Speculation grows as top recruits make their way back from holiday visits.

Recruiting Rumor Mill: Latest Updates and Insights from Rivals National Recruiting Director Adam Gorney

As the holiday weekend came to a close, the recruiting world continued to buzz with activity, prompting the need for a second installment of the Recruiting Rumor Mill this week. Here are the latest updates and insights from Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney.

Michigan Makes Strong Impression on Three-Star Running Back

A recent visit to Michigan left a positive impression on a three-star running back from Painesville (Ohio) Harvey. The player, who remains unamed, had a great time meeting with position coach Tony Alford, and the two bonded over discussions about both football and off-the-field matters. While the Wolverines are a team to watch if they offer, Wisconsin currently holds an edge in the player’s recruitment due to the appeal of the coaching staff, facilities, and overall vibe of the program.

Miami Stands Out for Three-Star Cornerback

Miami made a strong impression on a three-star cornerback from Ruston, La., during a recent visit. The player expressed admiration for the program, stating that he felt he would be a great fit at Miami. Other programs standing out for the player include Arkansas, Texas, TCU, and Houston.

Alabama Emerges as Top Contender for Four-Star Cornerback

Alabama could be surging to the top of the list for a four-star cornerback from Suwanee (Ga.) Peachtree Ridge. The player had a phenomenal visit to Alabama, where the new coaching staff made it clear just how much they value him in the 2026 class. While Ohio State, USC, and Clemson are also in the mix, keep an eye on the Crimson Tide in this recruitment.

Georgia Impresses Four-Star Receiver

During a weekend visit to Georgia, a former Ohio State commit was told about the Bulldogs’ plans to utilize him in various roles across the offense. The four-star receiver from Cocoa, Fla., was particularly impressed by what he saw during the spring scrimmage. Notre Dame and USC are also making a strong push for the player.

Ohio State Stands Out for Four-Star Athlete

A recent visit to Ohio State left a lasting impression on a four-star athlete from Orlando (Fla.) Jones. The Buckeyes, along with Florida programs, are ones to watch closely in the player’s recruitment moving forward. The player praised the Buckeyes for making him a priority and for the positive experience he had during his visit.

Florida Gains Ground with Four-Star Defensive Lineman

Despite not being a major consideration earlier on, Florida has now emerged as a serious contender for a four-star defensive lineman from Port Charlotte, Fla. The player, who has a close relationship with position coach Odell Haggins at Florida State, was impressed by the attention and emphasis placed on him during a recent visit to Gainesville.

Ohio State Stays Strong with Five-Star Running Back Prospect

The hiring of former Oregon running backs coach Carlos Locklyn has solidified Ohio State’s position as the top choice for a five-star running back from Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei. Despite earlier concerns following Tony Alford’s departure, the player remains highly interested in Ohio State and has a big visit planned for Texas this weekend.

Ohio State Surges to Top for Four-Star Receiver

Ohio State has overtaken Georgia and Texas as the top teams for a four-star receiver from Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei. The player cited his positive interactions with the people in Columbus as a driving factor in this shift.

Texas A&M Makes Strong Push for Linebacker

Texas A&M is making a significant push for a high three-star linebacker from Missouri City (Texas) Fort Bend Marshall. The player was impressed by the Aggies’ mindset entering the SEC this season under new coach Mike Elko. LSU, Florida, Baylor, Notre Dame, and Oregon are also standing out in the player’s recruitment.

Michigan State Rises in Receiver’s Recruiting

Michigan State has made a strong impression on a four-star receiver from Owings Mills (Md.) McDonogh. A visit to East Lansing solidified the program as one of the player’s top choices, alongside Penn State, Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Syracuse.

Alabama Commit Examines Options

A four-star linebacker from Highland Home, Ala., who has been committed to Auburn since August, is exploring his options after a recent visit to Alabama. The player’s upcoming visits to other schools, including Florida State and Florida, will play a crucial role in his decision-making process.

Notre Dame Leads for Quarterback Prospect

Despite increasing interest from other programs, Notre Dame remains the front-runner for a high four-star quarterback from Lake Mary, Fla. The player recently visited Florida and will continue to assess his options before finalizing his decision.

Alabama Emerges as Top Contender for Safety Prospect

Alabama has emerged as a top contender for a four-star safety from Milton, Fla., following a successful visit to the program. The player also has Florida State, Florida, and Mississippi State in his top considerations.

