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  • Andrea Adelson, ESPN Senior WriterMay 29, 2024, 06:50 AM ET

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    • ACC reporter.
    • Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
    • Graduate of the University of Florida.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — When Fran Brown saw the Syracuse job come open last November, he watched a clip of athletic director John Wildhack ticking off what he would be looking for in his next head coach.

Ties to the northeast? Brown could check that box off 10 times over. Head-coaching and coordinator experience on the Power 5 level? Brown had neither of those, but in his view, those qualifications did not matter. He wanted the job. So he picked up the phone.

He called Wildhack himself.

“What John said he was looking for early on, experience and all these things, I’m like, ‘He doesn’t really know what he’s looking for. He’s looking for me,'” Brown said during a recent interview in his office. “I was a perfect fit.”

“Literally, five minutes before I was going to call Fran, my phone rings,” Wildhack told ESPN in a phone interview. “I don’t recognize the number, so I don’t pick it up. It goes to voicemail. I play the voicemail back. It’s Fran.

“Sometimes you think, ‘Is this a little divine intervention here or what?'”

An initial 15-minute conversation led to text exchanges, a two-hour Zoom and then an interview in front of the search committee. They agreed unanimously — Brown was the perfect fit. Brown grew up in Camden, New Jersey, a northeast guy through and through. He worked for well-respected coaches, including Matt Rhule, Greg Schiano and Kirby Smart, and he was one of the top recruiters in the country.

Though Brown had no head-coaching experience, Wildhack said that could be overlooked since so many other factors made sense.

Five months in, it seems like Wildhack was right.

Without playing a game, Brown has brought attention to a Syracuse program that has not won a conference title in 20 years. He has done it thanks to eye-opening offseason moves, starting with Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord — the highest profile transfer to ever sign at Syracuse.

More transfers followed, including defensive lineman Fadil Diggs from Texas A&M. Syracuse wound up with 18 players from the transfer portal — 12 from the Power 5, seven from the SEC, unprecedented at a school that has won 10 games once since 2002.

Top-tier recruits have also signed with Syracuse, too. This past December, defensive end KingJoseph Edwards became the first ESPN300 prospect to sign with the Orange. In all, Brown signed four four-star prospects, more than the five previous seasons combined. Syracuse finished with the No. 42 signing class, its highest ranking since ESPN started ranking the top 75 in 2014.

This has energized and engaged people in and around the program. Wildhack said donors have stepped up to improve their NIL efforts, though he said they preferred to remain anonymous. A record 16,500 people showed up for the spring game. Wildhack said Syracuse is well ahead of its usual pace with season ticket sales and renewals.

“It’s been phenomenal,” Wildhack said. “I’ve not seen anything like it in my time here, just how he has energized the community, our fan base, our football alums.”

To remind himself of that, Brown has a framed $10 bill in his office, in a temporary location while construction on a new football operations center continues. A yellow Post-It note came with the money: “Coach Brown — Watched your interview on the Syracuse Orange. Just wanted you to know from one coach to another I am all in!! Here is my $10.00! Go Orange”

THE PROGRAM BROWN inherits had some recent success under former coach Dino Babers, going to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2012-13. Brown also inherits a strong core of returning players, including running back LeQuint Allen, tight end Oronde Gadsden II, linebacker Marlowe Wax and defensive backs Justin Barron and Alijah Clark.

But each season, Babers’ Orange were unable to close strong after getting off to fast starts. Last season, Syracuse opened 4-0, then lost five straight. In 2022, Syracuse opened 6-0 before another five-game losing streak.

Brown, of course, knows to truly make Syracuse relevant again, he has to do more than start fast. Though history says it’s unlikely that a team from the northeast will win national championships, Brown believes it is possible. Since 2006, teams from the south have won every national championship except two (Ohio State in 2014 and Michigan in 2023). Penn State was the last team from the northeast to win a national title, and that was in 1986.

Growing up in Camden, Brown paid close attention to schools like Syracuse, Penn State and Pittsburgh — which all took their respective turns on the national stage. Why can’t that happen again, he asks?

He dismisses any notion that Syracuse is at a disadvantage in the transfer portal and NIL era because it does not have the same resources as the top-tier football programs in its own conference, let alone the one he just came from in Athens, Georgia.

“How can you say we don’t have what they have?” Brown asks. “You’ve got to talk to the players to see what they want, and if I’m developing you the right way, are you going to leave here for $20,000? Is that all you’re looking at your future to be about?”

“Georgia coaches football well. Everyone tries to take away from that. You could go, ‘They’re only winning because of this.’ That’s what chumps say. We all have the same opportunity. Just figure out how to get it done.”

