JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Rivals 5-Star is within the books and now it is time to proceed the evaluation from the preeminent occasion of the offseason.
There was a relatively gentle presence of Huge 12 illustration on the 5-Star with simply a few packages with connections. Listed below are the packages most impacted by the occasion.
THIS SERIES: SEC impact | Big Ten impact
Simply earlier than his two-day keep in Jacksonville, five-star quarterback and No. 1 total prospect Julian Lewis, spent a weekend in Boulder, Colo., for an official go to with Deion Sanders and the Buffs. Colorado is likely one of the simply two or three faculties which can be in respectable competition to flip the highest prospect away from USC.
On high of the visits happening straight earlier than the occasion, the hypothesis was pushed additional as Lewis was sporting a Colorado towel competing within the 5-Star.
The USC commit is being courted by others, however none seemingly as arduous as Colorado, who had followers shouting for him within the streets of Boulder and even a restaurant that created a burger named after Lewis. They’re going all out for him.
Given that he’s not dedicated to Colorado, there’s not an instantaneous impression for them popping out of 5-Star. However to see Lewis rep the Buffs, even simply by carrying a towel, it continues so as to add intrigue to what has develop into the possibly the highest storyline of the 2025 cycle because the 12 months strikes nearer to signing day.
The UCF Knights, going into their second 12 months within the Huge 12, had a sprinkle of illustration with one commit in addition to some targets in attendance. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Gavin Blanchard was possibly the one prospect presently ranked as a three-star in attendance, however nonetheless he shined. He acquired reps at each heart and guard, excelling at initially slowing down highly effective pass-rushers working from the within. Blanchard’s inventory actually is taking pictures up popping out of the 5-Star and UCF has a very good one headed its method.
Throughout from Blanchard on the inside of the defensive position is one which the Knights would like to see of their class, however goes to be robust. That’s four-star defensive lineman and longtime Auburn commit Malik Autry. With a large physique – 6-foot-6, 320 kilos – Autry is sort of a process to decelerate on the within. A motor that retains firing and an actual sense for a go rush, Autry is a uncommon mix of an inside defensive lineman. UCF hosted the Alabama native on an official go to this summer season, however battles the likes of Ohio State to attempt to flip him away.
Down the road on the perimeter was a 2026 goal of the Knights, defensive finish Jake Kreul. The IMG Academy prospect nonetheless has some rising to do, however already at 6-foot-3 and 225 kilos, it’s important to like what you see. A fast first step, an array of go rush strikes, and a fiery edge to his character on the sector make for a nuisance for all blockers throughout from him. UCF is considered one of many already in pursuit, which incorporates all of the in-state powers.