Arkansas Stands Out for Defensive Back

A high three-star defensive back from Holland is closely monitoring Arkansas, Florida State, Washington, and Oklahoma. Despite the fast and physical play in the SEC, the player is waiting for an offer from Arkansas before committing further.

Iowa Makes Strong Impression on Defensive Tackle

Iowa has made a significant impression on a three-star defensive tackle from Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland. The player was attracted by the program’s prioritization of his recruitment and the level of attention he received from the coaching staff.

Potential Shift in Recruiting for Running Back

A four-star running back from Cleveland (Ohio) Villa Angela-St. Joseph could be centering his focus back on Ohio State following a return visit to the program. The player spent valuable time with the coaching staff and is considering their messages as he weighs his options.

Alabama Makes Strong Impression on Defensive End

A high four-star defensive end from Chicago (Ill.) Fenwick was impressed by Alabama’s program during a recent visit. The player praised the program’s tradition and the positive player-coach relationships he witnessed.

Mississippi State Surges in Safety’s Recruitment

Mississippi State has surged to the forefront of a four-star safety’s recruitment from Brandon (Miss.) Hartfield Academy. The player was highly impressed by the coaching staff and their clear emphasis on him as a top target.

Defensive Back Weighs Offers from Top Programs

A cornerback from Naples (Fla.) First Baptist Academy is considering offers from UCF, South Florida, Michigan State, and Mississippi State. A recent visit to Starkville left a strong impression on the player, who is weighing his options carefully.

Florida Gators Make Strong Impression on Four-Star Prospect

Florida has made a significant impression on a four-star prospect from Highland (Utah) Lone Peak. The player was impressed by the coaching staff and the program’s emphasis on high-character players and building a strong culture.

Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State Stand Out for Tight End

Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State are top contenders for a four-star tight end in the 2026 class. Recent visits to Georgia have kept the player interested, while Alabama could have a slight edge due to location factors.

Georgia Makes Push for Running Back Commit

Georgia is making a strong push for a running back commit from Montgomery (Ala.) Carver. The player appreciates Georgia’s offensive strategy and usage of running backs, making the Bulldogs a top consideration.

Ohio State Emerges as Top Contender for Offensive Tackle

A four-star offensive tackle from Leesburg (Va.) Loudon County had a positive visit to Ohio State and is now considering the program more seriously. The player’s top four programs include Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Penn State.

Quarterback Prospect Evaluates Options

A quarterback from Conroe (Texas) Grand Oaks is carefully evaluating his options after visits to Kansas State and Texas Tech. The player has visits planned to Houston, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Baylor, and TCU before making final decisions.

Auburn Emerges as Top Priority for Receiver

A four-star receiver from Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake has identified Auburn as a top priority due to the coaching staff’s strong interest in him. However, the player faces tough SEC competition from Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Texas A&M Makes Strong Impression on Defensive Tackle

Texas A&M impressed a high three-star defensive tackle from Denton (Texas) Guyer during a recent visit. The player is seriously considering the Aggies, along with LSU, Oregon, and Missouri, in his recruitment.

Syracuse Makes Compelling Pitch to Five-Star Prospect

Syracuse made a compelling pitch to a five-star prospect from Naples (Fla.) First Baptist Academy during a recent visit. The player was encouraged to create something special at Syracuse and is considering other top programs as well.

Miami and Florida Enter Contention for Linebacker

Miami and Florida have joined Auburn as top contenders for a four-star linebacker from Enterprise, Ala. The player has a strong connection with the coaches at Miami and could be leaning toward the Hurricanes.

Mississippi State Surges in Safety’s Recruitment

Mississippi State has surged to the forefront of a four-star safety’s recruitment from Brandon (Miss.) Hartfield Academy. The player was highly impressed by the coaching staff and their clear emphasis on him as a top 2026 target.

Florida Gators Make Strong Impression on Four-Star Prospect

Florida has made a significant impression on a four-star prospect from Highland (Utah) Lone Peak. The player was impressed by the coaching staff and the program’s emphasis on high-character players and building a strong culture.

Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State Stand Out for Tight End

Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State are top contenders for a four-star tight end in the 2026 class. Recent visits to Georgia have kept the player interested, while Alabama could have a slight edge due to location factors.