He can easily point to the work he has done in the transfer portal as proof that he can bring in elite players to play for him at Syracuse. It started on Day 1. Brown was introduced as Syracuse coach Dec. 4. That same day, McCord announced he was in the portal after three seasons at Ohio State.

McCord started his final season at Ohio State, going 229-of-348 for 3,170 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions, winning third-team All-Big Ten honors. But Ohio State lost to Michigan to close out the regular season, dashing its College Football Playoff hopes. Afterward, McCord said he had “tough conversations” with the Ohio State coaching staff.

“The vision that they had was different than the vision that I had,” McCord said. “In a perfect world, we win, go undefeated, win the national championship and I’m probably not in this position, probably not here, but everything happens for a reason. So when they told me that they thought they wanted to go in another direction, that’s the harsh reality of it.”

McCord grew up in New Jersey, and his relationship with Brown goes back years, to when McCord was in sixth grade. His dad, Derek, worked in the same hospital as Brown’s wife, Teara. Derek was known to brag on McCord from time to time. Teara told Fran he should go and watch Kyle play. He attended youth football games and they struck up a relationship.

Still, McCord says now, “You never think it’s going to turn into this.”

Brown flew to Columbus, Ohio, shortly after McCord entered the portal and met with him in his apartment. McCord remembers Brown selling his vision for Syracuse, and his belief they could win right away. Another big selling point: Brown hired Jeff Nixon as his offensive coordinator, another coach McCord knows from New Jersey. McCord and Nixon’s son, Will, played youth football together starting at age 5 in South Jersey, when Nixon was an assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles. (Last week, Will Nixon transferred from Washington to Syracuse.) Nixon had previously worked with Brown and when he was hired, Nixon immediately texted and said, “Coach, I’m available.”

“That was music to my ears,” McCord said. “The vision that he had of going out and competing and being able to win a lot of games early on, and having input in the offense and just things like that was really what sold me.”

There is one more connection Nixon has that McCord finds helpful — Nixon and Ohio State coach Ryan Day served on the same offensive staff at two different stops during their respective careers. McCord says the Syracuse offense is similar to what he ran at Ohio State, even including some plays with the same names.

McCord committed Dec. 17, which Brown says lent instant credibility to the program. Two days later, Diggs — originally from East Camden, New Jersey — announced he was transferring in from Texas A&M. Already, Brown was assembling a big transfer haul — Georgia receivers Jackson Meeks and Zeed Haynes had already decided they were coming with him from Athens. Then in early January, cornerback Duce Chestnut announced he would transfer back to Syracuse after spending last season at LSU.

McCord points out that he played youth football with several of his now-teammates, including Chestnut. He also played against Diggs in high school. McCord said building back northeast football at the college level, as players from the region, is something they want to do.

And Brown is determined to build a winning program with players predominantly from the region. On the 2024 roster, 40 players are from the northeast, including seven of the 11 transfers who enrolled in January. Four of those players attended Camden High, where Brown played quarterback and set the then-single-season school record with 47 touchdown passes.

“It’s kind of been like a childhood dream for a lot of us to play together,” McCord said. “You look around the building. It’s guys from New Jersey and Pennsylvania and New York. … I think we can really change the program around pretty quickly. You see what Coach Fran has been doing in these first few months here, and I think if we can just stay on that trajectory, things are going to go upward.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ELIJAH Robinson and Brown played Little League Football together in Camden. They also shared the same godfather, who made sure they stayed on the right track. Robinson knew, even as Brown starred on their high school team, that one day his friend would be headed for big things. Brown had a natural charisma about him, but also a dogged determination to make it.

“There was never a doubt in my mind he would be here at some point because of who he is,” Robinson said. “I know who Francis Brown is, as a young man who overcame so much adversity. I know the Francis Brown that went to JUCO, who would drink a gallon of water because he didn’t have enough money for food and went to sleep early so he wouldn’t think about being hungry. People like that, who do things the right way, they climb.”

Brown has a gift from a parent sitting on his desk that encapsulates what he tries to keep in mind every day — a knight in armor, on one knee, with arms outstretched. A clear message: I am giving my son over to you for the time being.

Coaches often speak in broad platitudes about wanting to make a lasting impact on their players. One of the reasons Brown says he never wanted to be a coordinator is because that would mean having influence over only part of the team; he wanted to be able to reach every single player.

So he bided his time, preparing his entire coaching career for this moment. On his iPad, he has folders from every stop along the way, with notes, schedules, schemes, reminders and plans for how he would run his own program.

That is only part of the job. What he believes in most of all is what makes all those around him believers, too.

