Rivals recruiting buzz: Ten of the biggest visits to watch this weekend
There are some impactful games and rivalries this weekend that will have a ton of top recruits at them. Here’s a look at some of the biggest and most important trips of the weekend.
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Harlem Berry - LSU
A top list that includes LSU, USC, Oklahoma, Texas and Florida has emerged for one of the best running backs in the 2025 class, and last weekend’s visit to Southern California was eye-opening for the Metairie (La.) St. Martin’s Episcopal standout. That’s why it’s so crucial for coach Brian Kelly and his staff to get Berry back on campus this weekend for the Florida matchup. The Tigers have been considered the leader for a long time, and any post-visit high on USC could fade away with another trip to Death Valley.
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Grant Brix - Oklahoma
The flip-flop between Nebraska and Oklahoma continues, and this weekend the Sooners will get another chance to work on the four-star offensive lineman from Logan (Iowa) Magnolia. It seems like the Huskers have taken a slight lead in his recruitment, but it truly feels that each time he visits either Norman or Lincoln that school takes the lead. There is also word that Brix will still take a late-season visit to Kansas State as one of the nation’s best offensive linemen works toward a decision.
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Cam Coleman - Florida State
A Texas A&M commit since July 4, Coleman is one of the top receivers in the country, so other teams are not going to give up until he signs with the Aggies. Auburn came in second place, and the Tigers have worked to get him back on campus, and now Florida State is going to have a big shot in a rivalry showdown against Miami, which should be an electric environment. There are still a lot of moving pieces in Coleman’s recruitment, so this visit is very important and not just a free trip to have a good time.
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Chris Ewald Jr. - Florida State
A Michigan commitment since last December, the 2025 high four-star defensive back has not been shy about visiting other programs, and this weekend he can double-dip by seeing the two that are trying to flip him hardest. The weekend is loading up in a major way at Florida State as the Seminoles and Hurricanes are recruiting Ewald the hardest. A few weeks ago, Ewald said he wasn’t too worried about the sign-stealing scandal in Ann Arbor, but it’s certainly something to watch that he’s returning to Tallahassee.
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Jaime Ffrench - Florida State
Ohio State is trying to flip him to combine Ffrench and South Florida Express teammate Jeremiah Smith in the next round of dominant receivers playing in Columbus. Florida State will get another chance this weekend as well, as the Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin 2025 four-star receiver will be back in town. But Alabama is going to be tough to beat in Ffrench’s recruitment because the Crimson Tide offense looks far better late in the year.
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Julian Lewis - Georgia
There might be nothing to see here. It might be that Lewis wants to see a great game between Georgia and Ole Miss and the 2026 five-star quarterback is locked in with USC. But the Carrollton, Ga., will have now made numerous visits to Georgia this season, and coach Kirby Smart and his staff are not going to stop recruiting him. It might be nothing - but it’s at least something to monitor.
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Byron Louis - Ohio State
Could a commitment happen soon? That has been the rumor when it comes to the 2025 four-star running back from Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage, as Louis is returning to Columbus this weekend and the Buckeyes are the clear frontrunner in his recruitment. Miami and others will remain in the mix, but Louis was at Ohio State just a few weeks ago and he’s returning again for the Michigan State game.
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Chance Robinson - Ohio State
Is there something to watch here, or is Robinson just making the rounds before he shuts it down and sticks with Miami? The four-star receiver from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas is definitely making it interesting, since he visited Ole Miss last weekend and is going back to Ohio State this weekend. The Rebels and the Buckeyes certainly like to throw the ball - and Miami has been struggling.
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Jeremiah Smith - Florida State
Committed to Ohio State since last December, a source close to Smith said that some “crazy stuff” would have to happen for the five-star receiver to back off his pledge to the Buckeyes. But the Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna standout has been showing Florida State a ton of interest recently, making numerous trips there while also seeing Florida and Miami. Georgia cannot be counted out yet, either, but Ohio State is still in a very strong position.
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Elyiss Williams - Florida State
The 2025 four-star tight end made a very early commitment to Georgia in April, and since then it seems Florida State has not backed down an inch trying to flip him. The Kingsland (Ga.) Camden County recruit who stands 6-foot-8 said recently that he’s looking at the Seminoles a “little bit,” and he’s taken numerous visits to campus this season. Tallahassee is two hours closer than Athens, and while that’s only one factor Williams has not been shy about showing up at FSU and showing interest.