Indiana storylines from initial 2027 Rivals300 rankings release

Rivals has unveiled its initial 2027 Rivals300 rankings, providing the earliest look at the nation’s top football prospects for the class of 2027.

This release places heavy emphasis on sophomore film and recent in-person evaluations from summer events such as Rivals Five-Star, Future 50, and Overtime’s OT7 Playoffs.

While it’s still early in the recruiting cycle with roughly 18 months remaining until final rankings, some clear Indiana-related storylines have already emerged.

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, who is in the process of finalizing the Hoosiers’ 2026 recruiting class — which figures to be one of the best in program history — is already making notable strides in attracting the rising juniors of the 2027 cycle.

Another strong season on the gridiron for the Hoosiers could boost their recruiting momentum even further as the 2027 class develops.

Here’s a look at several IU-related takeaways from the initial 2027 Rivals300 rankings:

Where Indiana’s top 2027 targets rank

Two of Indiana’s top 2027 targets have already surfaced in the rankings.

Quarterback Jameson Purcell currently ranks as the No. 30 quarterback nationally and remains a top target for the Hoosiers.

His spot slipped slightly from No. 28 in the Industry Ranking, but Indiana continues to lead for his commitment, which could come sooner rather than later.

MORE ON PURCELL: Indiana QB coach Chandler Whitmer leading the charge for 2027 quarterback Jameson Purcell: ‘We just really connected’

Running back Arwin Jackson, ranked No. 36 nationally at his position, is another early priority for Indiana.

Auburn and Syracuse are also pursuing Jackson, but his strong relationship with Indiana’s running backs coach John Miller and plans for a fall visit have positioned the Hoosiers well in this race.

MORE ON JACKSON: Three schools emerging for explosive RB Arwin Jackson

Three in-state prospects rank among nation’s top 200

Four prospects from Indiana are already ranked in the initial Rivals300, three of whom sit inside the top 200 nationally — a promising sign for the state’s talent pipeline.

Wide receiver Monshun Sales of Lawrence North is the jewel of the state’s 2027 class. Sales ranks No. 20 overall, No. 4 among wide receivers and is the No. 1 player in the state.

Indiana faces stiff competition for Sales from programs like Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio State, and Alabama. The latest intel suggest Sales may soon trim his list of schools, with Indiana expected to be among the finalists.

Defensive end Jayce Brewer from Franklin Central is Indiana’s No. 2 recruit and ranks No. 103 overall and No. 12 at edge rusher nationally.

Though Indiana has established early groundwork with Brewer, Notre Dame currently appears to be the favorite. Brewer’s recruitment is likely to be an in-state showdown involving Indiana, Notre Dame, and Purdue, with visits to Tennessee and Florida also on his radar.

MORE ON BREWER: Indiana four-star 2027 edge rusher Jayce Brewer is high on the in-state powers ND, IU and Purdue

Safety Kaleb Elkins of Warren Central ranks as the No. 3 player in Indiana, No. 137 overall, and No. 14 at safety nationally. Major programs including Ohio State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Indiana are in the mix for the Indianapolis product.

Athlete Maalik Moore, a Fort Wayne native ranked No. 4 in the state, is viewed as a likely wide receiver at the college level. Though outside the top 300 overall, Moore is the No. 16 athlete nationally.

Indiana is competing with the likes of Purdue, Cincinnati, Toledo and Miami (OH) for Moore’s pledge.

Indiana also chasing elite out-of-state talent

The Hoosiers are also engaging with some highly rated prospects outside Indiana.

Defensive end Reinaldo Perez, from Columbus, Ohio, is a four-star ranked No. 101 overall and the No. 2 player from Ohio. Though it may be difficult to pry him from Ohio State, Indiana already offered Perez.

MORE ON PEREZ: 2027 four-star defensive lineman Reinaldo Perez talks recent Indiana offer

Safety Tavares Harrington of Chicago is ranked No. 201 overall by Rivals but has a higher Industry Ranking at No. 97. Alabama, Illinois, and Notre Dame currently appear to be in the lead for Harrington.

MORE ON HARRINGTON: 2027 four-star defensive back Tavares Harrington talks Indiana offer

Wide receiver may be a priority in Indiana’s 2027 class

Indiana is aggressively pursuing wide receiver talent, beyond the top in-state prospect in Sales.

Athlete Brady Scott of Tabor Academy in Massachusetts ranks No. 24 among athletes nationally and is likely being recruited as a wide receiver by Indiana.

Other programs in his recruitment include Syracuse, Penn State, Boston College, Rutgers, and Iowa.

MORE ON SCOTT: Indiana showing early interest in 2027 athlete Brady Scott as recruitment picks up steam

Wide receiver Austin Coles from Illinois ranks as the No. 51 wideout and is one of two Illinois wideouts Indiana is targeting early along with Scott.

MORE ON COLES: 2027 wide receiver Austin Coles talks spring game visit to Indiana

Wideout Jaden Baldwin from Arizona is ranked No. 67 nationally among receivers, with Iowa State, Iowa, Penn State, and Pittsburgh also involved in his recruitment.

MORE ON BALDWIN: 2027 wide receiver Jaden Baldwin emerges as priority target for Indiana, eyes major visits

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