“The original definition of coach is a horse-drawn buggy that takes important people from where they are to where they want to be,” Brown says. “You’re an important person, I’m the horse-drawn buggy. So I’ve got to take you from where you are right now to get you to where you want to be.”

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Sources: ACC ref, irked by replay handling, quits

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September 12, 2025

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Sources: ACC ref, irked by replay handling, quits

  • Andrea Adelson

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    Andrea Adelson

    ESPN Senior Writer

    • ACC reporter.
    • Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
    • Graduate of the University of Florida.

  • David Hale

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    David Hale

    ESPN Staff Writer

    • College football reporter.
    • Joined ESPN in 2012.
    • Graduate of the University of Delaware.

Sep 12, 2025, 03:38 PM ET

After an awkwardly handled replay late in the first half of last weekend’s game between UConn and Syracuse, a longtime ACC official has quit his post over frustration with the way the review was handled, sources told ESPN on Friday.

Gary Patterson, who served as the head referee for Saturday’s matchup between the Huskies and the Orange and has worked as an official with the ACC since 2002, abruptly terminated his contract with the conference after the game.

The ACC confirmed Patterson’s departure from the conference’s roster of officials Friday but said that adjustments to officiating crews have already been made and that there will be no disruption to league officiating. Patterson had been scheduled to referee Saturday’s game between Pitt and West Virginia.

The sequence that reportedly led to Patterson’s departure began with 1:02 remaining in the half and UConn leading 14-3. Syracuse opened a drive at the Huskies’ 25-yard line, and on first down, quarterback Steve Angeli dropped back to pass. His arm was hit as he threw, and the ball went forward about 8 yards, landing on the turf.

The officials immediately ruled the pass incomplete. Syracuse then snapped the ball again with 58 seconds left on the clock, though about 25 seconds of real time passed between plays. The second-down throw was nearly intercepted before two UConn players collided and the pass fell incomplete, bringing up a third-and-10 with 53 seconds to go.

A flag was thrown after the play, however, and Patterson could be seen talking on his headset to the ACC’s command center for nearly 90 seconds before announcing that “replay had buzzed in prior to the previous play.”

Sources who have reviewed numerous camera angles of the sequence said there was no physical indication by any official on the field that they had been buzzed by the replay booth before the second-down snap. An ACC spokesperson said that officials were buzzed to initiate the review but that the timing was not ideal for it to be a seamless replay. The conference has addressed the handling of this sequence internally, the spokesperson said.

Officials reviewed the first-down play to see whether Angeli had fumbled, negating the second-down play, before ultimately upholding the original call of an incomplete pass.

Syracuse and UConn officials were told the referee had simply “not heard” the initial request from the replay booth before the second-down snap.

ESPN rules expert Bill LeMonnier, who has decades of experience as an official, said the series of events was uncharacteristic of how a replay would normally be handled.

“Let’s say they’re right up at the line, the ball’s being snapped, and the buzzers go off,” LeMonnier said. “It’s the referee’s discretion to shut the play down vs. saying it’s too late. It’s supposed to be in the referee’s hands.”

LeMonnier also said a flag thrown after the second-down play, which was presumably due to a high hit on Angeli by a UConn defender, was ignored, despite rules saying a personal foul would be enforced even during a dead ball period.

“The mistakes were completely created by either the replay booth or the command center,” LeMonnier said. “It’s not the fault of the officials on the field.”

Every play is subject to review. When officials are buzzed to begin the process, they get on the headset with the replay booth in the stadium and the ACC command center and the review is initiated.

Two sources with knowledge of the situation said the directive came from the ACC command center.

One source said Patterson was upset at the ACC’s interference in forcing a replay after the next play had already occurred, instigating his resignation. Patterson did not respond to requests by ESPN for comment.

After the second-down incompletion was wiped out, Syracuse went 61 yards on its next seven plays and kicked a field goal as time expired in the half. The Orange went on to win the game 27-20 in overtime.

For select games this season, the ACC has allowed cameras and audio access to the review process, offering transparency into the discussions between on-field officials and replay officials at the command center. Last week’s game between UConn and Syracuse, however, was not among those with command center coverage.

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Pitt, WVU extend Backyard Brawl through 2036

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September 12, 2025

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Pitt, WVU extend Backyard Brawl through 2036

  • David HaleSep 12, 2025, 02:37 PM ET

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    • College football reporter.
    • Joined ESPN in 2012.
    • Graduate of the University of Delaware.

The Backyard Brawl is set to continue until at least 2036 after Pitt and West Virginia agreed to an extension of the series.

