4-star DL Valdin Sone names top eight schools

Malmo, Sweden native and Blue Ridge School (Va.) four-star defensive lineman Valdin Sone is considering eight heavy-hitters moving forward in his recruitment.

The eye-popping 6-foot-3.5 lineman told On3’s Hayes Fawcett on Tuesday that he’s now down to Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and USC.

Sone is the No. 140 overall prospect and No. 13 DL in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He previously reclassified up from the 2027 cycle.

The international athlete has long drawn heavy interest from the who’s who of college football and his stock continues to rise ahead of his senior season. He participated in the Navy All-American Bowl at the beginning of the year and turned plenty of heads.

“Sone had several flash moments on Wednesday. Sone was the only defensive lineman we saw notch a win against Oklahoma offensive tackle signee Ryan Fodje in 1-on-1’s during the morning. Sone put Fodje on the ground with a vicious swim move. We later saw the Sweden native make some plays on the interior in the joint practice,” On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power wrote.

He took multiple visits this spring and has also been visited by many of the coaching staffs that are in his top list. A June official visit to Florida has been locked in with more likely to follow.

Sone previously dished on some of his top schools

When speaking with On3’s Steve Wiltfong at the Navy All-American Bowl in January, Sone talked about his interest in some of the programs that cracked his top list on Tuesday:

Regarding Auburn: “I had a great visit there. That’s why I like it. Cam Newton played there. That’s one of my favorite players. It’s a great environment too. Great coaches.”

Regarding Florida:  “Coach Billy Napier man. He loves PPI. He shows great appreciation of the athletes we give him. Florida has a great culture as well. It’s like a dream playing for Florida. Watching Tim Tebow play back in the day, it’s one of those schools on my list. I’d love to go to Florida.”

Regarding Georgia: “Coach Kirby (Smart). He has the heart of the defense. He loves the defense. Me as a defensive player I’d love to go to a school that values defense the most. Georgia they put great guys in the NFL like Jordan Davis. I kind of idolize Jordan Davis. He has a great style of play for that position. He’s mastered that position.”

Regarding Oklahoma: “They have a friendly environment. I did an unofficial visit to Oklahoma this past Thanksgiving break and they showed great hospitality. They treated recruits on another level. It was so welcoming being there. Watching the players and coaches coach, it was an amazing experience.”