JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than 100 of the top players in the 2025 and 2026 classes, along with a few select 2027 prospects, were here at the Rivals Five-Star this week. Here is a look – and prediction – on where the top uncommitted defensive prospects could be headed.
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Clemson and Ole Miss have emerged as the frontrunner for the Fyffe, Ala., linebacker and even though Anderson is a low four-star he still feels underrated after seeing him at the Rivals Five-Star. The Tigers could very well have the edge here as Anderson loves the culture at Clemson.
Prediction: Clemson
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Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Miami and many others will be involved with the 2026 four-star linebacker from Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles but Florida State still feels like the early leader. From a long time ago and then at the National Combine in January until now at the Rivals Five-Star there continues to be interest in the Seminoles.
Prediction: Florida State
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Things could change possibly based on some Las Vegas Bishop Gorman teammates but Florida State and Oregon have always been two teams that have stood out most in his recruitment. LSU, Georgia and Ohio State have also been mentioned but the Seminoles seem to have the edge.
Prediction: Florida State
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Less than 20 miles away from Carter’s hometown is Florida. The Swamp is so close one can practically see it down the road and while the Gators are very much involved in Carter’s recruitment the rumor has been that Ohio State is now the team to really watch in his recruitment.
Prediction: Ohio State
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Ohio State, Oregon, Colorado and many others are involved with the four-star linebacker from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson but Auburn has been the mainstay in his recruitment. The Tigers have been involved for the longest time and it’s hardly a secret Davis is very interested in them.
Prediction: Auburn
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He’s originally from Baton Rouge, La., and his father played at Ole Miss but the 2026 four-star defensive tackle from Suwanee (Ga.) Collins Hill still has a long list of top schools. North Carolina, Auburn, Texas, Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Oklahoma, LSU, USC, Ole Miss and Oregon round out his top group. It would be a complete guess at this time to make a prediction since so much could still change.
Prediction: Alabama
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The Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles standout is a 2028 prospect so there is an inordinate amount of time left in his recruitment. Ghioto already has a Georgia offer and is well-versed in Bulldogs football. His father is a die-hard UGA fan and while Ghioto is looking at everyone this early, Georgia could be tough to beat.
Prediction: Georgia
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Auburn has been mentioned more with Hicks as he looks to release a top list soon but Georgia, Ohio State and some others are high for the 2026 four-star safety from Carrollton, Ga. Florida seems to be making a bigger push along with Texas as those two absolutely cannot be counted out.
Prediction: Auburn
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Oklahoma and Auburn are being considered. The four-star linebacker from Omaha (Neb.) Westside is looking at a trip to Miami. But can Nebraska be beaten in this recruitment? The Huskers have made Jones a priority from Day 1 and he would be a huge building block in coach Matt Rhule’s rebuild down the road in Lincoln.
Prediction: Nebraska
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Everywhere Kreul has camped he has landed an offer so his recruitment has taken off in June. Florida was the “dream offer” and he got it but the new Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy 2026 defensive end is now over 40 offers with Clemson, Georgia and many others on board. However, a dream school is a dream school.
Prediction: Florida
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Not much has really changed in the last few weeks when it comes to McCoy’s recruitment as Mississippi State and LSU continue to be the two teams to show the most interest in the 2026 four-star defensive end from Tupelo, Miss. The Bulldogs could actually have the edge here because of how much attention that coaching staff has been paying McCoy.
Prediction: Mississippi State
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The four-star linebacker from Houston (Texas) Mayde Creek already has more than 20 offers but this could be a two-team race down the stretch between Texas and Texas A&M. The Longhorns definitely have his attention but if the Aggies’ defense under coach Mike Elko looks spectacular this season and next, they could move way up.
Prediction: Texas A&M
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Ohio State, USC, Florida, Notre Dame and Michigan round out the top five for the No. 1 outside linebacker in the 2025 class and while everybody still has a shot it feels like the Irish are still the frontrunner. He loves the staff there, his brother starred there and the Irish have made him a major priority.
Prediction: Notre Dame
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Some of the biggest surprising news from Rivals Five-Star is that the No. 1 inside linebacker nationally might have USC and Ohio State ahead in his recruitment with Texas and Texas A&M trailing off. Whether that’s legit or a smokescreen since the Longhorns have been ahead for so long is interesting but it sure sounded legit.
Prediction: USC
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The defensive back MVP of the Rivals Five-Star has a decision coming up in early July with Oregon and Oklahoma as his two favorites. There are definitely positives about both after visits in June but it seems like the Sooners have recaptured the lead.
Prediction: Oklahoma
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The long-standing tradition of top Louisiana players going to LSU is not going unnoticed but it just seems Stewart is different, as USC, Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, Auburn and Miami make a push. It’s still anyone’s guess where he ends up but the Trojans have really appealed a ton to him.
Prediction: USC
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A decision is coming up within days and it’s down to Clemson and Florida State. The four-star safety from Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage loves the culture at Clemson and that’s a major pull but there is also a ton to like about the Seminoles – and he’s announcing at the Hard Rock Casino. Interesting.
Prediction: Florida State
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There is a very real chance Womack could stay in-state and Ole Miss would look good for the 2026 four-star safety from Brandon (Miss.) Hartfield Academy. But Ohio State was a “dream school” for Womack as Notre Dame and SEC powers have been involved, too. It’s still early and there’s no clear leader but Womack was in Columbus and loved it.
Prediction: Ohio State
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