Georgia Makes Push for Running Back Commit

Georgia is making a strong push for a running back commit from Montgomery (Ala.) Carver. The player appreciates Georgia’s offensive strategy and usage of running backs, making the Bulldogs a top consideration.

Ohio State Emerges as Top Contender for Offensive Tackle

A four-star offensive tackle from Leesburg (Va.) Loudon County had a positive visit to Ohio State and is now considering the program more seriously. The player’s top four programs include Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Penn State.

Quarterback Prospect Evaluates Options

A quarterback from Conroe (Texas) Grand Oaks is carefully evaluating his options after visits to Kansas State and Texas Tech. The player has visits planned to Houston, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Baylor, and TCU before making final decisions.

Auburn Emerges as Top Priority for Receiver

A four-star receiver from Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake has identified Auburn as a top priority due to the coaching staff’s strong interest in him. However, the player faces tough SEC competition from Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Texas A&M Makes Strong Impression on Defensive Tackle

Texas A&M impressed a high three-star defensive tackle from Denton (Texas) Guyer during a recent visit. The player is seriously considering the Aggies, along with LSU, Oregon, and Missouri, in his recruitment.

Syracuse Makes Compelling Pitch to Five-Star Prospect

Syracuse made a compelling pitch to a five-star prospect from Naples (Fla.) First Baptist Academy during a recent visit. The player was encouraged to create something special at Syracuse and is considering other top programs as well.

Miami and Florida Enter Contention for Linebacker

Miami and Florida have joined Auburn as top contenders for a four-star linebacker from Enterprise, Ala. The player has a strong connection with the coaches at Miami and could be leaning toward the Hurricanes.

Mississippi State Surges in Safety’s Recruitment

Mississippi State has surged to the forefront of a four-star safety’s recruitment from Brandon (Miss.) Hartfield Academy. The player was highly impressed by the coaching staff and their clear emphasis on him as a top 2026 target.

Florida Gators Make Strong Impression on Four-Star Prospect

Florida has made a significant impression on a four-star prospect from Highland (Utah) Lone Peak. The player was impressed by the coaching staff and the program’s emphasis on high-character players and building a strong culture.

Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State Stand Out for Tight End

Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State are top contenders for a four-star tight end in the 2026 class. Recent visits to Georgia have kept the player interested, while Alabama could have a slight edge due to location factors.

Georgia Makes Push for Running Back Commit

Georgia is making a strong push for a running back commit from Montgomery (Ala.) Carver. The player appreciates Georgia’s offensive strategy and usage of running backs, making the Bulldogs a top consideration.

Ohio State Emerges as Top Contender for Offensive Tackle

A four-star offensive tackle from Leesburg (Va.) Loudon County had a positive visit to Ohio State and is now considering the program more seriously. The player’s top four programs include Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Penn State.

Quarterback Prospect Evaluates Options

A quarterback from Conroe (Texas) Grand Oaks is carefully evaluating his options after visits to Kansas State and Texas Tech. The player has visits planned to Houston, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Baylor, and TCU before making final decisions.

Auburn Emerges as Top Priority for Receiver

A four-star receiver from Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake has identified Auburn as a top priority due to the coaching staff’s strong interest in him. However, the player faces tough SEC competition from Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Texas A&M Makes Strong Impression on Defensive Tackle

Texas A&M impressed a high three-star defensive tackle from Denton (Texas) Guyer during a recent visit. The player is seriously considering the Aggies, along with LSU, Oregon, and Missouri, in his recruitment.

Syracuse Makes Compelling Pitch to Five-Star Prospect

Syracuse made a compelling pitch to a five-star prospect from Naples (Fla.) First Baptist Academy during a recent visit. The player was encouraged to create something special at Syracuse and is considering other top programs as well.

Miami and Florida Enter Contention for Linebacker

Miami and Florida have joined Auburn as top contenders for a four-star linebacker from Enterprise, Ala. The player has a strong connection with the coaches at Miami and could be leaning toward the Hurricanes.

Mississippi State Surges in Safety’s Recruitment

Mississippi State has surged to the forefront of a four-star safety’s recruitment from Brandon (Miss.) Hartfield Academy. The player was highly impressed by the coaching staff and their clear emphasis on him as a top 2026 target.

