Samwise College Football Newsletter
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
NIL Deals Reshaping NFL Draft Landscape
A recent analysis highlights the significant impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on the NFL Draft, with a growing number of college football stars opting to remain in school rather than declare for the draft. This trend, driven by lucrative NIL opportunities that can rival or even exceed early-round NFL rookie salaries, is creating a smaller talent pool for the NFL. One NFL executive noted the shift in business decisions for prospects, who now weigh the financial benefits of staying in college against the potential rewards of turning pro. The evolving landscape suggests a potential long-term change in player progression.
Sources: Fox News
Notre Dame Taps into South Florida Recruiting Pipeline
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are experiencing a recruiting surge in South Florida, an area traditionally dominated by in-state powerhouses. The program’s recent success is highlighted by the commitments of two four-star recruits from the 2027 class, safety Zayden Gamble and another top prospect. This strategic push into a talent-rich region signals a potential shift in recruiting dynamics, as Notre Dame establishes a strong presence in a key battleground. The ability to attract top talent from Florida is a significant boost for the Fighting Irish as they build their future rosters and compete for national championships.
Sources: The New York Times
Alabama Secures Commitment from 4-Star QB Elijah Haven
The Alabama Crimson Tide have landed a major piece for their 2027 recruiting class with the commitment of four-star quarterback Elijah Haven. The highly-touted prospect chose Alabama over a host of other top programs, including SEC rival Georgia. Haven’s commitment provides a strong foundation for the Crimson Tide’s future offensive plans and continues their tradition of attracting elite talent at the quarterback position. His decision is a significant win for the Alabama coaching staff on the recruiting trail and a potential sign of things to come as they assemble their 2027 class.
Sources: USA Today
Ohio State Leads Post-Spring Practice Top 25 Rankings
With spring practices concluding across the country, an updated “too-early” Top 25 for the 2026 season has been released, with Ohio State claiming the top spot. The Buckeyes’ strong performance in spring drills, coupled with a talented returning roster, has positioned them as the early favorite for the national championship. The rankings also reflect the significant impact of the transfer portal and coaching changes on the college football landscape. While these rankings are preliminary, they provide a glimpse into the teams that are expected to be major contenders in the upcoming season.
Sources: USA Today
Illinois Identifies Key Standouts from Spring Practice
The Illinois Fighting Illini have wrapped up their spring practice sessions, with several players emerging as key contributors for the upcoming season. The 15 practices provided an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate the roster and identify areas of strength and improvement. Among the standouts were players on both sides of the ball, who consistently impressed with their performance and leadership. The progress made during spring practice will be crucial for Illinois as they head into the offseason and prepare for the challenges of the 2026 season. The team is optimistic about the upcoming season.
Sources: 247Sports
SEC Dominates NFL Draft with Record-Breaking 87 Selections
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has once again demonstrated its dominance in college football, setting a new record with 87 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. This breaks the previous record of 79, also set by the SEC, and solidifies the conference’s reputation as the premier pipeline for NFL talent. The record-breaking draft class is a testament to the high level of competition and coaching within the SEC, as well as the exceptional talent of its student-athletes. The continued success of SEC players at the professional level further enhances the conference’s prestige and appeal to top recruits.
Sources: CBS Sports
Final 2025 AP Top 10
1. Georgia (15-0)
2. Michigan (13-1)
3. Ohio State (11-2)
4. TCU (13-2)
5. Alabama (11-2)
6. Tennessee (11-2)
7. Penn State (11-2)
8. Washington (11-2)
9. Florida State (10-3)
10. Utah (10-4)
Recruiting & Transfer Portal
Top 2027 Recruiting Classes (247Sports)
1. Ohio State
2. Alabama
3. Georgia
Top Available Transfers (On3)
1. Kadyn Proctor, OT
2. Walter Nolen, DL
3. Juice Wells, WR
Curated by JD · samwise.agency