The two schools will face off Saturday for the 108th time in their history before taking a three-year break. The series will begin again in 2029 and be played each year thereafter until 2036.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled for what this means for both Pitt and West Virginia,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said in a statement. “But this goes far beyond four more games and the 75 miles separating us. This paves the way for future Panthers to carry on the history of this rivalry, while current ones get to forge new legacies for years to come. This extension isn’t just for Pitt and West Virginia, but for college football fans everywhere.”

The rivalry dates back to 1895, but it was interrupted after the 2011 meeting when West Virginia departed the Big East for the Big 12. Pitt joined the ACC a year later. The Brawl disappeared for 10 years until it was reignited as a nonconference matchup in 2022. Pitt holds an all-time edge, 63-41-3, and has won two of the past three.

The two schools had already scheduled games from 2029 through 2032 before Friday’s announcement of an extension.

West Virginia, which hosts Saturday’s showdown, will also welcome the Panthers in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036. Pitt will host the game in 2029, 2031, 2033 and 2035

Narduzzi was critical of West Virginia earlier this week, suggesting the Mountaineers could have added Pitt in 2026, too, after a home-and-home series against Alabama was shelved. Instead, the Mountaineers will face Coastal Carolina next season.

“I think our athletic director has reached out to them, and they already got it filled up, which means maybe they didn’t want to play us,” Narduzzi said. “I don’t know. They filled it up. I know if we knew that was going to happen, that would be our first call. Whatever. Can’t do anything about it. Stay in my lane.”

Narduzzi told ESPN earlier this week that “nobody’s chicken” and he may have gotten bad information but that he is eager to keep the rivalry alive, adding Pitt will “take Penn State, too” — referring to another heated rivalry that’s been played just four times since 2000.

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The most impactful recruit on each top-40 team

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September 12, 2025

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The most impactful recruit on each top-40 team

  • Craig Haubert

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    Craig Haubert

    ESPN Staff Writer

    • National recruiting analyst and analyst for ESPNU
    • More than a decade of college and pro coaching experience.
    • Graduated from Indiana and Nebraska-Omaha

  • Billy Tucker

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    Billy Tucker

    Scouts, Football Recruiting

      • Recruiting coordinator for ESPN RecruitingNation.
      • Nearly a decade of college coaching experience.
      • Has been evaluating prospects at ESPN since 2006.

Sep 11, 2025, 07:00 AM ET

College football teams across the country are far from finished products this season, but the first weeks of the 2025 slate are already giving them a better sense of who they are — for better or worse.

At the same time, coaching staffs face the delicate balancing act of winning today and looking ahead, knowing some of the answers to weaknesses with their current rosters might come from the 2026 class and beyond.

Recruiting isn’t just about stockpiling talent; it’s about addressing future needs with the right kind of fit. Here’s a look at one impact newcomer, some blue-chippers and others who are still flying under the radar, who could make an impact once they arrive on campus and help shape what’s next for the top programs in the country. The order is based on current class rankings.

ESPN 300 rank: 74

Sitting atop the class rankings, there is a lot to like about the Trojans, and one thing that’s evident is the team needs to improve in the trenches. USC has shown improvement on defense, but the addition of Topui would put USC on par with other Big Ten powers. He is massive, quick and powerful and can be a stout presence. As a local product from Southern California powerhouse Mater Dei, this was a must-get.

ESPN 300 rank: 19

Whether Protho plays tight end or receiver doesn’t really matter, as he can contribute to the passing attack in a variety of ways. He possesses an outstanding blend of size, speed, agility and body control. We like his projection as a pass-catching tight end in Athens in the mold of Brock Bowers as a receiving threat. Prothro can be an impactful part of Georgia’s offense, which will lose Oscar Delp after this season. Prothro, a five-star, is very fluid as well, and if not deployed as a tight end, the 6-foot-6, 210-pounder with 4.57 verified speed could play the outside receiver position. Regardless of which position you slot him at, Prothro can be a playmaking target for the Bulldogs.

ESPN 300 rank: 51

The run game has not looked dominate in College Station, but Le’Veon Moss should heat up. The issue is he graduates after this season, as does Amari Daniels. The duo combined for 1,426 yards last season and 18 touchdowns. Rueben Owens II, the No. 4 RB in the 2023 class, has shown flashes, but the Aggies need additional firepower in the backfield. Edwards is built low to the ground with impressive contact balance combined with 4.47 verified speed when he breaks into the open field. He will enter College Station with good experience as a pass catcher as well, which will allow for more immediate impactful snaps.

