AFTER SEC VISITS, 4-STAR WR XAVIER MCDONALD PICKS SACRAMENTO STATE
Sacramento State head coach Brennan Marion reached into Southeastern Conference territory and plucked a surprise commitment from four-star wide receiver Xavier McDonald.
McDonald, from Morton, Miss., is the highest commit in the history of the Hornets program. He committed to the school on Friday.
McDonald had offers from numerous Power Four conference schools, and on June 27, he released the list of his final four: Sacramento State, North Carolina, LSU and Ole Miss. He took official visits to three of them, substituting a visit to Mississippi State for a North Carolina visit.
The 247Sports composite ranks him as the No. 16 wide receiver in the country.
The offensive-minded Marion was named head coach of the Hornets last December after two seasons as offensive coordinator at UNLV.
Sacramento State is in the midst of an upgrade to its athletic program. It is building a multipurpose stadium and has secured more than $35 million in NIL funding. The Hornets have added former Sacramento Kings player Mike Bibby as their basketball coach and Basketball Hall of Fame member Shaquille O’Neal as the general manager.
Sacramento State football is an FCS-level program that plays in the Big Sky Conference. During the 2026-27 academic season, all teams except football will move to the Big West Conference.
Per the 247Sports composite, Sacramento State has the No. 56 recruiting class of 2026, sandwiched between South Carolina of the SEC and Wake Forest of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
WR KAYDON FINLEY SHUNS DAD’S ALMA MATER, PICKS NOTRE DAME
Four-star wide receiver Kaydon Finley has committed to Notre Dame’s 2026 recruiting class.
He is the son of former NFL tight end Jermichael Finley, who played his college ball at Texas before being selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He spent all six of his NFL seasons with Green Bay, winning a Super Bowl.
Kaydon Finley is ranked by the 247Sports composite as the No. 14 wide receiver in the 2026 class and the No. 15 player in prospect-rich Texas.
He plays at Aledo High School and tallied 81 receptions for 1,432 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024. He had nine 100-yard games.
Finley took an official visit to his father’s alma mater two weeks ago. He also made official trips to Texas A&M, Louisville and Arizona State, as well as Notre Dame.
Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule shows the first possible game Finley could play with the Irish would be Sept. 6 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, home of the Packers.
247Sports projects that the Irish will land the commitment of another NFL legacy this weekend — Devin Fitzgerald, the son of former Arizona Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald.
The younger Fitzgerald is a three-star receiver from Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix. His father played at Pitt.
Notre Dame’s 2026 class currently is ranked No. 3 by the 247Sports composite, trailing Southern California and Georgia. It is anchored by a pair of five-star prospects — edge Rodney Dunham of Charlotte, N.C., and safety Joey O’Brien of Pennsylvania.
ALABAMA LANDS 5-STAR SAFETY JIREH EDWARDS
Jireh Edwards, a five-star safety in the Class of 2026, committed to Alabama on Saturday.
247Sports Composite ranks Edwards as the 23rd overall recruit and second-best safety in the 2026 class. He attends St. Frances Academy in Upper Marlboro, Md.
Edwards received 37 offers and took visits to Auburn and Georgia before ultimately landing with the Crimson Tide. He also visited Maryland, Texas A&M and Oregon.
“The culture really stood out for me,” Edwards said via Rivals. “Them producing the guys they produced already and seeing them do so well in the league.”
The MaxPreps All-American is listed at 6-2, 210 pounds. He ran an unofficial 4.40-second 40-yard dash at St Frances’ pro day.
AILING DEION SANDERS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO WORK SOON
Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who has been suffering from an undisclosed medical condition, is expected to be back on the job soon.
That’s according to former NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, who recently went fishing with Sanders at his Texas estate. Jones posted a video of his comments, made in a BetOnline interview, to his Instagram account.
“Deion’s doing good,” Jones said. “I think he got another week at home before they get started. He’ll be there. He’ll be ready to go.”
