Three-Point Stance: Momentum in Texas, Mid-South five-stars, Miss. State
Rivals national recruiting analyst Cole Patterson explores the June recruiting surge by Power Five programs in Texas, checks in on the top uncommitted prospects in the Mid-South and tips his cap to Mississippi State coach Zach Arnett.
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LONE STAR STATE RECRUITING MOMENTUM
The state of Texas has made tons of headlines in recent weeks. Nearly every in-state Power Fived program made some kind of splash in the month of June, and some of that momentum has carried over into July, too.
Texas went on a run that included commitments from Rivals100 running back Jerrick Gibson, Rivals100 safety Jordon Johnson-Rubell, Rivals250 wide receiver Parker Livingstone and Rivals250 athlete Aeryn Hampton, among others.
In College Station, Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M have made a statement on the trail. Recent additions to the Aggies' class include elite wide receiver Cam Coleman and top four-star targets Dre'lon Miller and Tyanthony Smith.
Texas Tech has secured pledges from many of its priority targets and remains in an excellent position to land five-star Micah Hudson. TCU features four-star Hauss Hejny, Tobias Steppes, and Jeremy Payne in its class and made waves in 2025 with additions from Ty Hawkins and Adrian Wilson. Houston flipped Maurice Williams from LSU as the Cougars prepare for life in the Big 12.
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TOP MID-SOUTH TALENT STILL ON THE BOARD
Four five-star prospects inside the Mid-South region remain uncommitted with preseason camp just weeks away. Colin Simmons is the headliner of the group, as the No. 1 prospect in Texas continues to take his time with his commitment. Texas looks to be in front, but LSU remains a serious threat.
Hudson has been rumored to be committing at different points over the last couple of weeks, but he has yet to announce any kind of pledge. Still, the Red Raiders are in the driver's seat and there is not any concern coming out of Lubbock.
Kamarion Franklin released a top-five in early June. Miami and Tennessee are the two out in front, but Auburn and Ole Miss are legitimate contenders for his commitment. Franklin is expected to be at Auburn at the end of the month.
Justin Williams has been considered an Oregon lean for a bulk of the process, but Georgia has made a surge in his recruitment. Especially with his teammate and Rivals100 defensive end Joseph Jonah-Ajonye committing to the Bulldogs this week. Kirby Smart and former assistant Dan Lanning will continue to battle it out.
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ZACH ARNETT FINDING SUCCESS
Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett was thrusted into a difficult position as tragedy struck last December with the unexpected passing of Mike Leach. But the early returns for Arnett, who is prepping for his first season as a head coach, have been positive - especially after a bowl win over Illinois back in January.
Arnett, who played and coached at San Diego State, hired a Mississippi-focused staff to help recruiting, and it's been paying off. The Bulldogs landed commitments from four four-star prospects in June: defensive lineman Terrance Hibbler, wide receiver JJ Harrell, athlete Braylon Burnside, and cornerback PJ Woodland.
Admittedly, there is a long way until signing day, but Arnett is holding his own in a state where Lane Kiffin garners most of the headlines. A strong first season at the helm could go a long way in recruiting success carrying over to a talented in-state 2025 crop of talent.