ESPN 300 rank: 14

Quarterback Dia Bell is certainly an important commit, but he’ll have time to develop, similar to Arch Manning. Atkinson is a tackling machine, and the Longhorns will need to replace 2023 five-star Anthony Hill Jr., arguably the top linebacker in college football. Like Hill, Atkinson’s game relies on great instincts, pursuit speed and tackling skills. He will need to continue adding size to become a better take-on defender. Atkinson might not possess some of the same upside as others ranked on this list, but he looks poised to immediately jump into the mix with the Longhorns.

ESPN 300 rank: 85

The Irish have depth along the defensive line but didn’t look particularly stout against Miami on the ground. This group, particularly the interior, will take a hit next season, and that’s why Notre Dame put an emphasis on building the front in this class. Golden can play both defensive end and tackle in new coordinator Chris Ash’s defense, but we project he’ll physically develop into a true interior defender. Already at 6-5, 260 pounds, he possesses a great penetrating burst off the snap and is extremely disruptive with his powerful hands. He’s fast for his size and has been clocked at a 4.5 in the 5-10-5 pro shuttle. Defensive line coach Al Washington will still have a versatile edge if he stays on the outside, and that position flexibility will be very valuable.

ESPN 300 rank: 13

To replace NFL talent like Josh Conerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius, the Ducks dipped into the portal for immediate depth. They likely won’t have to next season as Iheanacho is massive even for NFL standards (6-6, 350). Not only is he wide, he’s also long and uses his strong hands to finish defenders. His size and power project him at guard to start in Eugene, but it’s not out of the question he could play tackle with improved footwork.

ESPN 300 rank: 8

Brandon arrives in Knoxville at the ideal time as Joey Aguilar will be graduating and the position will be open for competition. It’s a quarterback-friendly system. Brandon is a more polished passer than Hendon Hooker at this same stage in his career but has equally impressive arm strength. Brandon throws an exceptional deep ball, which is a requirement in this scheme that loves to attack defenses vertically. He’s also a legit dual-threat and has the quick decision-making to execute one of the fastest tempo offenses in the country.

ESPN 300 rank: 23

As Alabama continues to navigate the post-Nick Saban era, its defense has gotten off to an uneven start. There is talent on that unit and it’s still very early in 2025, but a player like Edwards is poised to have an impact next season. In the five-star, Alabama has landed one of the more versatile defenders of this class. Measuring in around 6-foot-2, 210 pounds with excellent speed, having consistently been tested around 4.5 in the 40, Edwards can be moved around to address needs based on injury or lack of production. At safety, he has excellent range and an explosive closing burst. He also has experience at corner and is fluid in his movements and can match up in coverage with tight ends and bigger receivers. With his size and physicality, he can also move closer to the line of scrimmage and be a factor there. In addition to excellent physical tools, he has also demonstrated strong leadership qualities and has developed into a tone-setter for that unit.

ESPN 300 rank: 34

The Buckeyes have had the fortune of playing with one of the top safeties and overall defenders in college football the past two seasons. While Bradford doesn’t possess the straight-line speed of Caleb Downs, his ball-hawk skills and physicality are very similar, as is his size (6-1, 205). He has range to play over the top of routes as a true back-end safety, but his physicality and pursuit in the second level are also excellent. Downs could contend for the No. 1 draft spot, and the Buckeyes will need a playmaker with a high football IQ to develop there in coordinator Matt Patricia’s system.

ESPN rank: 116

While it’s still early in the season, adding playmakers at receiver for young QB Bryce Underwood is a top priority. Robinson, a versatile athlete with a strong track background, brings a nice blend of size (nearly 6-3) and speed, having been clocked at 4.47 in the 40. Not only can he be a vertical threat, but he uses his length well and can be a friendly target for Underwood, as he offers a wide catch radius and is effective after the catch. Robinson caught 42 passes as a junior, and two games into 2025, he has 10 grabs with a TD. Robinson alone will not elevate the Wolverines’ receiver corps but is a great place to start in terms of further surrounding the star QB with more big-play weapons.

ESPN rank: 9

Despite their early-season setback, the Gators are still in a better place than they were at this time a year ago. Still, their improved defense could use more pass rush firepower with Tyreak Sapp in his final year. McCoy could eventually be even better than Sapp. The five-star has an excellent motor, good practice habits and an alpha presence along the defensive line. He has the coveted length and collection of tools to become a top SEC defender.

ESPN rank: 1

Landing the No. 1 player in the country injects significant life into any program. That Brown plays his high school ball in Baton Rouge is the cherry on top. The defensive lineman has excellent hands, flexibility and mobility for his size. Jacobian Guillory II and Bernard Gooden are both seniors, so LSU will have an immediate need at the position. However, Brown is arguably even better along the offensive line and could develop in the mold of former standout Tennessee guard Trey Smith if a need arises for the Tigers.