“Thanks to everybody that has been praying and sending good thoughts and prayers his way,” Jones added.
Sanders, 57, posted a video to his Instagram account two days ago following a visit to his estate by Lil Wayne. Sanders is seen walking, a bit gingerly, with the rapper.
Neither Sanders nor Colorado officials have given specifics about the nature of the health issue the coach is facing. He has been away from Boulder, missing annual youth camps he normally would have attended. He is scheduled to attend a Big 12 preseason media event on Wednesday in Frisco, Texas.
Sanders addressed his health in a social media post on June 11.
“I can assure you all that everything is OK and will continue to be so,” he posted to X. “… I’m excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team & all associated to our program. When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything.”
A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Sanders required multiple surgeries for persistent blood clots in recent years. He had two toes amputated in 2021 to address clotting issues, but it is unclear whether that is related to his current health status.
The Buffaloes open the season at home on Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S TOP TEAMS FOR 2025
1 TEXAS
Steve Sarkisian has transformed Texas into a consistent contender for the national title. After suffering back-to-back losses in a College Football Playoff semifinal, the Longhorns are set to make a significant breakthrough in 2025. Rising star quarterback Arch Manning, who has been waiting behind Quinn Ewers, is finally taking control of Sarkisian’s high-powered offense this season. The Longhorns need to replace standout defensive back Jahdae Barron and strengthen their interior line. Despite these challenges, their defense has the potential to be the best in college football, especially with defensive end Colin Simmons and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. returning to lead the team.
2 PENN STATE
Penn State won the offseason by hiring defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from Ohio State and retaining offensive standouts in quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton from the NFL Draft. After falling just short of an appearance in the national championship last season, the Nittany Lions are loaded for a run at No. 1. Another offseason for Allar to develop under coordinator Andy Kotelnicki should pay dividends, especially with an improved receiving corps from the portal. Replacing standout end Abdul Carter won’t be easy, but Dani Dennis-Sutton is Penn State’s next star player off the edge.
3 OHIO STATE
Only two teams – Alabama and Georgia – managed to go back-to-back as a national champion since the start of the BCS era in 1998. Even though history is against Ohio State, and the depth chart was hit hard by departures, coach Ryan Day’s team won’t fall far from the top spot. Receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs are two of the nation’s top players, and new quarterback Julian Sayin was a five-star prospect in the ‘24 signing class. The biggest source of intrigue for this team is how both sides of the ball adapt to new coordinators with Brian Hartline taking over for Day and former NFL assistant Matt Patricia handling the defensive duties.
4 GEORGIA
The Bulldogs return only seven starters, but Coach Kirby Smart has a new wave of talent ready to reload and contend for a national championship. The development of quarterback Gunner Stockton and the integration of four new starters along the offensive line are crucial for Georgia’s pursuit of another title. As always, the Bulldogs will be strong on defense.
5 CLEMSON
The Tigers returned to the top of the ACC last season and are poised for another run at the national title in 2025. Quarterback Cade Klubnik and one of the nation’s top receiving corps are back, while the defense is bolstered under new coordinator Tom Allen.
6 NOTRE DAME
The Fighting Irish are set for another chance at the national title in 2025. Redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr is a rising star, with running back Jeremiyah Love backed by one of the nation’s best offensive lines. Transition is underway on defense as Chris Ash takes over for Al Golden as the play-caller. However, the foundation remains solid, especially with cornerback Leonard Moore and linebacker Drayk Bowen returning in 2025.
7 LSU
Coach Brian Kelly is optimistic that the return of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, a deep receiving corps, and significant portal additions on both sides of the ball will lift the Tigers back to the playoffs. There is also hope for improved performance from the defense in coordinator Blake Baker’s second season.
8 ALABAMA
After winning nine games in Coach Kalen DeBoer’s first year, expectations are heightened for 2025 with an experienced roster returning to Tuscaloosa. Receiver Ryan Williams comes back after a standout freshman campaign, while Ty Simpson holds a slight edge over Keelon Russell and Austin Mack in the competition to replace Jalen Milroe at quarterback. The defense remains one of the best in college football.
9 OREGON
The Ducks lost several key players from last year’s team that won the Big Ten and secured the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. Despite significant turnover in Eugene, Coach Dan Lanning’s efforts on the recruiting trail will keep Oregon competitive in the Big Ten. Former UCLA quarterback Dante Moore steps into the starting role after serving behind Dillon Gabriel last season, and Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes will help fill the void at running back. Lanning’s major concerns involve a rebuilt offensive line and defense, with only four returning starters.
10 MIAMI FL
Miami Transfer quarterback Carson Beck (from Georgia) is recovering from an elbow injury suffered at the end of the 2024 season, which is critical for Miami’s hopes of contending for the ACC title. A new coordinator, Corey Hetherman, and multiple portal additions at every level should enhance a defense that struggled last season.
11 FLORIDA
Florida ended the 2024 season on a 4-game winning streak. The biggest question heading into fall camp will be the health of QB DJ Langway. The rising star was limited in spring practice because of a shoulder injury. They do have one of the top offensive lines in the SEC. The defense was strong down the stretch and they will have to be with a very tough schedule ahead.
12 SOUTH CAROLINA
The Gamecocks were on the verge of a College Football Playoff behind QB LaNorris Sellers. If they are to make another run at the playoffs Sellers will need to take it up another level since RB Rocket Sanders and three offensive linemen departed. The defense is in a rebuilding stage. Road SEC games at LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M will speak volumes.
13 KANSAS STATE
The Wildcats have all the pieces to have the best team in the Big 12 since the 2022 season. Kansas State knows how to win with three straight seasons of at least nine victories. Having QB Avery Johnson and RB Dylan Edwards will be the keys on offense. The only weakness on defense is the secondary.
14 ARIZONA STATE
Nobody expected the Sun Devils to do what they did in 2024. They surprised the experts with a Big 12 title and a near upset of Texas in the Peach Bowl. Repeating won’t be easy, but they do return 16 starters. QB Sam Leavitt and WR Jordyn Tyson are back. The defense allowed only 22.6ppg and could be better in 2025.
15 MICHIGAN
The Wolverines are hoping to build momentum off wins against Ohio State and Alabama to finish the 2024 campaign. Signing 5-star QB Bryce Underwood will give Michigan a true QB. Michigan also returns six starters from an outstanding defense.
16 INDIANA
Can the Hoosiers surprise the college football world again with another trip to the college football playoffs? It won’t be easy with a tougher Big 10 schedule. IU picked up QB Fernando Mendoza from California. Indiana will have a solid defense led by DL Makail Kamara.
17 ILLINOIS
Illinois fans should be optimistic after winning 10 games in 2024 and returning 16 starters. The defensive line and receiving corps will need some work, but they have a excellent QB returning in Luke Altmyer and a strong offensive line.
18 OLE MISS
The Rebels return only four starters, but QB Austin Simmons is an up and coming star. Lane Kiffin got plenty of help in the transfer portal.
19 TEXAS A&M
The season didn’t end the way the Aggies had hoped. They lost four of their final five games. Coach Mike Elko added talent to help QB Marcel Reed.
20 OKLAHOMA
Injuries tool its toll on the Sooners offense in 2024. Two new signal callers (Ben Arbuckle and John Mateer) will be a spark in 2025. The defense returns six starters.
