy of a star player, but Zachery Turner is similar in a lot of ways to Maryland.

A high-volume target for Alabama quarterback signee Keelon Russell​ this past season, Turner proved to be a difficult cover for linebackers as he constantly created separation and then was able to capitalize on his catch-and-run opportunities with his sneaky speed and run strength.

Turner, who was also heavily linked to both Miami and Oklahoma, is the 15th in-state commit for the Mustangs in a class that ranks No. 17 nationally.

[Jul 13, 2025 at 3:35 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star ATH Jacob Eberhart commits to Illinois

Our Eval: Strong Add (7/10)

Jacob Eberhart is the 23rd prospect to announce his intentions to play for Illinois this cycle. 

Currently graded out as an athlete, Eberhart projects best as a second-level defender and that's where the Illini plan to use him. Eberhart will more than likely first get a look at safety, but it wouldn't be surprising if he eventually found himself in the linebacker room as he's already over 200 pounds and not done filling out a frame that's north of 6-foot-2.

Illinois has been one of the best at developing under-the-radar high school talent in recent years and Eberhart is a nice high-profile win for Bret Bielema as he was also considering Oklahoma, Nebraska and Missouri. 

[Jul 13, 2025 at 7:33 am ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star SAF Tyriq Green

Our Eval: Solid Depth (6/10)

Georgia's No. 2-ranked class is up to 29 commits with Tyriq Green picking Georgia over Miami and Auburn.

A three-phase playmaker at Buford that was a member of a state-titling winning 4x100 squad earlier this year, Green was initially viewed by some schools as a running back, but the Bulldogs want him at safety as he has the physical temperament to be a hammer in run support.

Georgia has recruited the defensive side of the ball as good as anyone in recent cycles and while Green might not be as highly-ranked as some of the other recent defensive back additions, he fits what Kirby Smart and Glenn Schumann want to do on defense as he can tackle and locate football in coverage. It wouldn't be surprising to see Green emerge as a special team's ace after a redshirt.

[Jul 13, 2025 at 1:52 am ET · Greg Biggins]

3-star OG Jax Tanner commits to BYU

Our Eval: Strong Add (8/10)

BYU has a chance to sign one of their best ever recruiting classes and Jax Tanner is another huge coup. He's the second offensive lineman to commit to the Cougs joining Top247 guard Bott Mulitalo and chose BYU after also officially visiting national heavyweight programs like Michigan, Oregon and Tennessee.

Tanner shined at the Under Armour Next Camp in Utah back in May where he showed more athleticism than anticipated and more length as well. He's a shade under 6-foot-4 but has 34" arms and all the traits to be a dominant interior lineman in college. Has the length, feet and balance to play some tackle at the college level but frame wise, his upside is probably highest at guard or even center. 

Tanner plays with just the right amount of nastiness and plays with a real mean streak and controlled aggression. He's a powerful run blocker, fluid in how he moves and shows good lateral mobility. He has the traits, toughness and athleticism to be a multi-year starter at BYU and if he continues to develop, we think he has a great shot to play on Sunday's. 

[Jul 12, 2025 at 4:55 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

4-star TE Kaiden Prothro commits to Georgia

Our Eval: Game-Changer (9/10)

The rich get richer. Kaiden Prothro became the third – yes, third – blue-chip tight end to pick Georgia this cycle as he joined a UGA recruiting class on Saturday  that already includes Brayden Fogle​ and Lincoln Keyes​.

Both Fogle and Keyes are talented recruits that have a chance to emerge as impact players in the SEC, but Prothro has a chance to be special in a league full of future pros with his length and athleticism. He spent much of his junior year lined up on the outside as a jumbo was able to make acrobatic grabs at all three levels.

The Bulldogs might have missed out on Mark Bowman​ (the No. 1-ranked tight end in the class), but one of college football's top units isn't going to miss a beat anytime soon with the additions of Prothro (No. 2 TE), Fogle (No. 8 TE) and Keys (No. 14 TE). That's after assistant Todd Hartley​ signed Elyiss Williams​ (No. 2 TE) and Ethan Barbour​ (No. 14 TE) in the 2025 cycle.

