On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Previewing multiple commitments this week

As arguably the busiest and most chaotic two months of the recruiting calendar kick off ahead of the Early Signing Period, things are beginning to heat up.

That includes five coveted prospects — including one of the nation’s top quarterbacks prospects — deciding between some of the country’s top programs over the next few days. With the help of the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), we’ll preview each of the expected announcements.

Monday, Oct. 31

4-star DL Kayden McDonald
School: Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 299
On3 RPM: Ohio State 53.0%, Clemson 39.3%, Florida 2.1%, Michigan 1.5%

The Skinny: McDonald’s recruitment has been full of twists and turns, with a handful of schools being considered to be in the lead at different points. Florida, Oklahoma, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State all received official visits, but it’s the Buckeyes who have been trending in recent days. Nearby Clemson has also been very much in the mix, but the latest intel suggests Ohio State is the favorite for the Peach State star.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

4-star QB Julian Sayin
School: Carlsbad (Calif.)
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 14
On3 RPM: Alabama 68.9%, Georgia 14.7%, LSU 10.6%

The Skinny: In another recruitment that has quickly flipped, Alabama has jumped into the lead for the nation’s No. 2 2024 quarterback, Julian Sayin. The four-star passer took an official visit to Tuscaloosa last weekend, and that has turned things in favor of the Tide and away from LSU. Alabama currently has two quarterbacks committed in 2023, but that isn’t stopping them from working to lock in an elite 2024 signal-caller.

Thursday, Nov. 3

4-star IOL DJ Chester
School: Conyers (Ga.) Eagle’s Landing Christian
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 145
On3 RPM: LSU 91.4%, Auburn 2.6%, Florida State 1.8%

The Skinny: While Sayin’s decision doesn’t point to good news for Brian Kelly and Co. on Wednesday, the Tigers shouldn’t have to wait long to rebound. Despite efforts from Auburn, Florida State and a handful of others, the Tigers are — and have been — heavily trending for Chester, one of the nation’s top interior lineman. Landing Chester might give the Tigers the best offensive line haul in the entire 2023 cycle.

Friday, Nov. 4

4-star ATH Jadan Baugh
School: Decatur (Ga.) Columbia
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 203
On3 RPM: Tennessee 47.2%, South Carolina 41.3%, Georgia Tech 1.7%

The Skinny: South Carolina has worked hard to keep Baugh inside the Palmetto State, but Tennessee made a major impression during his visit two weeks ago for the Alabama game. Things are neck in neck in the On3 RPM, but Baugh’s commitment announcement came soon after his visit to Rocky Top, hinting that he may be headed to Tennessee.

Sunday, Nov. 6

4-star DL Kavion Henderson
School: Leeds (Ala.)
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 135
On3 RPM: Alabama 29.5%, Auburn 25.8%, Georgia 11.3%, Ole Miss 5.0%

The Skinny: Henderson has had this date circled on the calendar for months now, announcing back in mid-September that he’d made his decision this week. The in-state Crimson Tide have turned up their pursuit of him in recent months, hosting him twice in Tuscaloosa between the announcement of his commitment date and now. Auburn and Georgia are very much in this as well.