Around the SEC: Recruiting News & Trends

Recruiting craziness continues across the SEC, with top prospects making big decisions. It can be hard to keep up with, but it is now time to take a look at the latest news, notes and headlines from across the SEC recruiting trails.

Big Gets

6-foot-11 OT Jahzare Jackson‍ flips from basketball to football, signs with UGA

Headlines

WR Kelshaun Johnson‍ commits to…. – Hitchcock (TX) wide receiver Kelshaun Johnson initially planned to announce his decision between Texas A&M, Texas, USC, Arkansas and Texas Tech on Monday morning, but Hurricane Beryl had other plans as he delayed his announcement until Wednesday. On Tuesday, he delayed once again due to weather. He has yet to establish a date but has indicated the announcement will have to wait until next week.

2026 DL Lamar Brown‍ names top 12 – One of the top prospects in the country regardless of position, Brown has been a standout on the OL and the DL. He recently named a top 12 with Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Alabama, Tennessee and LSU making the cut in the SEC. The ACC is repped by Miami and Florida State, the Big Ten by Michigan and USC and the Big 12 by Houston and UCF. In-state Tulane also makes the cut, joining LSU as an in-state option.

Pass catchers with decision plans for July 13 – Saturday is decision day for several top receivers, and many have SEC programs among their finalists. Atlanta (GA) receiver Travis Smith Jr.‍ will decide between Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee, while Las Vegas (NV) standout Derek Meadows‍ has his eyes on Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame and Michigan. In Texas, two top playmakers are also deciding. Red Oak’s Taz Williams‍ plans to decide between SMU, Michigan, Penn State and Texas A&M, but Baylor has also joined the mix. In Lucas, it is Daylan McCutcheon‍ who is deciding between Texas, USC, Ohio State, Florida State and SMU.

July 13 is not the only day playmakers are deciding – Houston-area standouts Nick Townsend‍ and Tanook Hines‍ have decision plans set for July 15. Alabama, Texas and Texas A&M have been among the top schools for Townsend, while Hines took June OVs to Texas, USC, Baylor and Notre Dame. Down in Florida, Orlando receiver Vernell Brown III‍ also has decision plans with Florida Ohio State, Florida State and Miami also in the mix.

DBs eye college destinations – Bushnell (FL) S Rashad Johnson‍ plans to announce his choice between Georgia, Texas A&M, Penn State and Louisville on July 14. Tampa (FL) standout DJ Pickett‍ is set to decide between LSU, Miami and Oregon on July 17. Cleveland (OH) Shaker Heights S Trey McNutt III‍ will decide July 19 with Florida, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Oregon, and USC in the running.  Former LSU commit Jaboree Antoine‍ of New Iberia (LA) is set to decide on July 20 between LSU, Florida State and Miami. 

Big decisions in the trenches – Atlanta (GA) offensive lineman Juan Gaston‍ will announce his decision on Aug. 2 with Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Oregon making up his finalists, and Charlotte (NC) standout David Sanders‍ has Georgia, Tennessee, Nebraska and Ohio State on his list as he prepares for an Aug. 17 decision.

New Name to Know

QB Malachi Zeigler‍, Benton (LA) – 2027

At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Zeigler is a big-armed, athletic quarterback who is quickly making people across the country take notice.

He describes his style as controlled and is known for his calm, cool and collected demeanor on the field. He stays consistent and prides himself on being a student of the game with role models such as Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning because of their game management and intelligence.

On and off the field, Zeigler is driven by the example of hard work and grit set by his parents, who have always made sure he knows nothing will be given to them. It must be earned.

As a freshman, he completed 27-of-40 passes for 346 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 46 yards and two more scores, and college coaches are already in hot pursuit.

Offers have arrived from Grambling, Louisiana Tech, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, Jackson State, SMU, TCU, Arkansas, Baylor and Louisiana-Lafayette. He also turned heads at the Texas A&M and LSU camps this summer, and interest has arrived from Notre Dame, Florida State, Texas Tech and Houston.

In addition to football, Zeigler also competes on the baseball field, where he started at second base this spring, and he is pushing for greatness in the classroom as a dual-enrolled student. He plans to graduate high school with his associates degree.

What’s up with the top

Top commit for each SEC program
Alabama: CB Dijon Lee‍ Mission Viejo (CA)
Arkansas: LB Tavion Wallace‍, Jessup (GA) Wayne County
Auburn: DL Malik Autry‍, Opelika (AL)
Florida: DE Jalen Wiggins‍, Tallahassee (FL) Rickards
Georgia: LB Zayden Walker‍, Ellaville (GA) Schley County
Kentucky: DE Javeon Campbell‍, Frankfort (KY) Western Hills
LSU: QB Bryce Underwood‍, Belleville (MI)
Mississippi State: QB KaMario Taylor‍, Macon (MS) Noxubee County
Missouri: QB Matt Zollers‍, Royersford (PA) Spring-Ford
Oklahoma: DE CJ Nickson‍, Weatherford (OK)
Ole Miss: S Keon Young‍, Lakeland (FL)
South Carolina: DE Caleb Williams‍, Chesterfield (VA) Matoaca
Tennessee: QB George MacIntyre‍, Brentwood (TN) Brentwood Academy
Texas: DE Lance Jackson‍, Texarkana (TX) Pleasant Grove
Texas A&M: QB Husan Longstreet‍, Corona (CA) Centennial
Vanderbilt: S Carson Lawrence‍ Chattanooga (TN) McCallie School