[Jul 12, 2025 at 4:17 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

4-star ATH Heze Kent commits to Florida

Our Eval: Solid Depth (6/10)

Florida landed by far one of the more unique prospects in the 2026 cycle when Heze Kent announced a commitment to the Gators on Saturday. 

A goliath of a tight end, Kent is listed as an "athlete" because his frame suggests that his future is more than likely going to be somewhere on the offensive line. But Kent – who has been verified at north of 6-foot-6, 310 pounds – has maintained throughout the recruiting process that he's a tight end and Florida appears to be more than open to the idea of letting him run routes.

It's hard to find a player comparison for Kent given the build, but he's similar in a lot of ways to current UF tight end Tony Livingston​, who played 178 offensive snaps for the Gators last season and was utilized primarily as an extra blocker in short-yardage situations. A redshirt is more than likely for Kent, but he's a unique mover at his size and could be a cheat code in the red zone if he sticks at tight end.

[Jul 12, 2025 at 8:08 am ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star CB Devonte Anderson commits to Louisville

Our Eval: Strong Add (7/10)

Louisville assistant Steve Ellis​ has a strong track record when it comes to developing NFL defensive backs. Not only did he help mold Quincy Riley and Jarvis Brownlee into future pros while with the Cardinals, but he worked with both Shavon Revel and Ja'Quan McMillian at East Carolina and Reed Blankenship at Middle Tennessee State.

Devonte Anderson gives Ellis yet another young defensive back with Sunday tools. A two-way player at West Orange that was also considering Miami, Auburn and plenty of others, Anderson mixes aggressive habits and impressive response time with an imposing frame. He's likely going to need a year or two to adjust to the speed of the collegiate game, but he's got some of what's required to emerge as an impact player in the ACC.

Louisville sneakily has one of the top cornerback duos committed down in Florida with Jaydin Broadnax​ also a member of Jeff Brohm's 22-man class.

[Jul 11, 2025 at 9:02 pm ET · Gabe Brooks]

4-star edge KJ Ford commits to Florida

Our eval: Strong add (7/10)

KJ Ford gives Florida a potentially role-/personnel-versatile edge defender who's shown promising run-game consistency and flashes of big-time pass-rushing potential. On paper, his positional home likely fits in the same spots as recent fellow top 100 signees in five-star LJ McCray and four-star Jayden Woods, giving the Gators a growing collection of traitsy, high-end pass rushers across three different recruiting cycles.

Ford uses leverage and sudden point-of-attack strength to affect the run game. He's still developing consistent bend-and-dip flexibility, but flashes arc-running ability as a rusher. We have also seen promising stack-and-shed power against larger foes from Ford, who is a defensive stalwart for one of the Lone Star State's top Class 6A programs at Duncanville, a prospect factory for many years.

Florida now boasts three top 100 commits in the 2026 Top247 rankings. All three of those players are defensive prospects as Ford joins high-ceiling cornerback CJ Bronaugh and behemoth interior D-lineman Kendall Guervil.

[Jul 11, 2025 at 7:35 pm ET · Greg Biggins]

4-star CB Samari Matthews commits to Texas

Our eval: Strong add (8/10)

The Longhorns received a big boost to their '26 commit class in Samari 'Smoke' Matthews, one of the top defensive back prospects in the country. We fully expect Texas to finish out their '26 class on a high note as usual but it's been a bit of a commitment drought recently so the Matthews news is big. 

In terms of his size, length and athleticism, Matthews is how you draw it up and flashes the positional versatility to move around and play just about anywhere in the secondary.  He's pushing 6-foot-1, 190 pounds and has shown the ability to play as a boundary corner as well as over the slot. He flashes some natural cover skills and can play a physical game as well. 

Texas has done a great job developing defensive backs in recent years and getting them to the League (NFL) and Matthews is another high upside player with the kind of ceiling to hear his name called in the first few rounds of the Draft whenever he decides to come out. 

