Rivals national recruiting analyst Marshall Levenson is joined by OUInsider.com's Parker Thune, AggieYell.com's Landyn Rosow and national recruiting analyst Greg Smith to tackle three topics and determine whether they believe each statement is FACT or FICTION.
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1. Peyton Houston should be Oklahoma's top target in 2027.
Thune: FACT. Oklahoma’s 21st-century lineage of great quarterbacks is second to none across college football, and Peyton Houston fits the mold of what Seth Littrell seeks in his signal-caller of the future. Houston shined at Oklahoma’s camp this June and is currently one of only two 2027 quarterbacks that Oklahoma has offered. There’s no position that is evaluated and scrutinized more thoroughly in the recruiting process than quarterback, especially at Oklahoma. Given his elite arm talent, mobility and strong work ethic, it stands to reason that Houston will be an A1 priority from start to finish for the Sooners, who have already established a strong foothold in his recruitment.
Levenson: FACT. The 2027 class has not come into focus in the slightest but with the quarterback position, it is never too early to look at the possibilities. Houston has shined in front of the Oklahoma coaches this offseason and it seemed every staff member was on hand to watch with a close eye. The buzz that came from him being on campus could not be overlooked and Houston himself has reciprocated that feeling.
As Thune points out, Houston is just one of two 2027 signal callers with an offer in hand and I don't imagine OU will extend many more as it starts to focus its effort on Houston.
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2. Texas A&M should be worried about Texas with Jonah Williams.
Rosow: FACT. Absolutely. Over the past few weeks, Texas has surged in this recruitment and as of now I expect it to be the pick come Saturday. Now, Texas A&M is still in contact with the Williams family and has two days to change my thinking. But I’d lean Texas 60-40 over A&M.
Levenson: FACT. I would imagine there are not many loose muscles inside the football facility in College Station as they stress through the final days of this decision of Jonah Williams. There were some around the state of Texas that at one time, had essentially sharpied in the Aggies as the eventual winner, but plenty of signs point to otherwise as of now. Now, if anyone says they know exactly what is happening, they would be lying. Williams keeps things close but as of right now, Texas A&M should be worried of both Texas and LSU.
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3. This is the most anticipated season of college football in the College Football Playoff era.
Smith: FACT. Each season brings a new buzz and excitement as college football fans settle back into their favorite sport being back. But this year does feel a little different. There are multiple reasons for that. First, continued conference expansion has given new matchups for fans to get excited about. Matchups like Texas versus Georgia or Ohio State versus Oregon will electrify fans.
But the implications of these new conferences on the expanded College Football Playoff has fans excited from coast to coast. Now more teams are eligible to get a crack at the championship. That gives more fans legitimate hope at the sport’s ultimate prize. This is a very highly-anticipated season and we’ll see the weekly ratings reflect that this year.
Levenson: FACT. I personally feel this season is the most anticipated for a few reasons. Unlike most seasons where there is one, maybe two clear favorites to win the title, it feels this year it is more open than it has been in quite some time.
The new and exciting matchups in the sport this year will likely provide some losses to teams who are not used to having more than just one or two losses a year. So, having major programs going down week in and week out will make for some fascinating storylines and fan reactions.
The playoff itself is the biggest storyline. With 12 teams getting in, how will teams approach late season games if they feel they are a shoe-in? We also will get to see programs like Oklahoma State, Iowa, Kansas State, and some of the middle tier SEC programs finally get their shot at playoff matchups. Before, these programs have won at a high clip but never at the level of being a top four program. We will see some fascinating games this season with a wide open race to the championship.
