Reality or fiction: Ohio State will retain No. 1 spot
Rivals nationwide recruiting analysts Marshall Levenson Joined is Dell Dowden Nationwide Recruiting Analyst for VolReport.com Greg Smith and Nationwide Director of Recruiting. Adam Gorney Handle three subjects and decide whether or not they consider every assertion is reality or fiction.
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1. Ohio State will stay No. 1 within the nation till signing day.
Smith: Reality. The Buckeyes have been adjusting for a while within the 2025 cycle after getting off to a robust begin at Notre Dame. They proceed so as to add high expertise to the 2025 class and even transfer gamers up the rankings.
Solely a handful of gamers are presently in peril of leaving this system. However the group might undergo a loss or two and nonetheless retain its high spot. Ohio State’s present level complete (3,202 factors) exceeds final yr’s top-ranked Georgia State’s complete within the 2024 cycle (3,156 factors). It might make issues very fascinating if LSU manages to tug off some flips, however the Buckeyes have an excessive amount of firepower within the class. It is a lineup led by No. 1 participant Tavien St. Clair and a bunch of high defensive backs.
Levenson: Reality. I am nearly talking of fiction right here, as LSU, Alabama and Georgia will proceed their pattern of attracting elite expertise all through the cycle. However that is Ohio State and I would be silly to behave like they would not do the identical factor. Now, within the recruiting world of November and December, there’s sure to be a flip that fully upends what we’re seeing within the rankings proper now, however Ohio State can be concerned with a few of its higher-profile gamers regardless. So given the Buckeyes’ present lead, I’ll journey with them and say they’ll maintain off towards those that are considerably shut at this level.
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2. Omarion Robinson has an opportunity to be the No. 1 security in 2025.
Gorney: Novel. I really like Omarion Robinson. He is the very best security within the sport Opponent 5 stars Each location is filled with expertise this summer season. He is an all-around ball hawk, sensible, he has nice instincts, and the Oklahoma State commit excels everywhere in the area. He positively deserves a giant leap within the newest rankings. However Hilton Stubbs and Trey McNutt are additionally elite, possessing all of those self same talents and being barely extra spectacular because of their size. Robinson could find yourself rating greater within the five-star dialogue, however overtaking Stubbs and McNutt within the general rankings might be a serious hurdle.
Levenson: Novel. I carry this up as a result of Robinson’s latest dramatic rise from exterior the highest 100 to No. 34 general raises the query of how excessive he can proceed to rise. After seeing him Opponent 5 starsI completely consider he is among the finest safeties within the nation. However I’ve to agree with Goni. He is on the identical degree as Stubbs and McNutt, however they do have some barely higher measurables proper now. Measurable issues are vital, particularly once you’re nitpicking a place. Regardless, Robinson is bound to be a five-star contender sooner or later.
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3. David Sanders Jr. can be an important rookie of Josh Heupel’s tenure at UT.
Dowden: Novel. Regardless that David Saunders is a large determine and one of many high prospects Josh Heupelit’s important to look again at Nico Iamaleava. Iamaleava’s dedication has resulted in lots of items, not only for the category of 2023, however for the category of 2024 as properly. College students within the lessons of 2025 and 2026 additionally seemed to him.
At this level, you may make the argument both approach, however with out Imalewa and the manufacturing he attracts, it’s important to query whether or not Sanders could be curious about Tennessee.
Levenson: Novel. I am following the identical thought course of as Dowden right here, as a result of it is exhausting to not nod to Iamaleava. Not solely does he have an important position on the staff, however the truth that Dowden’s curiosity in Saunders might be enhanced by his presence is compelling. If the Vols win over Sanders, after all it ought to be celebrated, no query about it. I am certain it’d even really feel like an even bigger win for Heupel and his workers in the event that they dedicated simply because Iamaleava dedicated earlier within the course of.
Related: David Sanders Jr.’s Contender Rankings
