Expert Predictions: Who is trending for top uncommitted 2023 prospects?
With the Early Signing Period nearly two months away, 11 of the top 50 and 17 of the top 100 prospects in the 2023 On3 Consensus are currently uncommitted. As a result, battles are heating up for blue-chip recruits across the country.
Big names who have yet to announce their college destination include Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Cormani McClain, five-star EDGE Keon Keeley, five-star athlete Nyckoles Harbor and five-star tight end Duce Robinson.
Nothing will be final until the Early Signing Period or National Signing Day. But as we head into a jam-packed final few months of the recruiting calendar, On3’s national and team site experts share their early predictions on where they believe these top uncommitted recruits may commit.
Five-Star Plus+ CB Cormani McClain
On3 Consensus: No. 2
School: Lakeland (Fla.) High
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Florida 77.1%, Miami 12%, Alabama 9.5%
On3 NIL Valuation: $315K
Andrew Bone, BamaInsider Senior Recruiting Reporter: “I do think ultimately it comes down to Alabama and Florida. If I had to choose today, I would probably pick Florida just because he hasn’t been back to Tuscaloosa since June, but that also should change before he makes a decision. He might return to Alabama next weekend for an unofficial visit for the Mississippi State game… But he is, as of right now, planning to take his official visit to Alabama in December. If you can get Cormani to December without making a decision, it helps Alabama’s chances with him even more because there is a lot of momentum on the Florida side with Cormani right now.”
Corey Bender, Gators Online Recruiting Analyst: “Right now, I think Florida… There’s just that whole feel, a lot of comfort up there in Gainesville. He’s visited there a bunch over recent years and there’s a lot of familiar faces on the roster as well, including several kids from his county, which is Polk County, over in the Lakeland area.“
Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting: “Florida is in a good spot for Cormani. Florida is a school close to home, his high school has sent numerous players to Florida and he is very comfortable in Gainesville. Also, he and his family like cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond. But Alabama, they’re not going to go away. They’re still heavily involved and working to get him back on campus if not for an official, then definitely an unofficial.”
5-star EDGE Keon Keeley
On3 Consensus: No. 8
School: Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Alabama 49.4%, Ohio State 41.2%, Florida 7.8%
On3 NIL Valuation: $231K
Andrew Bone, BamaInsider Senior Recruiting Reporter: “I think Alabama’s in the driver’s seat for Keeley heading into a potential decision coming up here pretty soon... I think he really likes Ohio State a lot too. They have certainly made a significant move in his recruitment, but I still think that with Alabama, they were the school that was at the top of his list after he decommitted from Notre Dame.“
Matt Parker, Ohio State Recruiting Reporter at Letterman Row: “At 7:17 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16, I would say Keon Keeley is an Alabama Crimson Tide commit. I know that official visit down there last weekend went very well. He left very impressed. He talked about how perfect the fit was and how he could really envision himself on defense. So right now, I would say Alabama. But I say that hesitantly, just because I know, as well, he felt the exact same way about Ohio State after both of his visits in September and left really impressed after that official visit on Sept. 3.”
Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting: “I’ve been hearing more over the past week about Alabama. But before that official visit to Alabama, Ohio State definitely grabbed some momentum by having him on campus a couple of times in the month of September. There’s certainly a battle brewing there. But I lean slightly towards Alabama today following the visit. But it may be different tomorrow.”
5-star ATH Nyckoles Harbor
On3 Consensus: No. 12
School: Washington (D.C.) Archbishop Carroll
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Michigan 37.7%, South Carolina 29.1%, LSU 25%
On3 NIL Valuation: $332K
Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting: “I don’t know if there is a true favorite for Nyckoles Harbor right now. But I would say it is very close between Michigan and South Carolina. South Carolina built some separation following his two visits there, including an official visit in September. But Michigan really knocked it out of the park with him and his family on its official visit from the academic presentation to the athletic opportunities and his connection with the coaching staff. I think he feels really good there, but we have to watch to see what happens. LSU is also in play for Harbor. He was supposed to go there earlier this season, but couldn’t make it because of a game. He’s a guy that can definitely go into February and the second Signing Day. I think there could still be a couple of twists and turns in his recruitment, but the three schools in the lead right now are LSU, Michigan and South Carolina.”
Wes Mitchell, South Carolina Football and Recruiting Writer at GamecockCentral: “Right now my lean, from what we’ve heard, would probably be Michigan. I think coming off the South Carolina official visit, they felt pretty good about how it went. South Carolina has really been pushing the fact that he can play on either side of the football, that he can play some tight end and he can rush the passer. From a South Carolina perspective, they’re still in it and certainly, with his recruitment not being one that’s going to end anytime soon, it still could go a number of different ways. It really has been those three that we’ve probably heard about the most: Michigan, South Carolina and LSU. But it feels there was more Michigan buzz than anywhere else coming off of that official visit to Michigan.”
