Rivals 5-Star: Ten matchups we will not wait to see
Rivals 5-Star: Ten matchups we will not wait to see
The highest prospects within the nation are descending on Indianapolis this week for the Rivals 5-Star. We take a better take a look at a few of these anticipated to compete in opposition to one another within the marquee occasion of the summer season.
1. TRISTEN KEYS vs. HAVON FINNEY, JR.
A pair of present LSU commitments with five-stars subsequent to their identify at large receiver and cornerback, respectively, this one writes itself. Keys is the overall bundle on offense, capable of win with nice route-running, velocity and ball expertise on an extended and rangy body.
Finney additionally sports activities an elite body with loads of velocity in addition, so the uncooked expertise on both aspect of the ball will command its personal degree of consideration. Let’s hope to earn multiple pattern of this matchup.
2. FELIX OJO vs. RICHARD WESLEY
One other five-star battle, this time on the sting with maybe the offensive deal with who has had the very best offseason nationally in Ojo. Wesley has reclassified from 2027 to 2026 and maintained his five-star standing given his elite traits and flashes off the sting over time.
Whereas Ojo has elite motion expertise as he offers floor, Wesley brings a mix of velocity and energy to the desk to maintain blockers off steadiness.
3. KAIDEN PROTHRO vs. JIREH EDWARDS
These two Below Armour All-Individuals have been there and accomplished that on Friday nights and at loads of camps and different offseason occasions, however that is the ultimate tune-up earlier than the all-important senior season.
Prothro is on five-star watch as maybe the very best flex tight finish sort within the class and Edwards occupies not solely the five-star ranking, however the tab because the top-ranked security recruit within the land. He’s a playmaker recognized for his nostril for the soccer, however can Edwards include the lengthy and rangy Peach State prospect in Prothro? Line it up!
4. GABE OSENDA vs. JAKE KREUL
One of many fastest-rising blocking recruits in opposition to the breakout expertise from the 2024 Rivals 5-Star occasion. Osenda has immense measurement at 6-foot-8, effectively north of 315 kilos, and he’s transferring his toes higher than we have seen prior from the Tennessee commit.
In what could possibly be an All-SEC matchup sooner or later, Kreul brings a bevy of pass-rushing strikes along with his arsenal. Most would count on the Orlando-native to win with velocity in opposition to the larger blocker, so the counter recreation between these two may result in loads within the positional MVP dialogue.
5. JAMIER BROWN vs. DUVAY WILLIAMS
Two of the top-10 prospects in your complete 2027 class tangle right here with Brown sitting because the No. 1 receiver within the rising-junior class. Williams, additionally a five-star early on, is the No. 1 cornerback projection within the group so this matchup may develop into anticipated for years to return.
Brown brings immense velocity to the desk and Williams has the kind of size to re-route wideouts off observe. Maybe it’s a Massive Ten preview with Brown dedicated to Ohio State and Williams excessive on in-state applications USC and UCLA.
6. DERREK COOPER vs. JORDAN CAMPBELL
A pair of South Floridians who’re effectively accustomed to each other, every is a two-way expertise with loads of prowess at operating again or protection. Cooper has settled into the offensive projection en path to five-star standing and Campbell is a flexible linebacker who can work the sting or play in house – a part of the explanation he stays coveted regardless of a long run dedication to Miami.
That is one we wish to see each in tight quarters through blocking drills simply as a lot as 1-on-1 in passing competitors as few convey the vitality every of those blue-chippers do in any setting.
7. TYREEK KING vs. BRODY JENNINGS
The in-state pledge to Tennessee is the top-ranked slot projection within the class of 2026, King is thought for getting out of his breaks with out a lot wasted velocity and movement. Jennings, at present dedicated to Michigan, is a late-blooming technician on the surface or within the slot, so this duo may present appreciable leisure ought to they line up in opposition to each other in a 1-on-1 or 7-on-7 setting.
Let’s hope for samples in every ingredient at an occasion dominated by ability prospect highlights.
8. DARIUS GRAY vs. KASI CURRIE
The nation’s top-ranked inside offensive lineman tangling with the most important inside defender slated to compete is a simple name forward of the occasion’s kickoff. Grey has that mixture of pop and method that has allowed his ascent to rise to the very high of the board within the rising-senior class.
Currie is a effectively put-together recruit who carries 300-plus kilos higher than some gamers on the subsequent degree and probably past. Additionally one of many youngest slated to compete this week, Currie has rather a lot to achieve on the floor degree with a robust displaying.
9. HELAMAN CASUGA vs. JOEY O’BRIEN
Many of the anticipated matchups on this record are so depending on the bodily qualities that would make it entertaining, however this one is simply as psychological between the passer and one of many higher ball-hawks within the class.
Casuga has nationwide expertise, having upset IMG Academy final fall earlier than some nice 7-on-7 runs and an Elite 11 efficiency final week, so he’ll work to maneuver O’Brien off of his spot early and sometimes.
10. CHANCELLOR BARCLAY vs. DEUCE GERALDS
Scour the nation for offensive and line of defense 1-on-1s and with regards to successful proportion of these reps, one could be arduous pressed to discover a duo with as lopsided a win-loss document as these two. Barclay is a Clemson dedication who will probably play heart on the subsequent degree regardless of five-position expertise on Friday nights.
Geralds is an SEC legacy quickly to commit amongst a number of blue-blood applications, efficient on the in and out particularly in a one-on-one setting. Barclay wins with motion and a staggering punch whereas Geralds is thought for his leverage and palms on his finish, too.
