Photo by Matthew Christopher
Recruiting roundup: USC pledge delivers 6 1st quarter touchdowns; Could Oregon flip 5-star Notre Dame commit?
Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes pulled off the shocker of the 2023 recruiting cycle (so far) when they secured the commitment of consensus five-star quarterback Cormani McClain on Thursday.
The 6-foot-2, 165-pound defensive back was the nation's highest-rated uncommitted prospect, sitting at No. 2 overall.
But there's been plenty of other big news on the recruiting trail.
Here's a look at the top recruiting stories of the weeK:
- USC 5-star quarterback commit Malachi Nelson delivers 6 touchdowns in the first quarter: Watch
- 4-star linebacker/edge-rusher David Peevy commits to USC over Oregon, Washington
The USC Trojans are back on the board with a key in-state commitment.
This time it comes from San Diego, as Lincoln High School (California) four-star linebacker David Peevy announced his commitment to USC over fellow finalists Oregon and Washington.
- Notre Dame 5-star safety pledge Peyton Bowen wears Oregon Ducks headband following visit
The 6-foot, 185-pound defensive back is ranked a five-star prospect, the nation's No. 24 overall prospect and No. 2 safety.
- Nation's No. 2 overall basketball prospect Ian Jackson visits Oregon Ducks
Over the weekend, Cardinal Hayes High School (New York) five-star prospect Ian Jackson, the nation's No. 2 overall prospect in 2024 and the "next big-time New York guard," was in Eugene on a visit.
- Fox Crader, nation's No. 12 offensive tackle, has high praise for Oregon following crucial visit
"I've been to Oregon multiple times now, whether it be to check out the facilities or a game or my third game last weekend," he said. "My dad actually flew it for this game because I wanted him to see what they've got going on over here. He lives in Texas right now, so he's over here hoping I get to a school in Texas. But I told him, 'Oregon has been recruiting me the hardest out of anybody, so I want you to see what they've got going on.'"
- Nation's No. 1 cornerback Cormani McClain commits to Miami over Alabama, Florida
Entering Thursday's decision, McClain was the top uncommitted player in the country and it was widely believed he was headed to Florida.
But that changed when the 6-foot-2, 165-pound defensive back announced his commitment to Miami in a shocking turn of events.
- Legendary USC Trojans star says he received $150,000 bag of cash in USC apartment
One of the most notorious, not-so-secretive elements of college football recruiting made headlines again Tuesday.
The rarely-discussed, often-used bag of cash.
- Prediction: Oregon Ducks to beat out Miami, USC for bluechip recruit
The Oregon Ducks have landed four class of 2023 offensive linemen in the month of October.
And it doesn't look like offensive line coach Adrian Klemm is going to be slowing down any time soon.
- Prediction: Alabama poised to beat out Auburn, others for elite 2024 defensive prospect
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound 'backer didn't name finalists, but Alabama, Auburn and LSU are three programs widely considered to be the main contenders.
- 6-foot-8, 300-pound JC offensive lineman commits to Oregon Ducks
The Fullerton College offensive tackle is the fourth offensive line addition for the Ducks this month.
- Top 2024 QB in Washington E.J. Caminong commits to Washington Huskies
"I chose Washington because the relationship I had with the coaches and the system they run," he said. "I feel like it fits me and what I want to do with my career in football and outside of football."
- Washington Huskies 2024 edge-rusher Jaxson Jones receives Oregon, USC offers, planning visits
Despite a commitment to Washington last month, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound defensive end/outside linebacker has only seen his recruitment intensify with recent offers from Notre Dame, Oregon and USC.
"i always wanted to go there ever since Dalvin Cook played there," he said. "Ever since they offered me, they made sure they stayed in touch with me. ... When I went on my visit it just felt like home."
Fresh off a visit to Alabama for its 30-6 thrashing of Mississippi State, he had high praise for the Crimson Tide.
"Honestly, I loved it," he said. "The coaches showed me why they are the best program in the nation. It stood out to me a lot because they treated me right, treated my family right and treated me like a priority."
- Nation's No. 1 QB Bryce Underwood visiting Michigan this weekend
In the class of 2025, Belleville High School's Bryce Underwood is rated the nation's No. 3 overall prospect and No. 1 quarterback.
