Commentary from supporters shows cautious optimism. Some fans pointed out that playing the game at a high level does not always translate to coaching it effectively. Others see upside. Faulk’s New Orleans roots could give Southern a real advantage in in-state recruiting and potentially help rebuild the fan base. Several supporters believe his success will depend heavily on the staff he assembles.

Some fans are already dreaming big. Pairing Faulk with former coach Stump Mitchell could bring championships back to Baton Rouge. Faulk is “the first branch off the Coach Prime tree,” referring to Deion Sanders’ influence across HBCU football. Fans hope Faulk could the next Stump Mitchell.

Southern’s decision reflects a growing trend: betting on former NFL stars to lead reinventions of HBCU programs. Whether Faulk follows Sanders’ path or faces the challenges many before him have encountered, his tenure will attract attention from across the college football world. The question now is whether his football legacy can evolve into a coaching legacy.

Ojo, a 5-star recruit and top-10 nationally ranked offensive tackle, is headed to Texas Tech with a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal reportedly worth $5.1 million over three years. The jaw-dropping agreement instantly makes Ojo one of the highest-paid players in college football, despite not yet logging a single snap at the collegiate level.

To put the deal in perspective, there are active NFL players without $5 million guaranteed in their contracts. Ojo’s agreement underscores just how drastically NIL has reshaped recruiting, player leverage, and the overall college football economy.

Texas Tech’s investment in Ojo speaks to his immense potential—and the Red Raiders’ aggressive push to compete with the nation’s top programs in both talent and marketing appeal. The deal also raises larger questions about NIL sustainability, player development pressure, and how the college football landscape continues to evolve in the post-amateurism era.

Whether Ojo lives up to the hype on the field remains to be seen. But off the field, he’s already proven that blue-chip recruits in today’s game aren’t just building football careers—they’re building financial empires!

According to 247Sports, Bell holds a 98 rating and ranks as the No. 5 quarterback and No. 24 overall player nationally. His 247Sports Composite rating is an impressive 0.9914, placing him as the No. 3 quarterback and No. 12 overall player in the country.

At 6-foot-2 with poise, arm talent, and athletic pedigree, Bell has drawn attention not just for his performance on the field, but also for his leadership and maturity beyond his years. His commitment to Texas adds to Steve Sarkisian’s already strong quarterback room and signals the program’s continued dominance on the recruiting trail.

With deep ties to elite athleticism and a rapidly rising profile, Dia Bell is a name to watch as one of the faces of the 2026 recruiting cycle—and potentially, the future of Longhorn football.

McElroy’s rankings, shared via On3 Sports, included rising stars and established starters, but left out the Texas quarterback who has long been touted as college football royalty. The omission quickly stirred conversation across social media and the broader football community.

Here’s McElroy’s Top 10:

1. Cade Klubnik – Clemson

2. John Mateer – Oklahoma

3. Sam Leavitt – Arizona State

4. Drew Allar – Penn State

5. Garrett Nussmeier – LSU

6. Carson Beck – Miami

7. LaNorris Sellers – South Carolina

8. Sawyer Robertson – Baylor

9. DJ Lagway – Florida

10. Haynes King – Georgia Tech

Notably, this list leaves out several big names, including Arch Manning and Demond Williams Jr., both of whom many fans believe are poised for breakout seasons. The post by @thecollegefootballu even called out the absence, asking followers:

“Greg McElroy doesn’t have Arch Manning as one of the Top 10 QB’s for this season
Common sense or wrong?”

Reactions were swift and mixed. Some fans supported the shake-up, pointing out that Manning still has much to prove on the field, while others felt the name recognition and talent warranted a spot. Commenters also chimed in with predictions of their own:

“Lagway top 3 fr,” said one user.
“Demond Williams Jr will finish top 10 maybe top 5 this year tho ,” predicted another.

As the season approaches, the debate around who truly deserves to be in the top tier of college quarterbacks will only intensify. McElroy’s list might not be the final word, but it’s certainly set the tone for a heated preseason conversation.

The decision to retire Shedeur’s number has sparked pushback from fans and analysts alike, many pointing to his 13-11 record as Colorado’s quarterback and the team’s lack of a bowl win during his tenure. Critics argue that his performance — while at times impressive — doesn’t rise to the level of jersey retirement.

“An average 13-11 QB with no bowl wins and limited mobility?” one fan commented. “If his name was Smith instead of Sanders, this wouldn’t even be considered.”

Others questioned whether jersey retirements, in general, have become more about marketing and emotion than on-field achievement.

“Retiring jersey numbers is incredibly stupid and benefits no one,” another critic added. “There are more deserving Colorado alums. Maybe teams should just stop retiring numbers altogether.”

