How things stand with uncommitted 2021 five-stars
The early signing period is right around the corner but eight of the five-stars in the 2021 class remain uncommitted. Here is the latest on their recruitments:
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The feeling as of just a few weeks ago was that USC and LSU would be battling it out for Foreman, but it looks like now the Trojans and Arizona State could have a slight edge. But things change quickly with Foreman, who had been committed to Clemson and was back on campus this past weekend for the Tigers’ big win over Pitt. Georgia is also still involved and could be an interesting spot to land if Foreman and Maason Smith plan to play together outside of LSU in college. In the end, though, this could be a Pac-12 battle as Foreman likes all the NFL experience and early opportunity in Tempe.
Tuimoloau does not discuss his recruitment much but the whispers continue to be this will be a battle between Ohio State and Alabama with the Buckeyes probably holding a slight edge but the Crimson Tide definitely more involved than they were a few months ago. If the five-star defensive lineman decides to stay closer to home, Oregon would be a school to watch. Washington will have a shot as well and then Michigan and Oklahoma are in the mix, too.
When it comes to Smith’s recruitment, the five-star defensive tackle has more than 30 offers but it might be the program right up the road that ends up being the best fit. LSU seems to be the front-runner for Smith and has been for some time as the Houma (La.) Terrebonne standout is also serious about Georgia, Alabama and possibly others. History could be on the Tigers’ side as well since the last No. 1 prospect from the state of Louisiana to go out-of-state to play college ball was Landon Collins back in 2012.
Everything about Wheaton’s recruitment points to Oklahoma being his final choice since he has visited recently, the Sooners have been involved for so long and he would be a very good fit in coach Lincoln Riley’s offense. If there is a major sleeper, though, it could be Alabama since the Crimson Tide have done so well at the running back spot and an opportunity presents itself there as well. LSU is also in his top three but might be a distant third.
There is a legitimate two-way race for Foster’s commitment. Oklahoma has long been considered the top team and the Sooners remain right in the hunt but Texas A&M has a lot going for it, maybe now more than ever with how well the Aggies are playing this season. Foster has always had Oklahoma high on the list but Texas A&M is only an hour from his house and that could be compelling since the Aggies look like they’ve turned a corner in coach Jimbo Fisher’s third season.
Three programs remain in Egbuka’s recruitment with Ohio State being the favorite. The Buckeyes have captured Egbuka’s attention throughout his recruitment and the Big Ten powerhouse could be considered the team to beat. Oklahoma has piqued his interest as well, especially since the Sooners’ offense fits his style so well but he still hasn’t had the opportunity to visit Norman. If that happens, things could change but Ohio State still might be tough to beat. Washington is there as well but it feels like the No. 1 receiver in the country is headed out-of-state.
Adeleye visited Alabama this past weekend for the Iron Bowl as the Crimson Tide continue to pursue the five-star defensive lineman. There is a major connection to Tuscaloosa as well as Adeleye’s teammate at Katy (Texas) Tompkins is four-star Alabama QB commit Jalen Milroe. Adeleye could still visit Florida next month as the Gators continue to intrigue him and then Texas A&M absolutely needs to be watched as well. He’s a local kid like Foster and it was his first offer, so that could also carry weight.
Oklahoma has to like its chances with Leigh since he’s shown so much interest in the Sooners throughout his recruitment and has been pitched to play with and protect five-star quarterback Caleb Williams, a workhorse in getting Oklahoma’s recruiting class as loaded as possible. Do not count out Ohio State which continues to pursue the Fairfax (Va.) Robinson recruit and if location plays a factor as decision day nears then that could be a real possibility. LSU is considered third now in Leigh’s recruitment after an earlier push.