Ohio State,Alabama Focus on Key⁢ Recruiting⁢ Targets

Updated June 05,2025

National recruiting analyst Greg Smith anticipates significant movement in college football ⁤recruiting,highlighting potential commitments and rising stars. ⁣His analysis ⁤focuses on key programs like Ohio State and Alabama, along with emerging talent in the 2027 class.

Defensive tackle Brayden Parks, already⁣ a top-150 prospect in the 2027 Rivals250, is ⁣drawing considerable attention.Following a visit to Oregon, Parks is slated to⁤ visit Notre Dame ⁣and Ohio State. Smith suggests Parks’ size,‍ speed, and power⁢ could elevate ⁢him to five-star status, though interior defensive linemen face a tougher⁢ path to that recognition.

Four-star⁣ running back Favoura Akih is taking his official visit to Ohio⁤ State this weekend. After a surge in interest during the winter, Akih’s recruitment has quieted, but Ohio State’s renewed focus ⁣makes them the favorite. Smith predicts Akih will commit to the Buckeyes’ ⁢2026 class, which aims for the top spot ⁤nationally.

Alabama’s quarterback recruiting strategy is also ‍under scrutiny. After securing‍ Keelon Russell, the No. 1 player in the previous cycle, coach Kalen DeBoer is evaluating Midwest quarterbacks Matt ‍Ponatoski and jett⁤ Thomalla. Thomalla visited Alabama unofficially in late May, ‍while Ponatoski is scheduled for an official visit in early June. Smith believes Alabama will land either Ponatoski or flip ‍Thomalla from Iowa State.

His ⁤blend of size, speed⁤ and power makes him a major force along the line. His recruitment is just heating up and will be hotly contested.

Greg Smith, rivals national recruiting⁤ analyst, on brayden Parks

What’s next

Recruiting activity ⁢is expected to intensify as⁣ summer⁢ camps and visits continue. commitments are likely to accelerate as prospects finalize their decisions before the upcoming football⁢ season.