[Jul 11, 2025 at 6:54 pm ET · Greg Biggins]

3-star OL J.B. Shabazz commits to Tennessee 

Our eval: Strong add (7/10)

Tennessee picked up their third offensive lineman this cycle and the second we think can play the tackle position. Shabazz is a massive player and looks all of the 6-foot-6, 315 pounds he's listed at. He's a well proportioned lineman, doesn't look top heavy or sloppy and shows good feet and balance as well. 

At the next level, he probably projects best on the right side, but we like the multi-sport-hoops background along with the length and it won't shock us if he can play some on the left as well. Shabazz is a player we think would benefit from a red-shirt season and develop a bit more from a technique standpoint but the upside is there and he projects a multi-year starter for the Vols.  

[Jul 11, 2025 at 6:10 pm ET · Chance Linton]

3-star SAF Nick Reddish commits to Notre Dame

Our eval: Solid depth (6/10)

Notre Dame's recent success in recruiting the state of North Carolina continues with the addition of Reddish, who committed to the Fighting Irish over fellow finalists Indiana, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin live on 247Sports' YouTube channel.  The Charlotte (N.C.) Independence product gives Marcus Freeman's program their fourth pledge from the Tar Heel State in the 2026 cycle.

Reddish joins a loaded Notre Dame recruiting class that ranks fourth-nationally and already includes a pair of blue-chip safeties in five-star Joey O'Brien and top-150 prospect Ayden Pouncey. The Irish also signed a Top247 safety in each of the last two cycles, so early playing time will be tough to come by in a crowded position room, but Reddish projects as a future impact player at the Power Four level.

[Jul 11, 2025 at 3:25 pm ET · Chance Linton]

4-star WR Jordan Clay commits to Baylor

Our eval: Game-changer (10/10)

Make it two game-changing commitments in two days for Dave Aranda and his staff as Clay joins top-50 defensive lineman Jamarion Carlton in what is shaping up to be an outstanding Baylor class. The San Antonio Madison product chose the Bears over his other two finalists in Colorado and Oklahoma, giving the Bears their highest-ranked wide receiver commit since KD Cannon and Davion Hall in 2014.

Clay should have ample opportunity to make an early impact in Waco as he joins wide receiver room that is set to lose six seniors after this season.

Baylor's 2026 recruiting class now features a trio of prospects ranked inside the top-100 nationally – prior to this cycle, the program had not landed a single top-100 prospect since 2015.

[Jul 10, 2025 at 10:25 pm ET · Gabe Brooks]

4-star DL Carter Gooden commits to UCLA

Our eval: Strong add (7/10)

UCLA gets a unique front-line defender in Carter Gooden, who is originally from Canada and boasts an impressively layered athletic profile that includes lacrosse, hockey, and basketball. Gooden plays the edge at the high school level, but, approaching 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, projects as a more traditional defensive line piece.

Gooden's combination of physical tools and athleticism make him a potentially versatile weapon at the line of scrimmage. He displays promising effort and strength as a rusher and could raise his ceiling in that category as he expands his move set and employs some speed-changing nuance. If Gooden indeed winds up signing with the Bruins, he represents their highest-ranked defensive addition since 2017, when five-star edge Jaelen Phillips, No. 2 overall in the Top247 for that class, inked with UCLA. 

The Bruins fielded an excellent run defense in 2024 (No. 5 nationally), but they were tied for 100th in passing yards allowed per game and 107th in takeaways per game. Stacking defensive line talent is clearly a priority for this class, as three of UCLA's top five commitments are D-linemen.

[Jul 10, 2025 at 9:27 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star SAF D'Montae Tims commits to Colorado

Our Eval: Solid Depth (6/10)

Colorado's recruiting class is starting to take shape and D'Montae Tims became the second Florida-based prospect to announce for the Buffs this week.

