Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Marshall Levenson looks at four burning questions ahead of the next rankings update for the 2025 and 2026 recruiting cycles.
THIS SERIES: Four tough rankings questions in the Midwest | Southeast
1. How high does Keelon Russell rise?
This might be the 100th time I’ve said it, but it is hard to argue that any prospect in the country had a better offseason than Keelon Russell. The Alabama commit has seen his stock absolutely soar, driven by consistently superb performances on national stages. Russell won the Elite 11 Finals, won the Rivals Five-Star QB Challenge and shined in 7-on-7 play during the spring and summer.
In the last update, Russell rose nearly 200 spots, cracking the top 50. Now, he is due again for a rise, but how high? I am in the boat that he belongs as a five-star prospect. With everything he has compiled this offseason matched with his physical makeup, his dominant on-field success and impressive personal intangibles, he may be in line for a top-20 ranking in the country.
There is no doubt he will rise, though what is the appropriate amount? You could argue that given his current resume, you may be right no matter how high he soars.
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2. Does Riley Pettijohn earn his fifth star?
Following the trends of the NFL Draft, the off-ball linebacker positions have been devalued in the first rounds, shown by zero being selected in the 2024 first round and just one the year prior. This makes it tough to sell linebackers, especially inside linebackers, to be ranked as five-stars as that projects them to be eventually selected in the first round.
However, in the 2025 class, if there were to be a linebacker selected in the first round, the model would be Riley Pettijohn. He is essentially the perfect mold of the modern off-ball linebacker at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds and explosive. Pettijohn will be one of the fastest linebackers in the class at his weight, can cover sideline to sideline, is comfortable in coverage and can rush the passer when needed.
He has proven to be by far the best inside backer prospect in this class, but will the Ohio State commit earn his fifth star?
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3. How many 2026 five-stars will emerge in Louisiana?
The talent pool in Louisiana is always among the best in the country and in the 2026 class, the Boot is flexing its muscles quite a bit. To start off, Jahkeem Stewart is the No. 1 prospect in the Rivals250 and appears to have a strong hold on the top spot in the rankings. But how many others in the state can press for five-stars?
This is a both an immediate and long-term question in the state as evaluations get more in-depth. Next is Lamar Brown, a two-way star in Baton Rouge. You could argue that Brown could qualify as a five-star on both sides of the ball. Likely to project on the offensive line, he will have a long-standing opportunity to be No. 1 at the position. Not far behind him currently is safety Blaine Bradford. The physical frame pops out when you see him. He is rocked up and a 4.4 speed will only help his chances.
There are some others in the state as well who will be in future discussions among the elite in the class such as safety Aiden Hall, who has shined with his test measurables this offseason. Already in the top 100, will he continue to rise up the ranks?
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4. How do the 2026 Texas running backs shake out?
There may be some position groups in Texas that are slightly weaker than normal years in the 2026 cycle but running back is not one of them. The prospects that have already emerged, and there will likely be more, are beyond impressive. There are already six running backs in the 2026 Rivals250 but will there be some shuffling among them?
Tradarian Ball and Jonathan Hatton Jr. have already staked claims among the best in the country, but there are some behind them that are itching to move up. Javian Osborne has certainly done enough to warrant a move up the ranks, as has KJ Edwards, who could see a big rise within the Rivals250.
You also cannot forget prospects such as Ryelan Morris, Raycine Guillory and a potential future riser in Cardae Mack.
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