Rivals.com nationwide recruiting analyst Marshall Levenson seems at 4 burning questions forward of the following rankings replace for the 2025 and 2026 recruiting cycles.
THIS SERIES: 4 robust rankings questions within the Midwest | Southeast
1. How excessive does Keelon Russell rise?
This is likely to be the a hundredth time I’ve stated it, however it’s arduous to argue that any prospect within the nation had a greater offseason than Keelon Russell. The Alabama commit has seen his inventory completely soar, pushed by constantly excellent performances on nationwide levels. Russell gained the Elite 11 Finals, gained the Rivals 5-Star QB Problem and shined in 7-on-7 play in the course of the spring and summer season.
Within the final replace, Russell rose almost 200 spots, cracking the highest 50. Now, he’s due once more for an increase, however how excessive? I’m within the boat that he belongs as a five-star prospect. With the whole lot he has compiled this offseason matched together with his bodily make-up, his dominant on-field success and spectacular private intangibles, he could also be in line for a top-20 rating within the nation.
There is no such thing as a doubt he’ll rise, although what’s the acceptable quantity? You may argue that given his present resume, you could be proper regardless of how excessive he soars.
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2. Does Riley Pettijohn earn his fifth star?
Following the developments of the NFL Draft, the off-ball linebacker positions have been devalued within the first rounds, proven by zero being chosen within the 2024 first spherical and only one the yr prior. This makes it robust to promote linebackers, particularly inside linebackers, to be ranked as five-stars as that tasks them to be ultimately chosen within the first spherical.
Nonetheless, within the 2025 class, if there have been to be a linebacker chosen within the first spherical, the mannequin could be Riley Pettijohn. He’s basically the right mould of the trendy off-ball linebacker at 6-foot-2, 215 kilos and explosive. Pettijohn shall be one of many quickest linebackers within the class at his weight, can cowl sideline to sideline, is snug in protection and may rush the passer when wanted.
He has confirmed to be by far the most effective inside backer prospect on this class, however will the Ohio State commit earn his fifth star?
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3. What number of 2026 five-stars will emerge in Louisiana?
The expertise pool in Louisiana is all the time among the many greatest within the nation and within the 2026 class, the Boot is flexing its muscle tissue fairly a bit. To start out off, Jahkeem Stewart is the No. 1 prospect within the Rivals250 and seems to have a robust maintain on the highest spot within the rankings. However what number of others within the state can press for five-stars?
It is a each a direct and long-term query within the state as evaluations get extra in-depth. Subsequent is Lamar Brown, a two-way star in Baton Rouge. You may argue that Brown may qualify as a five-star on either side of the ball. More likely to challenge on the offensive line, he could have a long-standing alternative to be No. 1 on the place. Not far behind him at present is security Blaine Bradford. The bodily body pops out if you see him. He’s rocked up and a 4.4 velocity will solely assist his possibilities.
There are some others within the state as properly who shall be in future discussions among the many elite within the class corresponding to security Aiden Corridor, who has shined together with his check measurables this offseason. Already within the prime 100, will he proceed to stand up the ranks?
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4. How do the 2026 Texas operating backs shake out?
There could also be some place teams in Texas which might be barely weaker than regular years within the 2026 cycle however operating again isn’t one in every of them. The prospects which have already emerged, and there’ll probably be extra, are past spectacular. There are already six operating backs within the 2026 Rivals250 however will there be some shuffling amongst them?
Tradarian Ball and Jonathan Hatton Jr. have already staked claims among the many greatest within the nation, however there are some behind them which might be itching to maneuver up. Javian Osborne has actually performed sufficient to warrant a transfer up the ranks, as has KJ Edwards, who may see a giant rise throughout the Rivals250.
You additionally can’t neglect prospects corresponding to Ryelan Morris, Raycine Guillory and a possible future riser in Cardae Mack.
