High school football has started throughout the West, so it is time to look at four more top prospects across the region and identify which schools are sitting in the best position in those recruitments.

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The situation: Holmes is not expected to make his decision until the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, so there is plenty of time for changes in his recruitment. He took his first official visit to Nebraska this past weekend and will see Michigan and Arizona soon. An Ohio State visit is also being planned and Miami is a possibility as well. UCLA, USC, Notre Dame and others are high on his list as well.

The frontrunner: UCLA

Holmes’ recruitment is definitely close between a bunch of teams, but there are some reasons why the Bruins hold a slight edge. Defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin is a close family friend and that could play a huge factor in Holmes’ thinking. Plus, it could be a tremendous advantage that UCLA is down the road from his house and there could be a pull to staying in a big media market like Los Angeles.

The other option: Michigan

If one team has surged up the charts for Holmes in the last few months it is Michigan since his recent visit there and his connection to freshman cornerback David Long and others on the team. Holmes has the ability to be in the NFL down the road and the fact that coach Jim Harbaugh has pro experience is also a major plus. The pitch from Michigan is that Holmes and Long could start on opposite sides at cornerback and it’s given the five-star something to consider.

But don’t count out: Ohio State, Nebraska and others

Holmes made another trip to Lincoln this past weekend so he’s been there during the offseason to get a feel for the place and now for a game trip so he’s seen everything the Huskers have to offer. The five-star keeps going back and he has teammates committed there so things are pulling him that way. Holmes also loves everything about Ohio State and it could be a serious consideration. That the Buckeyes put a bunch of players in the NFL this past spring could also be something to watch.

The situation: Lewis is still working out his official visit schedule and there have been some changes along the way, but the five-star receiver is finalizing some trips which should give further insight into his recruitment. A decision is not expected until closer toward National Signing Day.

The frontrunner: USC

After all is said and done, USC might still be the place where Lewis ends up. It would allow him to stay close to home – his high school is only miles away from USC’s campus – and there’s no question Lewis is close to the Trojans’ coaching staff and players on the team. When it’s decision time, that could all make a difference for the five-star who might be at the USC home opener this weekend.

The other option: Nebraska

There are major signs that Lewis is serious about the Huskers. He’s taken multiple trips to Lincoln on his own dime and he will return for an official visit although he’s still working on a date. Lewis has also hit it off with Nebraska position coach Keith Williams and he could see the field early for the Huskers. That kind of bond and early playing time are two major considerations in Lewis’ recruitment.

But don’t count out: Oregon, Arizona, Alabama and others

Lewis is planning to take an official visit to Oregon for the Washington game in October and that trip could be crucial to see what the five-star thinks of the Ducks. There’s little doubt Lewis will be blown away by the game-day experience and the facilities so Oregon could keep moving up his list. Hawkins teammate Greg Johnson is committed to Arizona and that could be more important, too, as Lewis gets close to a decision. Washington, Arizona State and Tennessee cannot be counted out yet among others this early.

The situation: The new five-star and top-rated offensive tackle took his first official visit to Nebraska this past weekend and by all accounts had a strong trip to Lincoln. Others have been involved longer in his recruitment with Washington, Stanford and Notre Dame being the main three, but Sarell seems like he’ll go through at least his senior season before making a decision.

The frontrunner: Stanford

For many months Stanford has been in a strong position for the five-star offensive tackle and what better place to go than the Cardinal, who run the ball so frequently and churn out top offensive linemen all the time? This one might be a tad closer than people think, though, so nothing is guaranteed yet, but Stanford has had a great relationship for a long time. Sarell will likely visit for the USC game next weekend and then take his official visit in January.

The other option: Notre Dame

The biggest threat to Stanford at the moment is Notre Dame and that could intensify after Sarell takes his official visit to South Bend, not surprisingly, in mid-October when Stanford plays there. The five-star was at Notre Dame this summer and it’s absolutely a great sign that he’s headed back for a game weekend.

But don’t count out: Nebraska and Washington

This has seemed like a two-horse race for a couple months, but the hometown Huskies cannot be counted out for sure and neither can Nebraska since he had such a good visit there this past weekend. But will he turn down Stanford or Notre Dame late in the process for either of those two programs? Unlikely at this point.

The situation: The four-star athlete who could play safety or wide receiver in college took his first official visit to Washington this past weekend and it went well. Other trips are definitely being worked on in the coming months with Arizona State, Notre Dame, USC and Cal planned. Oregon State has also been recruiting him diligently.

The frontrunner: Arizona State

This is definitely a close one and undecided at the moment, but the Sun Devils have pursued Pola-Mao heavily and the closeness to home could play an even bigger factor as it comes to decision time. The four-star is expected to take an official visit to Arizona State and that trip could really be crucial in the decision-making process.

The other option: Washington

The Huskies have always been one of the frontrunners and they remain so after Pola-Mao had a great visit to Seattle this past weekend. The four-star has raved about possibly playing in Washington’s secondary and he’s been enamored with that program for some time. It is definitely a strong possibility that Pola-Mao ends up with the Huskies if location isn’t as major a factor in his recruitment as first thought.

But don’t count out: USC and Notre Dame

Pola-Mao’s Phoenix Mountain Pointe team played in Southern California a couple weeks ago and he and his brother, Matthew, a 2019 defensive tackle, stopped in for an unofficial visit at USC. He’s expected to be back for an official visit which could be important because Pola-Mao has called the Trojans one of his favorites for a long time. A trip to Notre Dame could be big as well but the Irish probably have some room to make up.