ESPN rank: 3

Landing Cantwell was a massive win for Mario Cristobal, who was also a former Hurricanes offensive lineman. Miami is expected to lose several offensive line starters, including 2023 five-star Francis Mauigoa, who is a projected first-round pick. Cantwell is a massive, powerful presence at 6-foot-7, 320 pounds. Considering he’s also quite flexible and agile, Cantwell has all the tools to step in as a Year 1 starter, just like Mauigoa once did.

ESPN rank: Unranked

Johnny Wilson, Keon Coleman and Duce Robinson have all experienced varying levels of success in Tallahassee, but they were all transfers. The last great homegrown Florida State receiver is arguably 2011 signee Rashad Greene. Lopez is a sleeper who could change that. A two-sport star with legitimate college basketball potential, Lopez is an explosive athlete who creates separation and racks up yards after the catch. He also has a long track record of production for south Florida powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna. That adds up to a potential breakout target in Florida State’s passing attack, especially if he narrows his focus to football.

ESPN rank: 256

The Bill Belichick era is off to a bumpy start. He overhauled North Carolina’s roster, especially at quarterback, and the position still seems unsettled early in 2025. Burgess addresses a key need. An offseason riser, the 6-5 dual-threat has improved as a passer to better utilize his arm talent and quick release. An injury ended his senior season early, and he’s not quite a Bryce Underwood type plug-and-play option, but Burgess’ tools and upside provide intriguing building blocks for a potential long-term answer.

ESPN rank: 102

Clemson’s offense is struggling so far this season. Things will only get tougher if Antonio Williams leaves after the season, and Bryant Wesco Jr. is also heading into his junior year in 2026. So the Tigers are getting ahead of a key need by adding several ranked receivers, including Burroughs. The four-star Florida native has a nice blend of speed, agility and body control. His football IQ stands out during in-person evaluations, which will only help expedite his development into a potential big-play target early on.

ESPN rank: 135

While Penn State enjoys having arguably college football’s best backfield duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton a bit longer, Mickens is an in-state rusher who can one day absorb some of their production. The four-star is more in the mold of Allen as a bigger back with good vision, balance and enough speed to finish plays. The 5-foot-10, 210-pounder is roughly the same size as Allen and Singleton were at this stage, and he’s perhaps already faster. Replacing both will be tough, but Mickens seems equipped to one day take the baton for the Nittany Lions.

ESPN rank: 91

Flipping five-star offensive tackle Kodi Greene from Oregon was a big win for the Huskies. Don’t be surprised if he steps into a starting tackle spot in 2026. But Bonner could also make a quick impact for a Washington team that graduates Jonah Coleman and didn’t sign much running back talent in 2025. Bonner has the requisite frame and speed (he has reached 21 mph in games) to develop into a productive back. He ran for over 1,400 yards last year as a high school junior and is off to a hot start in 2025. Bonner’s well-rounded skill set can also impact the pass game, only helping his chances of quickly becoming an every-down back.

ESPN rank: 49

This type of recruiting win for BYU can’t be ignored. While a planned Latter-day Saints mission trip will delay Lyons’ arrival in Provo to 2027, his commitment generated tons of buzz and he has a chance to add to the Cougars’ quarterback history. Lyons won California’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior after throwing for over 3,000 yards and 46 touchdowns and is already on the cusp of surpassing 1,000 yards early in his senior season. BYU was first to offer Lyons. The reward? A potentially program-changing signal-caller.

ESPN rank: unranked

The Mustangs have several ranked commits, but a prospect like Woods adds key depth. He’s a dangerous in-state three-star who has notched double-digit sacks each of his past two high school seasons. He gets off the line well from the edge and has solid bend. Woods is a surprisingly savvy young pass rusher who knows how to use his hands and has an effective arsenal of rush moves. He can make an impact on SMU’s defense.

ESPN rank: unranked

UCLA’s season is off to a rough start, but the good news is the Bruins’ incoming class helps address a variety of needs that are already evident in 2025. Wide receiver is one such hole, and Moore could quickly step in to fill the void. Moore’s diminutive size (5-10, 160 pounds) is a concern, but he has plenty of wiggle and runs smooth routes. Moore won the wide receiver MVP at the Under Armour Salt Lake City camp this offseason after catching nearly 50 passes as a junior. He could inject a much-needed quick boost to the Bruins’ receiving corps.

