As the high school football season approaches the mid-point, the 2025 recruiting cycle is beginning to near its completion. This week Rivals national data analyst Austin Cochran is breaking down the five best commits for the Group of Five Conferences, continuing today with the American Athletic Conference.
GROUP OF FIVE SPOTLIGHT: Ranking the five best Conference USA commits
CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Top 100
TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker
1. QB ANTWANN HILL, Memphis
Hill is the highest-rated commit in all of the Group of Five and it’s easy to see why. At 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, Hill is built like an elite quarterback. He has a lightning-quick release and a big arm, but has the ability to throw with finesse as well. Hill has a strong base and good mechanics and throws an absolutely gorgeous deep ball.
He remains calm in the pocket, never looking rattled and makes all the right reads. The four-star prospect has really good awareness and pocket presence, with enough athleticism to escape pressure and do some damage with his legs if need be.
Hill was at one point committed to Colorado and has the ability to go to whatever program he wants. He has 34 total offers, including ones from Alabama, Florida and Texas A&M. I expect him to be an immediate contributor for the Tigers.
2. DB ANTAVIOUS RICHARDSON, South Florida
A freak athlete who is a dominant two-way player at Greenville High School, Richardson has been lighting it up so far this season and has been getting a lot of attention from Power Four programs. Most see him as a safety at the next level but he could probably play just about anywhere on the field.
His raw speed and athleticism will make him a force in the backend of South Florida's defense and he will only improve as he moves away from playing quarterback and can focus solely on training at safety.
Richardson has 12 total offers, most of which have come since August. I expect that number to keep going up as he continues to dominate this season.
3. DE NIKOLAS ALSTON, Tulane
Alston could play anywhere on the defensive line. He’s a great athlete with an extremely quick get off and very quick twitch. He does a great job slicing through the line and making plays in the backfield. Alston is excellent against the run, and has a relentless motor to make him an effective pass rusher as well. He needs to improve his strength and pass rush moves at the next level, but with his athleticism and motor he has all the tools to be an elite interior lineman or edge rusher.
Alston chose Tulane over NC State, Liberty and East Carolina. He will bring an athletic presence to Tulane's defense.
4. LB EVAN WARD, South Florida
A true athletic specimen, Ward is 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, runs a 10.9 100-meter dash and is nearly impossible to block coming off the edge. He has tons of potential due to his natural athletic ability. Once he gets coached up on some pass rush moves, puts on weight, and learns to use his length to his advantage, he will be a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.
Ward is currently flying a little under the radar with just eight total offers but I feel like he is a player that could blow up.
5. QB JACK MORAN, Charlotte
Moran has been an extremely productive player this season, tossing 25 touchdowns in just five games to go along with 2,400 yards. The three-star prospect is a good athlete in a big frame. Moran can make all the throws. He has a good arm and is very accurate with some really impressive ball placement. He throws really well on the run and can make a lot of the sexy off-platform throws you love to see. Moran feels pressure well and does a good job maneuvering the pocket and escaping when necessary.
With just eight offers, Moran seems to be a little overlooked but he won't be overlooked for long if he continues to perform like he has this season.