A larger safety with a higher football IQ, Tims just finds ways to make plays as both a pass and a run defender. He was at one point being courted by Georgia and it's easy to see why as he's a skilled tackler that can get opponents on the ground after rolling his hips upon contact.

Deion Sanders might continue to lean heavily on the transfer portal for ready-to-play additions, but Tims is a high school take that makes a ton of sense for the Buffs as he can roll up into the box or play from a midfield posting. That versatility is needed in the Big 12 where schemes and personnel vary.

[Jul 10, 2025 at 8:56 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star EDGE DeAnthony Lafayette commits to LSU

Our Eval: Strong Add (7/10)

Rush. Crush. Close. That's the name of the game for DeAnthony Lafayette, who gives LSU yet another potential game-wrecker at the point of attack. 

Lafayette doesn't meet the usual height requirements, but he's a violent edge defender that has surprising length in the arms and outstanding power in the lower half. He totaled 40 quarterback hurries and 17.5 sacks as a junior for a Lake Nona program that also produced Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant. 

LSU has to get better up front and the Tigers are doing just that through the high school ranks as Lafayette joins a front-seven haul that also includes five-star defensive tackle Lamar Brown, five-star edge rusher Trenton Henderson and four-star defensive tackle Richardson Anderson.

[Jul 10, 2025 at 5:58 pm ET · Gabe Brooks]

4-star DL Jamarion Carlton commits to Baylor

Our eval: Game-changer (10/10)

Carlton gives Baylor its second top 100 commitment in the 2026 Top247 rankings​. The last time Baylor signed two top 100 prospects in the same class? That's 2015: QB Jarrett Stidham and ATH Blake Lynch. Stidham enters his seventh NFL season, while Lynch played five different positions at Baylor before spending the past five years bouncing around the NFL.

Baylor does not have many guys on campus like Jamarion Carlton. Pushing 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, Carlton owns immense frame potential and an excellent athletic profile that includes some high-flying basketball context. Carlton is a work in progress on the gridiron, but has shown flashes of dominance thanks to sudden, quick-twitch power and chase-down athleticism. We got to see him live in pads for a full week at the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl, where he was among the younger players, and he impressively held his own against much heavier point-of-attack foes.

Carlton possesses one of the highest ceilings on the defensive side of the ball in this cycle. His commitment continues Baylor's hyper-local success at the top of the Bears' class. Four of Baylor's top five commitments hail from high schools within 40 miles of campus.

[Jul 10, 2025 at 5:41 pm ET · Gabe Brooks]

4-star ATH Paris Melvin Jr. commits to Houston

Our eval: Strong add (8/10)

Houston coach Willie Fritz and his staff continue the long-term makeover of the lacking roster they inherited. Melvin gives Houston's 2026 class a dynamic athlete who could legitimately become a quality starter on either side of the ball, while also providing layered special teams value.

A track and field standout with 10.8-second 100-meter speed that translates to the gridiron, Melvin scored 21 offensive touchdowns, threw one TD pass, and recorded an interception on defense in 2024. He joins five-star QB Keisean Henderson to give Houston two headliners (and counting) in this 2026 class.

Houston metro represents one of the very best recruiting hotbeds in the country, and Fritz and Co. have justifiably prioritized local talent. Ten of Houston's 13 commitments are from Texas, including six from metro Houston and Southeast Texas. Even UH's three out-of-state commitments are all from Louisiana's I-10 corridor.

[Jul 10, 2025 at 5:28 pm ET · Gabe Brooks]

3-star LB Carson Crawford commits to Colorado

Our eval: Strong add (7/10)

Crawford represents a versatile linebacker prospect with the functional athleticism to play off the ball, but the height and frame potential to provide designated rusher flexibility in certain packages. We saw Crawford's versatility during his stellar junior season, which included heavy snaps at linebacker, edge, H-back, and tight end, and periodic reps at nickel, cornerback (!), and wideout for the Lone Star State's Class 4A Division II state champions.