But supporters of the move point out that jersey retirements are about more than just wins and losses. Programs often honor players based on their overall impact — including leadership, cultural influence, and being a rare bright spot in difficult times.

“Archie Manning lost a lot of games in New Orleans,” one person noted. “But his number was retired because of what he meant to that franchise during dark days.”

From a program-building perspective, some believe the decision was as much about legacy and branding as it was about stats.

“Let them have their moment,” another voice added. “Average football programs need self-love too. This is the pinnacle of the Coach Sanders era. It probably won’t get any better than 13-11.”

Still, the debate has spilled into broader concerns about fairness, favoritism, and the optics of honoring players who haven’t met traditional benchmarks for greatness.

“Nobody can say objectively that Shedeur deserves a jersey retirement,” one critic said. “This just keeps the Sanders brand strong and the money flowing for Colorado.”

Whether one agrees or disagrees with the move, one thing is clear — Shedeur Sanders has left an impression on the Colorado football program, for better or worse. And as Coach Prime made clear, the Sanders name continues to spark passionate conversation both on and off the field.

Dominating on the Field

McClain, a former five-star recruit, has taken significant strides in his development. The 6-foot-1.5, 182-pound defensive back has added 20 pounds of muscle this offseason and has clocked an impressive top speed of 23 miles per hour, according to Florida’s strength coach Tyler Miles. His physical growth and athleticism have already made a noticeable impact on the practice field.

“Practice was real intense,” said Miami LB commit Jordan Campbell. “It was a lot of competing. Cormani McClain was out there locking up people. He had an interception in practice.”

Florida defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp also had high praise for McClain, along with Jaylen Woods and Vernell Brown III, highlighting the depth and talent emerging in the Gators’ secondary.

A Rising Star in the Making

McClain played sparingly in 2024 after walking on at Florida, but he’s quickly become the talk of the offseason. His development has been impossible to ignore, and teammates believe he’s ready to take his game to the next level.

“Cormani is going to be dangerous,” one teammate said. “He just has a knack for playing corner.”

As the Gators continue spring camp, all eyes will be on McClain to see if he can turn his offseason growth into on-field dominance. If his early performances are any indication, Florida might have a lockdown corner in the making.

McClain’s decision to leave Florida comes after a season in which he saw limited playing time. Despite the immense expectations that followed him to Gainesville, he struggled to crack the starting lineup under head coach Billy Napier. The highly regarded cornerback, who was considered by many as one of the best in his recruiting class, was largely a spectator throughout the season, having little to no impact on the field for the Gators.

The High Expectations and Reality at Florida

When McClain made his commitment to Florida, many believed he would quickly become a cornerstone of the Gators’ defense. His physical attributes, including his length, speed, and ball skills, made him a prime candidate to step into a key role for the Gators. However, McClain’s transition to the college game has not been as smooth as expected, as he struggled to adapt to the speed and demands of SEC football.

While the lack of playing time could be chalked up to the tough competition and the coaching staff’s preference for veteran players, McClain’s limited on-field experience has raised questions about his development and readiness for the next level. The combination of underwhelming performances and a crowded depth chart made McClain’s time in Gainesville a short one, as he now sets his sights on a new program.

The Transfer Decision: USC or USF?

With McClain officially in the portal, two schools—USC and USF—have quickly emerged as the most likely destinations for the young cornerback.

USC Trojans: A Fresh Start in the Pac-12 Powerhouse

USC, one of the premier programs in college football and a regular contender for top-tier talent, offers McClain the opportunity to revive his career in a new conference. The Trojans, with their fast-paced, high-scoring offense and competitive defense, could be the perfect fit for McClain to show off his skills. USC’s defense, under head coach Lincoln Riley, has been retooled in recent years and now offers an environment for McClain to earn significant playing time while being part of a high-profile program.

The allure of playing in a major program in the Pac-12 with a chance to compete for championships and develop under top-tier coaching could be a compelling factor for McClain. USC’s reputation for developing NFL talent, especially in the secondary, will surely catch his attention as he evaluates his next step.

USF Bulls: A Homecoming to Florida

On the other hand, McClain could choose to stay closer to home with USF, a program looking to build its brand and establish itself as a contender in the AAC. McClain, who hails from Miami, might find a sense of comfort playing for the Bulls, a program that is aiming for a resurgence under head coach Alex Golesh.

While USF might not have the national spotlight that USC offers, it could provide McClain with the opportunity to step into a starting role right away. A chance to be a leader for a rebuilding program could be just what McClain needs to jumpstart his college career. Additionally, USF’s ability to recruit high-level talent could set the stage for a breakout season for McClain, and a major opportunity to make a name for himself before the NFL Draft.