ESPN rank: 73

South Carolina has cultivated plenty of talent in the greater DMV area, landing the likes of Dylan Stewart, Nyck Harbor and Tree Babalade. The Gamecocks struck again to land Gray, a top-10 offensive tackle in the class. He’s a bit on the lighter side, but Gray has good power, tenacity and bend to go along with excellent agility. The 6-4 bookend has excellent arm length and can project to tackle or move inside to guard. South Carolina has plenty of versatility to work with.

ESPN rank: 22

Once buried in the 2026 recruiting rankings, adding Kreul helped elevate Oklahoma’s class into the top 25. He’ll fortify a unit that is already a strength for the Sooners. Kruel is an explosive defender with a relentless motor who could develop into a disruptive pass rusher thanks to his bend and violent hands. Stacking the five-star alongside fellow IMG Academy defensive linemen David Stone, who is beginning to tap into his immense talent, and Jayden Jackson gives the Sooners the pieces to field one of the SEC’s most feared defensive lines.

ESPN rank: 173

Bret Bielema has done an excellent job reviving Illinois, and the early returns on his 2026 class suggest regression isn’t coming anytime soon. The class is loaded with talent, but good recruiting starts at home. Rankin is one of the state’s top prospects and was a priority target early on for Bielema and his staff. Rankin is a versatile playmaker on either side of the ball, but he projects best to receiver, where he has impressive ball skills and elusiveness after the catch.

ESPN rank: 287

Yes, landing wide receiver Calvin Russell grabbed headlines, but Syracuse needs more help rushing the passer than additional offensive firepower. The Orange have only one sack through two games this season after losing most of their pass rushing production from 2024. A productive high schooler, Wilson tallied 17 sacks as a high school junior, using his first-step quickness and bend to his advantage. He needs some time to develop his frame, but even if it’s just situational pass rush reps early, his addition will help a program that has taken strides under Fran Brown.

ESPN rank: 20

Texas Tech made noise with several splashy commitments in the 2026 and 2027 classes over the past two months, and Ojo was first to spark that wave. The five-star offensive tackle brings elite physical traits, including more than an 80-inch wingspan and impressive flexibility. He’ll need to add bulk to his rangy frame, which could slow his early impact, but his upside is clear. With time to develop, Ojo has the ceiling to become a top-tier Power 4 tackle and a centerpiece for the Red Raiders’ offensive line.

ESPN rank: Unranked

Baylor has stacked some ranked commits, particularly at receiver, but Battle stands out as a lesser-known name. The big-bodied defender can move around the defensive front and even contributed at tight end and linebacker in high school, showcasing rare mobility and versatility. Projected as an interior player for the Bears, he brings agility and leverage that can translate into disruptive play inside. With further development, Battle has the tools to carve out a key role in Baylor’s defensive line rotation.

ESPN rank: 276

With the way quarterbacks move around in college football, the excitement around any QB commit should be tempered. But Louisville starter Miller Moss is in his last season and his backup, Brady Allen, is a redshirt junior, so this addition could pay off down the road. Cherry always seems to embrace an opportunity to compete, and in in-person evaluations, he has shown leadership qualities. He threw for over 2,700 yards while completing 69% of his passes as a junior and possesses good arm strength and is fairly polished, with good footwork and poise.

ESPN rank: Unranked

Stanford once built its identity on dominant offensive lines, and the early signs are that reinforcements up front need to remain a priority. While this class doesn’t feature a quarterback, the Cardinal made promising additions in the trenches, highlighted by Thomassie. The Louisiana product is right on the cusp of four-star status, and he’s a strong, undervalued pickup who projects inside at guard or potentially center. Thomassie still needs to add bulk, but he shows good bend, body quickness and the ability to gain leverage with his hands. He’s the type of developmental interior lineman Stanford can build around.

ESPN rank: 118

Rutgers appears to be set with a solid group of receivers this season, but with the potential for turnover constantly looming, reinforcements are key. Freshman Jourdin Houston and 2024 signee Ben Black are in place, yet Carter adds another high-upside option who could factor in early. A 2025 Under Armour All-American, he has been clocked near 21 mph in game action, showing legitimate top-end speed. More importantly, Carter already runs crisp routes and is coachable, quickly absorbing and applying adjustments. He gives the Scarlet Knights another talented target with the tools to grow into a key contributor in their passing game.

ESPN rank: Unranked

Curt Cignetti quickly elevated Indiana into a College Football Playoff contender last season behind one of the nation’s top defenses. Reloading up front remains a priority, with several senior transfers filling roles this year. While Hugan ranks below two other ranked prospects in Indiana’s class, he highlights the depth of the haul. Hugan would likely enter the ESPN 300 if he had better size and length. Still, the four-star has a quick first step, active hands and a relentless motor. He produced more than 100 tackles and 18 sacks as a junior. Hugan is a tough, productive defender who projects as a valuable piece in Indiana’s defensive front.

