Rivals.com analyst Cole Patterson catches up with Jason Suchomel of Orangebloods.com, Dale Dowden of VolReport.com and Ben Golan of RedRaiderSports.com to discuss the recruitments of three different highly-ranked prospects.
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1. With Colin Simmons committing on Thursday, Texas is the front-runner to land Kobe Black.
Suchomel: FACT. Texas felt like it was leading for Kobe Black even before Colin Simmons committed, but with Simmons in the fold it should only strengthen the Longhorns' position. Simmons and Black really connected on their UT official visits in June and shortly after announcing his decision, Simmons mentioned Black as the player he would be bringing with him to Austin. Black could still take an official visit or two in the fall but this one certainly feels like it's Texas's to lose at this point.
Patterson: FACT. While not directly related, it’s safe to assume that Colin Simmons committing to Texas likely caught the attention of Kobe Black. The longhorns have long been near the top for the Waco Connolly defensive back and even have former teammates of Black on the roster. Add in that Simmons specifically mentioned wanting to get Black in the class, and it’s difficult to bet against Texas in this recruitment.
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2. Deuce Knight moving to Nashville solidifies Tennessee as the favorite to land the four-star QB.
Dowden: FICTION. It is well-known that the relationship between Tennessee and Deuce Knight is great. It also believed that Tennessee may be one of the favorites for Deuce, as he has stated that the Vols are among the top schools along with Ole Miss, Notre Dame and others.
I don't think the move to Nashville in itself solidifies that, as fellow 2025 elite QB George MacIntyre is still heavily pursued by the Vols as well.
I do think the move makes it easier for the Tennessee staff to evaluate Knight in person and continue to build upon their solid relationship.
Patterson: FICTION. But the move certainly can’t hurt Tennessee’s chances. Now in the Volunteer State, Knight is a reasonable drive away from Knoxville and will be able to further this relationship with the Vols staff even more. Knight will be playing against some of the best competition nationally as a junior, which will only prepare him for the next level. Notre Dame is firmly in contention and Ole Miss made a move this summer, too.
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3. Micah Hudson will be in Texas Tech’s class before the Red Raiders play Oregon in September.
Golan: FICTION. Micah Hudson and Texas Tech are still extremely comfortable with each other, and the Red Raiders maintain a significant lead for the five-star prospect. The latest data point in Tech’s favor coming in late July when Hudson spurned Texas A&M’s Pool Party to make his third trip to Lubbock in just over a month.
That said, the timeline of this question is why I answered fiction. As far as I’m aware Hudson has not set a commitment date, and while all signs point to Texas Tech, Hudson appears comfortable waiting it out a bit on his own timeline. I wouldn’t be shocked by a decision any week, but the Oregon game is less than a month away, and until Hudson announces his commitment date I cannot say he’ll be in the class before then.
Patterson: FICTION. I do believe that Hudson will be in Texas Tech’s class. The bigger question is when will that happen? It was thought to be happening in June, but that turned out to not be the case. Still, the tea leaves continue to point to the five-star playing in Lubbock. It’s likely only a matter of time before that happens. Perhaps he decides that he wants to get it out of the way before his senior season kicks off this month.
