ESPN analyst warns schools about missing out on Matt Leinart's son
ESPN football analyst Dan Orlovsky is trying his hand as a recruiting guru, calling his shot with Matt Leinart’s son Cole. After seeing a video of the 14-year-old quarterback, Orlovsky issued an early warning for schools who miss out in the class of 2026.
“Y’all colleges better get out in front of this young stud man,” Orlovsky posted on Twitter. “Talented. Worker!”
Matt Leinart, a former USC Trojan star, has already made his preferred destination clear. The Heisman Trophy winner and (vacated) national champion previously tagged the USC football account on highlight videos.
Over three seasons at USC, Matt Leinart threw for 10,693 yards with 99 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Thanks to the NCAA’s rule counting sacks in the rushing total, he finished with -70 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
Matt Leinart went No. 10 overall in the 2006 NFL Draft to the Arizona Cardinals and played six seasons before retiring in 2012. He is currently a college football analyst for FOX Sports.
More on Cole Leinart
The son of Matt Leinart and former USC women’s basketball star Brynn Cameron, Cole Leinart has the genetics of a two-sport star. He currently plays football and basketball.
The young Leinart is a student at Mater Dei, the same school his dad attended throughout his prep career. The young quarterback drew attention earlier this year when a video surfaced of his speed.
Matt Leinart has already stated that his son is faster and more athletic than he ever was, posting highlights from a flag football scrimmage.
Despite being in the class of 2026, making him an eighth-grade student this year, quarterback Cole Leinart already has interest from college coaches. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin provided a verbal offer in 2018, while at FAU.
While the verbal offer holds no practical significance, it shows an awareness that would make Dan Orlovsky smile.
Another quarterback family
With the hype around Cole Leinart years away, the focus remains on another legacy quarterback. Arch Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Archie Manning, is the No. 1 player in the 2023 On100 recruiting rankings.
After putting up big highlights in the early weeks of the season, Manning took visits to Georgia and Alabama over recent weeks. While traveling around the SEC, a recruiting circus has followed Cooper Manning’s son Arch.
From Lane Kiffin’s Instagram page to Nick Saban’s appearance on a special edition Monday Night Football broadcast, the schools involved appear ready to do anything to land the latest Manning.