INDIANA SRN 2025 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PRE-SEASON ALL-AMERICAN TEAMS
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB ARCH MANNING, TEXAS
RB JEREMIYAH LOVE, NOTRE DAME
RB NOCHOLAS SINGLETON, PENN STATE
WR JEREMIAH SMITH, OHIO STATE
WR RYAN WILLIAMS, ALABAMA
WR JORDYN TYASON, ARIZONA STATE
TE ELI STOWERS, VANDERBILT
AP DESMOND REID, PITTSBURGH
OL SPENCER FANO, UTAH
OL KADYN PROCTOR, ALABAMA
OL FRANCIS MAUIGOA, MIAMI FL
OL OLAIVAEGA IOANE, PENN STATE
C JAKE SLAUGHTER, FLORIDA
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL DYLAN STEWART, SOUTH CAROLINA
DL COLIN SIMMONS, TEXAS
DL TJ PARKER, CLEMSON
DL PETER WOODS, CLEMSON
LB ANTHONY HILL JR., TEXAS
LB WHIT WEEKS, LSU
LB KYLE LOUIS, PITTSBURGH
LB TAUREAN YORK, TEXAS A&M
CB LEONARD MOORE, NOTRE DAME
CB JERMOD MCCOY, TENNESSEE
S CALEB DOWNS, OHIO STATE
S DILLON THIENEMAN, OREGON
FIRST TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS
K DOMINIC ZVADA, MICHIGAN
P BRETT THORSON, GEORGIA
KR KEELAN MARION, MIAMI FL
KR JOSH CAMERON, BAYLOR
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB CADE KLUBNIK, CLEMSON
RB MAKHI HUGHES, OREGON
RB ISAAC BROWN, LOUISVILLE
WR ELIJAH SARRATT, PENN STATE
WR ANTONIO WILLIAMS, CLEMSON
WR CARNELL TATE, OHIO STATE
TE JACK ENDRIES, TEXAS
AP KAYTRON ALLEN, PENN STATE
OL PARKER BRAILSFORD, ALABAMA
OL KAGE CASEY, BOISE STATE
OL AR’MAJ REED-ADAMS, TEXAS A&M
OL AAMIL WAGNER, NOTRE DAME
C LOGAN JONES, IOWA
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL MAKAIL KAMARA, INDIANA
DL DANI DENNIS-SUTTON, PENN STATE
DL MATAYO UIAGALELEI, OREGON
DL RUEBEN BAIN JR., MIAMI, FL
LB SUNTARINE PERKINS, OLE MISS
LB SONNY STYLES, OHIO STATE
LB CJ ALLEN, GEORGIA
CB CHANDLER RIVERS, DUKE
CB D’ANGELO PONDS, INDIANA
S MICHAEL TAAFFEE, TEXAS
S KJ BOLDEN, GEORGIA
SECOND TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS
K WILL FERRIN, BYU
P RHYS DAKIN, IOWA
KR BARION BROWN, LSU
KR KADEN WETJEN, IOWA
THIRD TEAM OFFENSE
QB GARRETT NUSSMEIER, LSU
RB BRYSON WASHINGTON, BAYLOR
RB JONAH COLEMAN, WASHINGTON
WR CAM COLEMAN, AUBURN
WR MAKAI LEMON, USC
WR CARNELL TATE, CLEMSON
TE JUSTIN JOLY, NC STATE
AP DYLAN EDWARDS, KANSAS STATE
OL JORDON SEATON, COLORADO
OL GENNINGS DUNKER, IOWA
OL CAYDEN GREEN, MISSOURI
OL BLAKE MILLER, CLEMSON
THIRD TEAM DEFENSE
DL TREY WHITE, SAN DIEGO STATE
DL TYREAK SAPP, FLORIDA
DL KELDRICK FAULK, AUBURN
DL LT OVERTON, ALABAMA
LB AIDEN FISHER, INDIANA
LB GABE LUCAS, ILLINOIS
LB DRAYK BOWEN, NOTRE DAME
LB DEONTAE LAWSON, ALABAMA
CB MALIK MUHAMMED, TEXAS
CB AVIEON TERRELL, CLEMSON
S KOI PERICH, MINNESOTA
S ISAIAH NWOKOBIA, SMU
THIRD TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS
K PEYTON WOODRING, GEORGIA
P PALMER WILLIAMS, BAYLOR
KR KAM SHANKS, ARKANSAS