What’s Next for McClain?

The next few weeks will be crucial for McClain as he decides on his future. With offers from both prestigious programs, he will have to weigh several factors—playing time, coaching staff, program culture, and long-term development—all of which will play a role in his final decision.

Though McClain’s time at Florida was not as successful as many had hoped, his talent remains undeniable. His frame, athleticism, and skill set still make him one of the most highly sought-after transfers in the nation, and whichever program lands him will be adding a player with the potential to make an immediate impact.

As the transfer portal continues to shake up college football, all eyes will be on Cormani McClain and his decision between USC and USF. It’s clear that this young cornerback still has a lot of football ahead of him, and his next chapter will likely determine whether he fulfills the immense potential that made him a 5-star recruit in the first place.

Beck, who initially declared his intent to enter the NFL Draft, has shifted course in what appears to be a strategic move with significant implications for his future. By leveraging the timeline of bowl games and NFL Draft decisions, Beck has positioned himself as a highly coveted option for teams in search of an experienced, win-now quarterback.

From a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) perspective, Beck’s approach has been nothing short of masterful. By initially “declaring” for the draft, he allowed NFL teams to settle their quarterback situations while keeping his own options open. Now, as he transitions to the transfer portal, Beck has created a bidding war among programs eager to land a proven QB1 to spearhead a championship push.

Speculation has already begun about potential landing spots for Beck, with programs like North Carolina and Miami frequently mentioned as possible destinations. If Beck were to join either team, he would likely face a fresh set of challenges. Ironically, some have noted that while Beck might escape the rigors of the SEC, winning an ACC Championship could prove just as demanding.

Carson Beck’s decision to transfer underscores the evolving dynamics of college football, where players are increasingly balancing on-field aspirations with NIL opportunities. Wherever Beck lands, one thing is clear: his next chapter will be closely watched by both fans and scouts as he seeks to cement his legacy.

The primary complaint revolves around the optics of Ward prioritizing personal accolades over team objectives. Critics argue that playing to achieve an individual milestone, which required the support of his teammates, only to sit out when the team could have used his leadership, comes off as self-serving. This sentiment has led some to question Ward’s competitiveness and commitment to his team.

Others, however, point out that Ward’s decision is not unique. Bowl games outside of the College Football Playoff have increasingly seen top players opting out or playing limited snaps to avoid injury. Iowa State’s top defensive lineman and leading wide receiver also sat out their bowl game, yet their decisions drew far less scrutiny.

For Miami, the context adds another layer to the controversy. The game was tightly contested—a mere three-point difference—when Ward exited. Critics have labeled the move as detrimental to the team’s chances, while defenders argue that Cristobal’s plan aimed to balance Ward’s future prospects with the team’s immediate goals.

The backlash is not limited to Miami fans. National voices, including Bill Simmons, have weighed in, expressing disapproval. Simmons called it a “bad look” for Ward to sit out, labeling it as prioritizing personal safety over team effort. Yet Simmons’ own stance seemed inconsistent; in another instance, he criticized the New England Patriots for not sitting their quarterback to protect their long-term investment.

The uproar surrounding Ward reflects broader tensions in college football between individual aspirations and team dynamics. In an era where players often face immense pressure to prioritize their professional prospects, moments like these spark divisive reactions.

Ultimately, Ward’s decision to sit out the second half will remain polarizing. For some, it exemplifies pragmatism in a “me-first” sports world. For others, it highlights a lack of the competitive fire expected from a leader. Either way, the conversation underscores the evolving nature of college football, where personal milestones and team success often collide.

Vick, 44, is renowned for his dynamic playing career at Virginia Tech and in the NFL, where he became the all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards. His previous coaching experience includes serving as an advisor for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football.

Expressing confidence in his leadership abilities, Vick stated, “I know how to lead.” His former high school coach, Tommy Reamon, praised Vick’s potential, citing his charisma and personal touch.

Vick’s appointment has generated significant attention, with some drawing parallels to the impact of Deion Sanders in college football.

Norfolk State University, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The university’s football program has a history of striving for excellence, and the appointment of Vick is seen as a move to elevate the team’s performance in the coming seasons.

Vick’s transition into this role is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the team, leveraging his extensive experience as a player and his previous advisory roles. His leadership is expected to inspire and develop the talents of the student-athletes at Norfolk State, aiming to build a competitive and dynamic football program.

The university community and fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming season to witness the impact of Vick’s leadership on the Spartans’ performance on the field.