Mid-South Spotlight: Questions about the 2025 rankings
Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Cole Patterson takes a look at a few of the most burning questions regarding the upcoming 2025 rankings update in the Mid-South region.
*****
RELATED: Texas A&M lands Rivals250 OT Blake Ivy
FINAL 2023 TEAM RANKINGS: Comprehensive (overall) ranking | High school/JUCO ranking | Transfer portal ranking
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
TRANSFER PORTAL: Latest news | Transfer portal player ranking | Transfer portal team ranking | Transfer Tracker | Message board
*****
1. WHO IS THE NO. 1 PROSPECT IN TEXAS?
Devin Sanchez and Dakorien Moore are both ranked in the top 10 of the Rivals250. Sanchez is a prototypical shutdown corner, able to take away a receiver or a side of the field in the passing game. He has great length, impressive ball skills and is a willing tackler.
Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, Alabama and LSU are among the programs in hot pursuit of the 6-foot-3 defensive back out of the Greater Houston Area.
Moore is one of the most electric offensive weapons in the 2025 cycle. He has legit track speed, able to score from anywhere on the field. The recent LSU pledge was a key part in Duncanville winning a state title last December with 764 yards and six touchdowns. He creates separation with ease and is arguably the best blocker at his position in the class.
*****
2. BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE MID-SOUTH?
Ty Hawkins and Kevin Sperry are two of the better quarterbacks in the region, with Hawkins committed to TCU and Sperry to Oklahoma. Hawkins jumped on radars in a big way to kick off his sophomore campaign, while Sperry – who moved into the Sooner State – has been consistent and impressive in nearly every setting that he has been in.
Beyond those two, four-star Keelon Russell enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign a year ago and is trending up. Virginia Tech pledge Kelden Ryan, Purdue commit Sawyer Anderson and Baylor commitment Adam Schobel are all worth keeping close tabs on, too.
*****
3. WHO IS RANKED TOO LOW?
Kiotti Armstrong is a player that passes the eye test with ease. At 6-foot-5 and 246 pounds, Armstrong looks like man among boys on the football field. Able to play either side of the ball, the four-star has an exciting ceiling at tight end thanks to his size and vertical ability.
Currently just inside the Rivals250, Armstrong could fly up the rankings as everything progresses. Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma are among the early standouts for him at this stage.
*****
4. HOW MANY FIVE-STARS IN THE MID-SOUTH?
Sanchez and Moore are locked into five-star status, but who else could join them? Jonah Williams is one strong candidate, as the Galveston Ball safety is a bit of a hybrid and features excellent versatility.
Caleb Cunningham is a playmaking wide receiver in small town Mississippi with several national offers. Mesquite Horn OT Lamont Rogers is a multi-sport athlete with intriguing developmental upside up front. Harlem Berry has an argument to be the nation’s No. 1 running back out of Louisiana and deserves to be in the conversation.