Rivals Rankings Week: States with most prospects

The first installment of the Rivals250 for the Class of 2023 has been unveiled and the states known for producing the top talent are yet again front and center for this recruiting cycle.

Florida and Texas lead the pack with 48 and 36 prospects represented in this first batch of rankings, respectively, with California (16), Alabama (15) and Louisiana (14) rounding out the top five. Here’s a look at the behind the scenes.

NEW 2023 STATE RANKINGS

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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK

Monday: Five-star countdown | Arch Manning is new No. 1

Tuesday: Rivals250 unveiled | Gorney's thoughts | Meet the new five-stars | Top player at each position | Could there be five five-stars from Alabama?

Wednesday: Teams with the most R250 commits | QB rankings released | RB rankings released | WR/TE rankings released | OL rankings released | Will Dante Moore remain among top 3 QBs?

Thursday: DL rankings released | LB rankings released | DB rankings released ATH rankings released | Is four-star Matayo Uigalelei underrated? | Who will be the first five-star LB?

Friday: Latest in recruiting for top 2023 prospects | State rankings released

Saturday: Rivals Roundtable

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Nearly one-fifth of the Rivals250 hails from the Sunshine State, which of course boasts powerhouse high school football programs such as American Heritage, St. Thomas Aquinas and IMG Academy, which features some of the best players from outside the state of Florida. Brandon Inniss, one of seven five-stars so far in the 2023 class, is the highest-ranking player from the state and is also the top-rated wide receiver in the country. IMG Academy standouts Francis Mauigoa, Samuel M’Pemba and Malik Bryant are also among the best in-state.

The Lone Star State trails Florida with the number of talented recruits featured in the 2023 class after leading the way with representation so far in 2022. Newly minted five-star Allen defensive lineman David Hicks leads the Texas-based talent after dominating the offseason with strong performances at LSU, Ohio State and Miami.

Hicks is currently the lone five-star Texan, but the state boasts cornerback Javien Toviano, linebacker Anthony Hill, defensive lineman Jordan Renaud and wide receiver Jalen Hale also in the top-30. TJ Shanahan ascended to the nation’s top guard after turning in an MVP performer at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge in June.

The Peach State again is well represented at the top and throughout the new Rivals250. Lebbeus Overton, who debuted as the No. 1 player in America this spring, remains the No. 1 player in the state and sits No. 7 overall.

Another big riser is Five-Star Challenge RB MVP Justice Haynes, an SEC legacy, who is high on not only Georgia but also Alabama, Ohio State and LSU. Georgia is also well-represented with some talented offensive and defensive linemen in the top 50, including Victor Burley, Gabriel Harris, Johnathan Hughley and Madden Sanker.

After strong numbers from usual suspects such as Texas, Georgia and Florida, the West Coast is represented with 16 recruits from California in the initial Rivals250. Five-star Oklahoma quarterback pledge Malachi Nelson is the headliner from in-state, along with Los Alamitos High School and future college teammate Makai Lemon, as well as versatile edge defender Matayo Uiagaleilei.

Strongside defensive end Peter Woods is the state's top prospect. He is followed by versatile defensive back AJ Harris, who shined at multiple events this offseason. Other talented defenders include Kelby Collins, Tony Mitchell and Jahlil Hurley.

The 2023 crop in Alabama is deep and particularly loaded on both sides of the line and in the secondary.