Three-Point Stance: Five-star freshmen, Kobe Black, hot seat coaches
Rivals national recruiting analyst Cole Patterson tackles three topics in the Mid-South region, including highlighting former five-star freshmen that are shining this season.
*****
FOUR-STAR FRIDAY: Five more players join elite ranks
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
CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals100
TRANSFER PORTAL: Latest news | Transfer portal player ranking | Transfer portal team ranking | Transfer Tracker | Message board
*****
1. FIVE-STAR FRESHMEN
The Mid-South is always a talent-rich region, and that was certainly the case in the 2023 recruiting cycle. Already, former five-star prospects are turning heads and making big impacts on the collegiate level.
Oklahoma freshman Peyton Bowen has been all over the field making plays for the Sooners. He has two blocked kicks to his name and even forced a fumble in the Red River Rivalry.
Texas freshman Anthony Hill has been a key piece on the Longhorns’ defense, too. He had multiple sacks against Alabama and looks beyond his gears already this fall. Ole Miss freshman Suntarine Perkins is another first-year star that is shining bright. The linebacker earned five-star status at the last rankings update of the cycle and is backing that up with his play, highlighted by a multi sack performance versus Alabama.
*****
2. BATTLE FOR KOBE BLACK
Kobe Black is the highest-ranked uncommitted prospect in Texas, so naturally all eyes are turned to him as he waits to make a decision.
Texas and Texas A&M have long been considered the two out in front for the Waco cornerback. He was expected to be in attendance for the Aggies’ matchup with Alabama, although that did not end up happening.
Instead, Black made the trip to Dallas to see the Red River Rivalry in what turned out to be a crazy atmosphere and classic finish. The Longhorns still are the favorite to land the Rivals250 prospect despite no firm commitment date set as it stands right now.
*****
3. COACHES ON THE HOT SEAT
While some coaches in the region like Steve Sarkisian and Brent Venables have secured job stability with excellent starts to the 2023 season, the same cannot be said for everyone.
Dave Aranda is not too far removed from leading Baylor to a Big 12 title and win over Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl. But things have gone south since then. The Bears have struggled on the field and recruiting has been lacking, too. There are real questions about whether or not he will get another season in Waco.
Elsewhere, Dana Holgorsen and Neal Brown both entered the 2023 season under some pressure. Brown and West Virginia got off to a strong start but Holgorsen’s Cougars pulled out a thriller over the Mountaineers on Thursday night.
There could be some notable shakeup among the coaches in the Big 12 depending on how the rest of the season plays out. Which sets up a fascinating first season of the new conference next year.