Shea Dixon, LSU Recruiting Writer at The Bengal Tiger: “I think it’s a safe bet to presume Michigan is the team to beat right now... LSU will host him in December. It’s seemingly been a consistent theme that once he leaves campus from a visit, that school generates a little bit of buzz behind him. So I think that after he leaves campus in December, we can start to hear the LSU buzz really grow. What’s unique about LSU compared to the other schools in the mix is not just the football angle, but the track and field angle. LSU is a track and field program that’s won a national championship recently. The men and women are both top-five finishers the past few years, so he’s looking at competing at track and playing football at the highest levels of both. Certainly, LSU, of his presumed top teams, would be the one who offers that up.”
5-star TE Duce Robinson
On3 Consensus: No. 24
School: Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: USC 62%, Texas 27.8%, Alabama 2.9%, Georgia 2.1%
On3 NIL Valuation: $194K
Scott Schrader, Publisher and Head Analyst at WeAreSC: “It would really surprise me if it’s not USC… The close-to-home thing I think is a big deal. It’s not like Texas or places like that are far away, but getting (from) Arizona to California, it’s almost like taking a taxi. There’s so many flights. It’s an hour. He’s close with his brother. That’s also a factor, as well as the relationships that he has formed with (head coach Lincoln) Riley, the coaching staff and the guys that he may end up going to USC with.”
Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting: “I still lean towards USC, but Georgia has made up considerable ground following Robinson’s official visit there. Duce is like a big wide receiver that can play tight end and Georgia’s offense fits that skillset… I don’t think Alabama is up there with those two schools, even after the official visit. We’ll see what happens if he gets to Texas or Oregon at some point. Today, I have a pick for USC on the On3 RPM and I still feel good about that, but maybe not as good as I did before Robinson’s official visit to Georgia. The Bulldogs are definitely in this.”
Gerry Hamilton, On3 Senior National Recruiting Analyst: “Heading into the season, USC was a heavy favorite. Georgia’s closed the gap… Its use of the tight ends, Brock Bowers is the best tight end in college football and they’re running reverses with tight ends…There are connections in the state of Texas and (Five-Star Plus+) quarterback Arch Manning to Duce Robinson. So Texas has a fighting chance there because of the way (head coach) Steve Sarkisian is using his tight ends and the production of Ja’Tavion Sanders this season. That gives Texas a chance, but I think Texas is playing from behind with USC and Georgia in front.”
5-star DL Matayo Uiagalelei
On3 Consensus: No. 25
School: Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Ohio State 51.7%, Oregon 24.3%, USC 20.4%
On3 NIL Valuation: $211K
Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting: “I like where Ohio State’s at. It is very possible that he leaves California to play college football, but now there’s a little bit of positive buzz surrounding USC as compared to the past few months. USC’s strong start and its success on the defensive side of the ball have somewhat caught his attention. I don’t think the Trojans are the favorite right now, but they have become a little bit more of a factor in Matayo’s recruitment over the last six weeks. However, I still favor (defensive line coach) Larry Johnson and the defensive line connection at Ohio State. Additionally, Oregon is still in the mix for Matayo’s commitment.”
Scott Schrader, Publisher and Head Analyst at WeAreSC: “I probably would pick Ohio State right now. But I think that USC has made up significant ground recently… I do think that the environment at Ohio State is something that’s very attractive to him. The coaching he would get there speaks for itself and I think that’s a big plus for USC too with (defensive line coach) Shaun Nua… The opportunity to play at USC would be there as well, but Ohio State, it’s a place that’s he’s been to quite a bit and I think he feels really comfortable there.”
Matt Parker, Ohio State Recruiting Reporter at Letterman Row: “I would say Ohio State is, at this moment in time, probably the soft front-runner… It’s that pedigree that Larry Johnson has established. Also, more importantly, it’s the relationship. Ohio State has recruited Matayo for quite a while now. I know the Buckeyes are really big on all the St. John Bosco kids. It started with (linebacker) Kourt Williams, who has been on the Buckeyes for some time. They have a good relationship with the coaching staff out there in Bellflower, Calif. and they like those kids. Those kids do well at Ohio State. They’ve just been really active on the trail, specifically with Matayo. That relationship is a big factor in that recruitment.”
Justin Hopkins, Publisher of ScoopDuck: “At this point in time, Ohio State, if Signing Day were today, would be the team to get his commitment. They’re having a great season. Larry Johnson’s a tremendous recruiter and Ohio State’s done incredibly well recruiting that position. I think that Oregon is sitting a very close second… USC’s coming on strong. I think they’re sitting at third. But if Signing Day were today, I think Matayo would sign with Ohio State.”
