On the latest episode of the On3 Recruits podcast, hosts Josh Newberg, Scott Schrader, Andrew Bone, and Blake Alderman talked about and analyzed a massive recruiting weekend, highlighting three programs: USC, Georgia, and Florida, that are using the NIL and strategic visits to dominate the 2026 cycle.
USC, Georgia Bulldogs, And Florida Gators Are Making Massive Strides In The NIL Says Experts
USC
USC has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the On3 Industry Team Rankings, fueled by a game-changing commitment from five-star tight end Mark Bowman on Friday. The Modern Day High School star, who chose USC over Georgia, pushed the Trojans ahead of LSU, which had held the top spot for weeks.
“It’s a big boost in NIL,” Schrader noted, suggesting that USC’s strong collectives are a key driver for their position. The Trojans’ pipeline from Southern California, including talents like Bowman and TomTom Tapoule, is thriving under coach Lincoln Riley. USC’s class, with 15 commitments, is all set to hit 30 by month’s end, with upcoming visits from prospects like Brandon Arrington promising more home-state hauls.
Georgia
On the other hand, Georgia also hosted a massive recruiting weekend, welcoming double-digit visitors to Athens and securing their 11th commitment of the 2026 class in defensive lineman Carter Lucky. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Norcross native, whose family bleeds red and black, joins standout Jevon Cloud on the defensive front.
Newberg noted that five-star wide receiver Cedarian Morgan, a longtime Alabama player, is leaning towards Athens. The Bulldogs are also targeting five-star tight end Kaden Prothrow and flip candidates like Isaiah Williams, the No. 1 linebacker committed to Ole Miss, and Auburn commit Devin Carter.
Florida
Finally, Gainesville, Florida, is not holding back on capitalizing on its home-state advantage and NIL momentum. The Gators hosted a loaded official visit weekend, headlined by five-star safety Bralan Womack.
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Alderman praised how great Florida has been so far. Florida is also reportedly closing in on flipping Nebraska-committed quarterback CJ Bronaugh, whose 10.24-second 100-meter dash at the Florida Relays turned heads. Defensive linemen Vondy Cleveland and Jeran McCoy, both on campus, are key targets, with McCoy leaning toward Florida over Texas. With a top-10 class and coach Billy Napier’s aggressive push, the Gators are building some good momentum.
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