ESPN rank: 282

A perpetually underrated prospect, Michigan State did well to snatch Wortham out of Florida. He erased any potential doubt this past offseason after showing up to the Under Armour Orlando camp with a hungry, competitive demeanor and putting forth an MVP performance. Wortham won’t overwhelm with size or straight-line speed, but he runs well, shows suddenness in his routes and consistently tracks the ball with strong hands. As a junior, he racked up more than 1,300 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns as his team’s primary big-play threat. He brings polish, production and toughness to the Spartans’ receiver room.

ESPN rank: Unranked

The Razorbacks currently have two young tackles with potential in backup roles that will bring more experience, so there is no guarantee that Gilmore will be needed to or able to step right into a starting role, but that is not what is key here. The four-star out of Texas gives Arkansas an offensive lineman with a big frame who bends well at the knees and has good balance and can develop into a top-tier SEC guard or tackle.

ESPN rank: Unranked

Boston College hasn’t had the same quarterback start every game of a season since 2018, so Bill O’Brien knows the value of depth. The Eagles dipped into the portal for their current starter and have a promising freshman in Shaker Reisig, but their 2026 class adds two more passers, led by Babalola. At 6-3, 215 pounds, Babalola has a wealth of physical tools. He combines size with arm strength and enough mobility to extend plays, even if he’s not a traditional dual-threat. He impressed us this offseason by winning quarterback MVP honors at the Nashville Under Armour camp. With O’Brien’s track record developing quarterbacks, Babalola is a high-upside prospect who could grow into a top ACC signal-caller.

ESPN rank: Unranked

Voss, despite being unranked, has received quite a bit of attention, including from Alabama, before Minnesota kept him home. The Gophers received commitments from both of the state’s top prospects in 2026. A high school quarterback, Voss projects as a versatile tight end with natural ball skills and big-play potential. He’s far more than a Wildcat option, though — he can legitimately throw the ball, giving the Gophers flexibility in how he is used. This fall, he showcased that versatility in one half alone, rushing for 100 yards and passing for over 200. Comparisons can be drawn to Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Syracuse’s Dan Villari, but whether it’s at tight end or even linebacker, Voss is a key in-state pickup who brings real value to the roster.

ESPN rank: 113

Early-season returns seem to indicate the Rebels scored with the portal addition of Kewan Lacy at running back, but Yates should bring solid depth when he arrives. A top in-state player (who at one point was committed to rival Mississippi State), he possesses a sturdy build that allows him to produce after contact. He has good speed and his explosiveness allows him to cut and separate. He has been productive in high school with over 1,300 yards rushing in each of the past two seasons and has shown the versatility to be a receiving threat, having caught 31 passes as a junior.

ESPN rank: 193

Lehman is tailor-made for Pat Narduzzi’s defense. Hailing from nearby McMurray, Pennsylvania, he’s a versatile edge with quickness and body control who doggedly pursues quarterbacks. He knows how to use his hands and can hold up in the run game, plus he arrives with the experience of playing off ball and dropping into coverage in high school. That showed up early in his senior season, when he dropped into the flat and intercepted a pass for a pick-six. Lehman’s tools pop on film, and he can develop into a key contributor for the Panthers.

ESPN rank: Unranked

At long last, the Jayhawks will have a new quarterback in 2026 with Jalon Daniels finally exhausting his eligibility. The good news for Kansas fans? Whoever calls the shots behind center will have a potential cornerstone offensive tackle arriving in Lawrence to protect him. Snyder could make the leap to four-star status this fall if he continues to add more bulk. The basketball and track standout has great feet and length and polished pass-protection skills to continue developing once he gets to school.

ESPN rank: Unranked

True freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele certainly looks like Cal’s quarterback of the future. Now, the Golden Bears need to build around him. Their short-term tight end prospects took a major hit when Jack Endries departed to Texas. But Purcell is one of the better tight ends in the country, and at 6-4, 225 pounds with a 4.8 40-yard dash, he has the athleticism and size of a player who typically fares well in new offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin’s offense.

ESPN rank: 201

It’s early, but Arizona’s offense under new coordinator Seth Doege looks much improved, and quarterback Noah Fifita has been the catalyst. Doege developed current Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton into the Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year during their time together at Marshall in 2024. Rios is another ball of clay Doege could soon mold. He’s the highest-rated Wildcats pocket-passer recruit in the past 10 years and is equipped with a strong arm and big leadership skills that can flourish under Doege and propel Arizona back to storied heights.

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