5-star EDGE Damon Wilson
On3 Consensus: No. 30
School: Venice (Fla.)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Ohio State 76.1%, Georgia 13.6%, Miami 5.9%, Alabama 2.8%
On3 NIL Valuation: $168K
Jeremy Johnson, On3 National Recruiting Writer: “From what I’ve heard, Ohio State’s the team that’s starting to edge ahead a little bit. Georgia’s in there. I think it’s a two-team race, though… I think Larry Johnson’s development has been the key to any EDGE player that’s thinking about Ohio State. His track record’s huge and it speaks for itself. He puts guys in the league, left and right.“
Matt Parker, Ohio State Recruiting Reporter at Letterman Row: “Right now, I would say the Buckeyes are definitely at the front of that recruitment. That Sept. 3 weekend was really important…I think that visit was so important for Damon because it was the first time he had really been courted by Ohio State. He went up for the spring game back in April, but this was the first time he really got to spend time with (head coach) Ryan Day and Larry Johnson. They got to show him their vision for him in the scarlet-and-grey. My sources indicate Damon liked that a lot.”
Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting: “Wilson’s recruitment has gone back and forth over the last couple of weeks between Ohio State and Georgia. His official visit to Georgia really showed him a lot about the program. He already liked Georgia and was there over the summer on a multi-day unofficial visit. It’s clear that Georgia has made this interesting. But even though the Bulldogs have gained some momentum, it seems that Ohio State has weathered that storm and battled back. The Buckeyes are at least right there with Georgia, if not in the lead. It’s super close right now. If I had to pick a leader today, Ohio State has a very slight edge over Georgia.”
4-star S Javien Toviano
On3 Consensus: No. 39
School: Arlington (Texas) Martin
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: LSU 90.3%, Texas A&M 2.4%, Texas 2%
On3 NIL Valuation: $181K
Sam Spiegelman, On3 National Recruiting Analyst: “If Javien was to make a decision right now –he’s hinted that he could make a commitment at any moment — I think the option would be LSU. Not so much by how he speaks about LSU, but more so by his actions. He visited in the spring. He was back in July. He went back for the Southern game. In contrast, he’s seen Texas A&M and Texas at neutral site locations. He’s talked about scheduling visits to each of his contenders. He’s talked about official visits to Ohio State and Oregon... But in terms of recruiting, the tide has seemingly shifted towards LSU.“
Shea Dixon, LSU Recruiting Writer at The Bengal Tiger: “I think that the On3 RPM is spot on at the moment because you’re tracking his actions. He’s spent a lot of time on LSU’s campus recently, compared to other programs. I think they’ve done a really good job of selling him as a cornerback, which is a spot he wants to play. LSU’s obviously got a tradition with cornerbacks. I also think that almost as much as anyone in the class, Toviano plays things close to the vest, so it makes it pretty tough to know which way he’s leaning.”
Gerry Hamilton, On3 Senior National Recruiting Analyst: “He’s one of the mystery recruits in this cycle. He plays it so close to the vest. Everything is all over the place with his recruitment. There’s two players from Arlington (Texas) Martin on the Texas roster. People close to those kids think Texas has a good chance… I think LSU is very much in it. I think Texas is very much in it. I think A&M continues to fight… It’s hard to bet against LSU because he’s been on campus there more than anywhere else.”
4-star EDGE Rueben Bain
On3 Consensus: No. 85
School: Miami (Fla.) Miami Central
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Miami 64.3%, Auburn 30.1%, Alabama 1.7%
On3 NIL Valuation: $121K
Gary Ferman, Publisher of CaneSport: “I still believe that Miami is the favorite. It just makes too much sense. He’s from Miami. His uncle played for Miami. His brother is on the staff at Miami. Miami has been ingrained in his family for his whole life. Being a local kid, he can see the vision of what they’re trying to get done there, even though they’re going through some tough times right now. So he obviously is a huge priority for Miami. I think he’s going through the recruiting process. He’s taking a lot of trips and he’s getting a lot of experiences.”
Chad Simmons, On3 Director of Recruiting: “I don’t know if there is a true leader for Rueben Bain. There has always been a lot of buzz with Miami since he lives there and has family connections there. He’s a huge target for head coach Mario Cristobal‘s staff. Miami may be tough to beat, but Bain seems open to playing college football outside his home state. Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and Louisville are all involved in his recruitment, along with other programs. I think Bain will take his time this season. Things may change going forward, but I would say his top three schools right now are Miami, Alabama and Auburn.“
Keith Niebuhr, Auburn Recruiting Writer at AuburnLive: “I feel like Auburn is in a solid position largely because of the relationship Bain has built with Auburn’s EDGE coach, Roc Bellantoni. Those two are very tight. Also, Bain visited Auburn for the Auburn-LSU game and made it clear that that was an over-the-top atmosphere that really got his attention. It wasn’t something he was used to. You combine the relationship with Bellantoni, the atmosphere at Auburn… and then also Auburn’s huge need at EDGE where they’re going to be losing Derick Hall among other players and you have to think Auburn has a chance.”