Samwise College Football Newsletter
Monday, June 29, 2026
Texas A&M Lands Five-Star WR Eric McFarland in Nation's No. 1-Ranked 2027 Class
Texas A&M secured a commitment from five-star wide receiver Eric McFarland on Sunday, as the 2027 recruiting season reaches full summer intensity. McFarland, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound pass catcher from Florida's IMG Academy, is ESPN's No. 3 wide receiver and No. 17 overall prospect in the cycle. He chose the Aggies over finalists Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, announcing his decision during a live ceremony on CBS Sports. McFarland becomes Texas A&M's sixth five-star pledge, fortifying the program's No. 1-ranked 2027 class under coach Mike Elko. The IMG Academy standout reclassified from the 2028 class in December after recording 29 catches for 595 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore.
Alabama Adds ESPN 300 Receiver Osani Gayles at Nike's The Opening Event
Alabama's 2027 recruiting class received a boost Saturday when four-star receiver Osani Gayles committed to the Crimson Tide, choosing the program over Stanford and Washington. Gayles, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound pass catcher from Florida's IMG Academy, is ESPN's No. 7 wide receiver in the 2027 cycle and No. 34 overall in the SC Next 300. He announced his pledge at The Opening, a Nike-hosted 7-on-7 event in Beaverton, Oregon. The commitment is significant for third-year coach Kalen DeBoer, who has signaled Alabama will sign a smaller class in 2027 as roster retention has improved. Gayles lands as the Crimson Tide's second SC Next 300 pledge in the cycle.
CFL Bars Quarterback Brendan Sorsby from Joining League for 2026 Season
The CFL announced Friday that former Indiana and Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby will not be permitted to join any of its teams for the 2026 season. The league cited the serious and concerning nature of allegations surrounding Sorsby, who admitted to placing thousands of bets on college and professional sports totaling upward of $90,000, including 40 wagers on Indiana football while enrolled at the school. Sorsby's options have narrowed considerably after the NFL opted not to hold a supplemental draft. His attorney has indicated they may pursue legal action through the NFLPA, alleging the NFL's decision not to hold a supplemental draft violated the collective bargaining agreement.
Five-Star OT Caden Moss Commits to Ohio State, Bolstering Buckeyes' 2027 Class
Ohio State coach Ryan Day added another five-star prospect to his 2027 recruiting class Friday night with a commitment from offensive tackle Caden Moss of Jackson, Mississippi. Moss, a 6-foot-5, 330-pound lineman from Jackson Academy, is ESPN's No. 4 offensive tackle and No. 15 overall in the SC Next 300. He chose Ohio State over finalists Ole Miss, Kentucky, LSU, Oregon, and Tennessee following official visits to each program this spring. Moss gives the Buckeyes five additions since May 15 and 10 SC Next 300 commits in the 2027 class. Day's program entered the weekend ranked No. 11 nationally in ESPN's 2027 recruiting class standings.
Tennessee Edge Rusher Chaz Coleman Medically Disqualified from Program
Tennessee edge rusher Chaz Coleman has been medically disqualified from the program, the Volunteers announced Friday, ending his brief stay in Knoxville. Coleman transferred to Tennessee from Penn State this offseason, joining new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who made the same move from State College to Knoxville. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound rusher practiced for two weeks this spring before stepping away for personal reasons and did not report to summer workouts. Coleman was ranked the nation's No. 13 transfer by ESPN and posted one sack, three tackles for loss, and three quarterback hurries as a true freshman at Penn State during the 2025 season. He had chosen Tennessee over Ohio State.
Notre Dame Lands Top-Ranked OG Albert Simien in Ongoing 2027 Recruiting Surge
Notre Dame continued its summer recruiting surge Friday with a commitment from four-star offensive guard Albert Simien, the top-ranked player at his position in the 2027 class. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound interior lineman from Lake Charles, Louisiana, chose the Fighting Irish over finalists Texas A&M, LSU, Nebraska, and Ole Miss, announcing during a live SportsCenter segment following an official campus visit. Simien is ESPN's No. 26 overall recruit in the cycle and the highest-ranked offensive line pledge of coach Marcus Freeman's tenure. Notre Dame has accumulated 16 SC Next 300 commits in the 2027 class, holding a top-two national ranking in ESPN's class standings.
2026 Preseason Outlook
Way-Too-Early Top Teams (Official AP Poll: Aug 2026)
1. Oregon
2. Ohio State
3. Texas
4. Georgia
5. Notre Dame
Def. Champ: Indiana (2025–26)
2027 Recruiting Class Leaders
ESPN Rankings (as of Jun 29)
1. Texas A&M (6 five-stars)
2. Notre Dame (16 SC Next 300)
3. Georgia
11. Ohio State
Transfer Portal Window
2026–27: Jan 4–13, 2027 (proposed)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency