Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsWednesday, June 24, 2026

THE READ OPTION: NFL Draft shows how much recruiting ratings matter

Good morning! Here’s your daily roundup of college football stuff as we entered NFL Draft week.

Jadeveon Clowney, from No. 1 recruit to No. 1 pick
Jadeveon Clowney, from No. 1 recruit to No. 1 pick
Jadeveon Clowney, from No. 1 recruit to No. 1 pick
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Crootin’ and the NFL Draft. It’s NFL Draft week, and that means you’re going to hear about a former two-star recruit getting drafted, therefore proving that the star rating system is meaningless.

Last year, SB Nation recruiting guru Bud Elliot did the math and proved that recruiting rankings do provide an accurate forecast. According to Bud’s research, five-stars and four-stars are 995 percent more likely to be drafted in the first round than other recruits are.

How will that hold up this year? Expect about half the first round to be players who would’ve been top-100 recruits if the whole draft class had been a signing class, with the other half coming from a pool of thousands.

How to ruin your draft week. Though Mizzou’s Shane Ray will still be a top pick after being caught with marijuana days before the draft, his status as a potential top-10 prospect is in major danger.

Q&A with Tim Beckman. I caught up with Illinois football coach Tim Beckman. He pointed out some major flaws with the Big Ten’s freshman ineligibility proposal, and he finally told us when his mom’s real birthday is.

Buckeyes of Texas? Houston is trying to emulate Ohio State's high standards under new coach Tom Herman. That could pay off. Bill C previews the Cougars.

CROOTIN’. Texas A&M lands the dual commitments of two offensive lineman brothers, and Texas fans are kind of freaked out by the Horns’ failures to recruit OL.

Elsewhere, former four-star WR Devin Lucien heads from UCLA to Arizona State.

TERRIBLE IDEA. A 160-pound UCLA student is running for student government and decided to have Myles Jack run him over as part of his campaign video. Guess how that went!

Invitation denied. SEC coaches are mad about satellite camps, so Jim Harbaugh invited them to his. They will not be attending.

Underachieving USF. South Florida supposedly has a star coach in Willie Taggart, and the Bulls are recruiting well, so why can’t they win? Underdog Dynasty examines.

A surprise in Arkansas? After a breakthrough and a bowl win last season, Arkansas looks like it has the potential to be a legitimate SEC threat, especially if QB Brandon Allen continues the improvement he showed this spring.

Iowa QB intrigue. Iowa’s starter the last two years, Jake Rudock, left for Michigan, and now the job lies in the hands of inexperienced junior C.J. Beathard. Black Heart Gold Pants takes a look at how the position is shaping up.

Blame Muschamp. Are ADs less likely to hire defensive-minded head coaches because of how the former DC did at Florida?

NFL
Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026
NFL

Another setback for the QB.

By James Dator
College Football
The NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their sideThe NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their side
College Football

A big can of worms has been opened in college sports

By Mark Schofield
College Football
Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’
College Football

Mascot game! Tush push!

By James Dator
NFL
Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?
NFL

Brendan Sorsby calls out NCAA hypocrisy as his football future is uncertain

By Mark Schofield
College Football
NAACP urges black athletes to reject recruiting in racially gerrymandered statesNAACP urges black athletes to reject recruiting in racially gerrymandered states
College Football

The NAACP is asking athletes to take up the fight for voting rights.

By James Dator
College Football
Oregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes senseOregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes sense
College Football

Oregon coaches have a strange question for potential recruits.

By Mark Schofield