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, beginning today with Conference USA.
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1. DE BRANDON THOMAS, WKU
Thomas is a long, athletic specimen coming off the edge for Carol City. He’s got everything you want in an edge rusher: speed, length, power and bend. He wins at the line of scrimmage with both speed and power and shows a good arsenal of pass rush moves. Thomas has quick and strong hands and uses his length to win with leverage. He has a very similar build and skill set to Hilltopper legend DeAngelo Malone, who was drafted in the third round by the Falcons just two years ago.
A hot commodity, Thomas has 31 total offers and 20 from Power Four programs. He chose Western Kentucky over Miami, Indiana and Georgia State. Thomas looks to be the next elite edge rusher for the Hilltoppers.
2. WR NAS NEWKIRK, Liberty
Newkirk is a big, strong receiver with really good hands and strength to break tackles. He does a good job making catches through contact. Newkirk has long arms to go with his big stature which gives him a really big catch radius. He is a good athlete with straight line speed and body control. The three-star is a solid route runner but will need to improve in that area at the college level. He is a big-time playmaker, but also a very reliable weapon which is what every offense wants.
Liberty had to fight hard for this commitment. Newkirk has 23 total offers, including offers from Virginia, Virginia Tech and Duke. He will be a big contributor in Liberty's offense.
3. DT ANTHONY SMITH, Middle Tennessee State
At 6-foot-1 and more than 300 pounds, Smith is a big-bodied space eater in the middle of the defensive line. He has a powerful initial punch and good hands to win off the line of scrimmage. Smith has 6.5 TFL this year, which is extremely impressive from an interior lineman. He is a good athlete with impressive lateral movement for his size.
A bit of a surprise commitment for Middle Tennessee State, Smith has 19 total offers and 12 from Power Four programs. He chose Middle over Oregon State, West Virginia and Tulane. A big body and a big get for the Blue Raiders.
4. DE MATTHEW POINTER, FIU
Pointer has only played football for two years with this year being his first as a starter. He has lived in the backfield this season with three sacks and 11.5 TFL in six games to go along with a number of batted balls. Pointer is extremely long with good feet and athleticism and plays like a seasoned vet despite his inexperience. The three-star prospect has a ton of untapped potential as his body gets stronger and he gets more comfortable with football.
Pointer has 11 total offers but I expect that number to increase as the season goes on and he continues to produce. If there’s one thing that the FIU staff has made clear, it’s that they want length and athleticism on the edge.
5. DE RICHARD SCOTT, FIU
Scott has good size and length for the position with a really quick get off and strong initial punch. He’s fast and has lateral quickness to make plays in the backfield and on the edge. Scott is a very exciting player that brings prototypical size and athleticism to the position.
The three-star prospect has 13 total offers and chose FIU over Florida, Georgia Tech and rival FAU.