Florida Gators Make Strong Impression on Four-Star Prospect

Florida has made a significant impression on a four-star prospect from Highland (Utah) Lone Peak. The player was impressed by the coaching staff and the program’s emphasis on high-character players and building a strong culture.

Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State Stand Out for Tight End

Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State are top contenders for a four-star tight end in the 2026 class. Recent visits to Georgia have kept the player interested, while Alabama could have a slight edge due to location factors.

Georgia Makes Push for Running Back Commit

Georgia is making a strong push for a running back commit from Montgomery (Ala.) Carver. The player appreciates Georgia’s offensive strategy and usage of running backs, making the Bulldogs a top consideration.

Ohio State Emerges as Top Contender for Offensive Tackle

A four-star offensive tackle from Leesburg (Va.) Loudon County had a positive visit to Ohio State and is now considering the program more seriously. The player’s top four programs include Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Penn State.

Quarterback Prospect Evaluates Options

A quarterback from Conroe (Texas) Grand Oaks is carefully evaluating his options after visits to Kansas State and Texas Tech. The player has visits planned to Houston, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Baylor, and TCU before making final decisions.

Auburn Emerges as Top Priority for Receiver

A four-star receiver from Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake has identified Auburn as a top priority due to the coaching staff’s strong interest in him. However, the player faces tough SEC competition from Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Texas A&M Makes Strong Impression on Defensive Tackle

Texas A&M impressed a high three-star defensive tackle from Denton (Texas) Guyer during a recent visit. The player is seriously considering the Aggies, along with LSU, Oregon, and Missouri, in his recruitment.

Syracuse Makes Compelling Pitch to Five-Star Prospect

Syracuse made a compelling pitch to a five-star prospect from Naples (Fla.) First Baptist Academy during a recent visit. The player was encouraged to create something special at Syracuse and is considering other top programs as well.

Miami and Florida Enter Contention for Linebacker

Miami and Florida have joined Auburn as top contenders for a four-star linebacker from Enterprise, Ala. The player has a strong connection with the coaches at Miami and could be leaning toward the Hurricanes.

Mississippi State Surges in Safety’s Recruitment

Mississippi State has surged to the forefront of a four-star safety’s recruitment from Brandon (Miss.) Hartfield Academy. The player was highly impressed by the coaching staff and their clear emphasis on him as a top 2026 target.

Florida Gators Make Strong Impression on Four-Star Prospect

Florida has made a significant impression on a four-star prospect from Highland (Utah) Lone Peak. The player was impressed by the coaching staff and the program’s emphasis on high-character players and building a strong culture.

Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State Stand Out for Tight End

Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Florida State are top contenders for a four-star tight end in the 2026 class. Recent visits to Georgia have kept the player interested, while Alabama could have a slight edge due to location factors.

Georgia Makes Push for Running Back Commit

Georgia is making a strong push for a running back commit from Montgomery (Ala.) Carver. The player appreciates Georgia’s offensive strategy and usage of running backs, making the Bulldogs a top consideration.

Ohio State Emerges as Top Contender for Offensive Tackle

A four-star offensive tackle from Leesburg (Va.) Loudon County had a positive visit to Ohio State and is now considering the program more seriously. The player’s top four programs include Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Penn State.

Quarterback Prospect Evaluates Options

A quarterback from Conroe (Texas) Grand Oaks is carefully evaluating his options after visits to Kansas State and Texas Tech. The player has visits planned to Houston, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Baylor, and TCU before making final decisions.

Auburn Emerges as Top Priority for Receiver

A four-star receiver from Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake has identified Auburn as a top priority due to the coaching staff’s strong interest in him. However, the player faces tough SEC competition from Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Texas A&M Makes Strong Impression on Defensive Tackle

Texas A&M impressed a high three-star defensive tackle from Denton (Texas) Guyer during a recent visit. The player is seriously considering the Aggies, along with LSU, Oregon, and Missouri, in his recruitment.

Syracuse Makes Compelling Pitch to Five-Star Prospect

Syracuse made a compelling pitch to a five-star prospect from Naples (Fla.) First Baptist Academy during a recent visit. The player was encouraged to create something special at Syracuse and is considering other top programs as well.

Miami and Florida Enter Contention for Linebacker

Miami and Florida have joined Auburn as top contenders for a four-star linebacker from Enterprise, Ala. The player has a strong connection with the coaches at Miami and could be leaning toward the