Colorado needed some good news on the recruiting front, and Crawford is exactly that. The high three-star 88 rating he holds on 247Sports makes him the Buffs' second highest-rated commitment of their seven 2026 pledges, five of whom have announced in the past 2 1/2 weeks.

Colorado made significant defensive progress from 2023 to 2024, rising 80-plus spots in yards per game allowed this past season. As the Buffs build out their defensive depth chart, Crawford could potentially provide valuable early depth with the long-term potential to become a starting stalwart.

[Jul 10, 2025 at 3:47 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star DL Amier Clark commits to Georgia Tech

Our Eval: Solid Depth (5/10)

Georgia Tech always wants to fill its roster with local Peach State talent, but the Yellow Jackets have also had some success recruiting the Sunshine State in recent years and GT added another Floridian to its class Thursday in Amier Clark.

An upfield penetrator with solid snap anticipation, Clark defeated blocks with his punch and leg drive. He was believed to be favoring Rutgers as he neared a decision, but Georgia Tech and defensive line coach Jess Simpson sold him on the idea of spending the next few years in Atlanta. 

Clark likely won't be a Day 1 contributor, but he reminds us a little bit of former Osceola defensive lineman Mario Kendricks, who started 20 career games at Virginia Tech and is now in the CFL.

[Jul 10, 2025 at 1:54 pm ET · Andrew Ivins]

5-star DL Lamar Brown commits to LSU

Our Eval: Game-Changer (10/10)

On paper, Lamar Brown looked like a layup for LSU seeing as how the five-star lives in Baton Rouge, but there are no easy buckets in college football these days. Not in the Name, Image, Likeness and revenue sharing era.

One could make the case that Brown's decision to pick the hometown Tigers over Texas A&M is the biggest recruiting win to date since Brian Kelly was hired at LSU. Not only is Brown the top-ranked recruit in Louisiana, but he gives the Tigers a potential difference-maker in the middle, and that's exactly what LSU needs as Kelly and defensive coordinator Blake Baker try to revamp a unit that finished in the bottom third of the SEC the past two seasons.

Brown is a modern day unicorn in scouting circles. While he's listed and graded out as a defensive lineman, he would also carry a five-star tag as an offensive lineman. He's just that talented with his slick movement skills and smash-mouth physicality. 

[Jul 5, 2025 at 9:25 am ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star ATH Walker Bryson commits to Indiana

Our Eval: Strong Add (7/10)

Walker Bryson has long been a darling of the scouting department at 247Sports and that's in large part because he's the type of competitor you want to roster with player movement at an all-time high. 

A hard-nosed football player that has made an impact in all three phases of the game throughout his prep career, opinions are split on whether Bryson should be a safety or slot receiver at the next level. Indiana seems to be open to both roles and that's a big reason why the Hoosiers got Bryson's commitment on July 4th.

[Jul 5, 2025 at 9:16 am ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star TE Kentrell White commits to Auburn

Our Eval: Solid Depth (5/10)

Auburn's July 4th celebrations included a commitment from Kentrell White, who also had Virginia Tech as a finalist.

White is a bit older for the class, but he's got an exceptional speed score (92 per NextGen Prospects) for a pass catcher that has been verified at 6-foot-5, 205 pounds. The Tigers are recruiting White to play tight end. He's an entry-level blocker at best and can be a bit rigid in his breaks, but he's similar in some ways to Rivaldo Fairweather,​ who made key grabs in the slot the past two years for Auburn before signing with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent.

[Jul 5, 2025 at 9:07 am ET · Andrew Ivins]

3-star CB Darion Jones commits to Iowa

Our Eval: Solid Depth (6/10)

Iowa doesn't lean on many youngsters, especially on the defensive side of the ball. That makes it difficult to project Darion Jones as an early contributor, but he's the type of defensive back prospect that the Hawkeyes will turn into a future pro.

Jones, who committed to Iowa on July 4th, is a later-bloomer with a nice mix of size and athleticism. He frequently made plays in the return game as a junior, showcasing slick hips and excellent short-area quickness in the process.