Recruiting Notebook: Matayo Uiagalelei down to three; Colorado chasing top RB

The countdown begins: less than weeks remain until the beginning of the Early Signing Period — also known as the new National Signing Day. And between the official opening of the NCAA transfer portal on Monday and the final stretch of the recruiting calendar, college football recruiting news is on one right now.

Each day until we hit the signing period, On3 will be breaking down the top storylines from both the recruiting world and the transfer portal. Let’s get into it.

LATEST RECRUITING NEWS AND UPDATES: DEC. 7

LATEST RECRUITING NEWS AND UPDATES: DEC. 6

LATEST RECRUITING NEWS AND UPDATES: DEC. 5

5-star DL ready to shut things down

Five-star Bellflower (Calif) St. John Bosco defensive lineman Matayo Uiagalelei isn’t one for the spotlight. The nation’s No. 23 prospect is a rare interview, and he has kept his top schools close to the vest until now. On Thursday, he announced he was down to three programs: Oregon, USC, and Ohio State.

The Buckeyes had been considered the favorites for most of the summer and fall, but USC — the local school — has come on as of late and taken the lead in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

Uiagalelei doesn’t have any more trips scheduled at this point, with a decision set for the first day of the signing period on December 21.

Coach Prime looking for his first blue-chipper in 2023

Derby (Kan.) four-star running back Dylan Edwards announced his decommitment from Notre Dame on Thursday afternoon. Following his decision, Edwards shared with On3‘s Chad Simmons that two schools in the lead for his pledge are Colorado and Kansas State. Edwards was previously committed to the in-state Wildcats over the summer, but it’s Deion Sanders and the new Buffs’ staff that are trending in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

Colorado offered only two days ago, but Edwards’ relationship with Sanders goes back a while. The four-star previously played in Sanders’ Little League organization when he lived in Dallas. The new CU head coach already landed elite 2025 wideout Winston Watkins Jr., but Edwards would give him his first major recruiting win in the 2023 cycle if he picks the Buffs on Signing Day.

Florida trending in the right direction with Samson Okunlola

After Simmons reported yesterday that five-star Brockton (Mass.) Thayer Academy offensive tackle Samson Okunlola would officially visit Florida this weekend, even more good news came. Okunlola is set to announce his commitment just four short days after he finishes the visit.

In-state rival Miami has been considered the favorite since the summer for Okunlola, but Simmons added on today’s Inside Scoop recruiting show that things are moving in the Gators’ direction with a week to go until his Dec. 15 decision.

“Him visiting Florida back-to-back, then setting a commitment date a few days after he returns, you have to like where the Gators sit right now heading into the final week.”

4-star CJ Blocker focused on five schools

New Caney (Texas) four-star cornerback CJ Blocker announced his top five schools on Wednesday: Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky, USC and Utah. The On300 prospect was previously committed to the Utes, but backed off that pledge late last month.

Since then, Alabama, Kentucky, USC and Colorado have entered the mix, and TCU figures to be a factor as well. And to add to that, Oklahoma — where Blocker’s dad played — offered him this week as well.

With just a short 13 days until the Early Signing Period, schools are scrambling to get him on campus. TCU is expected to host him this weekend, with USC set to get the last visit. But according to On3’s Sam Spiegelman, don’t count out Coach Prime and the Buffaloes just yet.

Is 5-star Damon Wilson coming off the board this weekend?

To answer that question quickly, yes — probably. Damon Wilson, the five-star Venice (Fla.) EDGE, will host Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson in Venice tonight for an in-home visit, according to Simmons.

And they’ll be followed tomorrow by Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe.

Those two schools are the only real contenders left on the board, and a decision could come as soon as this weekend. The Bulldogs are currently trending in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).