Cover 3 College Football Podcast

Episode: Latest College Football Recruiting News and QB Updates + Early 2027 Lookahead | Recruiting Show
Date: September 30, 2025
Hosts: Bud Elliott & Andrew Ivins

Episode Overview

This episode of the Cover 3 College Football Podcast dives deep into the latest trends in recruiting, blue-chip quarterback updates, and a sneak peek at transformative prospects in the 2027 recruiting class. Bud Elliott and Andrew Ivins analyze roster construction, the changing landscape of recruiting (including the impact of the transfer portal and NIL), and offer insider takes on teams and players to watch moving forward. If you're a die-hard recruiting or CFB fan—or just want to get smarter about the next wave of superstar players—this episode is packed with insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Oregon Ducks’ Recruiting Success and Roster Blend

Timestamp: 03:30–09:46

• Portal + High School Recruiting Blend:
  • “They have the perfect mix right now. Dan Lanning is that bartender and he's got it down in terms of…crafting those cocktails.” – Andrew Ivins (05:58)
  • Oregon’s 2025 class: 20 recruits, all four stars or higher (only occurred once before in 247 Sports’ era).
• Decorian Moore, Five-Star WR:
  • Moore called “the best 7-on-7 player I’d seen since Jaylen Waddle.” (07:37)
  • Praised for toughness, blocking as a freshman, and competitive drive.
• Underclassman Development:
  • Lanning’s staff typically avoids day-one true freshman starters, but injuries opened opportunities for blue-chip newcomers.

2. Quarterback Evaluation & Program Trends

Timestamp: 09:46–12:56

• Elite Teams and QB Continuity:
  • “The top…teams in the national championship race according to Vegas odds…they all have a guy who was on their roster last year.” – Bud Elliott (09:49)
• Quarterback Market Shifts:
  • Discussion of accelerated QB recruiting timelines and the importance of a “sit-year” for development.
  • “A lot of these schools are grabbing kids after their sophomore years…and I think it leads to a lot of mis-evaluations.” – Andrew Ivins (10:41)
• Dante Moore’s Path:
  • Originally committed to Oregon, detoured to UCLA, and now thriving under Will Stein back at Oregon.
• Challenges in Predicting QB Success:
  • “There is no formula to evaluating quarterbacks. If there was, the NFL would've figured it out.” – Andrew Ivins (25:54)

3. Penn State’s Wide Receiver Woes

Timestamp: 12:56–16:36

• Struggles to Land Game-Breakers:
  • “I think it's the Achilles heel...what I think Penn State lacks is a true game breaker at the position…someone’s getting open at nine yards.” – Andrew Ivins (12:56)
  • Despite strong RB, OL, and TE groups, WR remains deficient.
• Transfer WR Market Demand:
  • “There was a huge market for these X wide receivers with size…Isaiah Hortons, Deuce Robinsons, like those guys are…extremely valuable.” (16:36)
• ** game-changers on obvious passing downs:**
  • "The best teams seem to be the teams that have…one guy they can go to on those obvious passing downs." – Bud Elliott (14:39)

4. Georgia’s Defensive Talent & The Era of Parity

Timestamp: 17:25–23:20

• Defensive Line Dilemma:
  • “Eight former five stars played 25-plus snaps…It's a bit alarming.” – Andrew Ivins (18:29)
  • Youth movement post-NFL Draft departures; Elijah Griffin and Chris Cole spotlighted as guys to watch.
• Retention, Development, and the Portal:
  • "It's hard to hoard talent, man." – Bud Elliott (24:26)
  • Former five-stars transferring: Marvin Jones Jr. (Oklahoma), Barryn Alexander (Oregon), Damen Wilson (Missouri), etc.
  • “We don't really recruit developmental guys. You're showing up and expected to compete for a spot in the two-deep.” – Shared by a Georgia staffer, via Andrew Ivins (22:36)
• Narrowing Talent Gap:
  • The power rating of top teams is notably lower versus five years ago—parity driven by the portal, NIL, and changing recruiting dynamics.

5. Quarterback Senior Seasons & Future Forecasts

Timestamp: 25:12–29:13

• Injury Challenges for ‘26 Elite QBs:
  • Faze Brandon (Tennessee commit) and Diabell (Texas commit) both missing prime senior reps due to injury.
  • "You assume these guys are going to step in and be ready to go. I don't know if that's the case..." – Andrew Ivins (27:15)
• Correlation Between Senior Success and Early Impact:
  • “Usually these QBs that end their prep careers on a high note, those are the ones that seem to be ready to go.”
• Potential for Early-Playing Time:
  • Examining Tennessee’s 2026 schedule as a potentially soft landing for Brandon.

6. Spotlight: High School Quarterbacks to Watch

Timestamp: 33:53–37:24

• Keyshawn Henderson (Houston Commit):
  • Dynamic, magnetic, and raises team ceiling (“force multiplier”).
  • "Our number two player is headed to Houston…If you're looking for a quarterback that’s going to make some noise in 2026…Keyshawn Henderson would be my pick." – Andrew Ivins (36:21)
• Jared Curtis (Georgia Commit):
  • Compared to an “athletic Dylan Raiola” (former Georgia commit, now Nebraska).
  • “I think he's a fighter pilot…they didn’t know they had that in Jared Curtis.” – Andrew Ivins (37:24)

7. Preview: Class of 2027 Recruiting Headliners

Timestamp: 41:31–53:45

• DJ Jacobs (DE, Georgia):
  • “I call him a cast iron edge player. This guy gets after the quarterback…wins with effort…those are the ones that have a chance to be special.” – Andrew Ivins (43:31)
• Manchun Sales (WR, Indiana):
  • Outstanding red zone tool, big frame and athletic scores (“I think he’s a freak, man…the biggest freak show [in the class]” – Ivins, 48:08).
• Ahmad Hudson (TE/Basketball, Louisiana):
  • Dual-sport phenom (“He is a blocker first, pass-catcher second. All the heavy hitters are involved with him.” – Ivins, 49:18)
• Elijah Haven (QB, Louisiana):
  • “He is super-sized…reminds me of Jacoby Brissette...once NFL evaluators get around him, they're going to be drooling.” – Ivins (51:51)
• Jalen Brewster (DL, Texas):
  • Texas Tech the favorite; rare interior disruptor who can play wildcat QB (!). “If Tech does get him, that's a hell of a get. …Texas Tech would become a major pain…for Texas and A&M.” – Bud Elliott (56:31)

8. “Diamond in the Rough” – Developmental Standouts

Timestamp: 58:25–60:45

• Anthony Smith (Minnesota DL):
  • Seven pressures, two sacks vs. Rutgers.
  • “Ohio State didn’t offer him, Penn State didn’t offer him, but Minnesota did…and it’s paying off.”
  • Cited as the kind of under-scouted fit that elevates developmental programs.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Roster Construction:
  • “I just think from my perspective with this roster management: they have the perfect mix right now. Dan Lanning is that bartender and he's got it down.” – Andrew Ivins (05:58)
• On College Football Parity:
  • “It really is leveling out the playing field.” – Andrew Ivins (57:43)
• On “Want-To” and Player Success:
  • “I still like guys who like playing ball. I think the guys who really enjoy ball, their hit rate…is in there.” – Bud Elliott (08:35)
• On Quarterback Senior Year Reps:
  • “If you have a nice senior season, it does usually show that, well, you're much more likely to be able to play and play well early.” – Bud Elliott (25:12)
• On Recruiting Developments at Texas Tech:
  • “If Tech does get him, that's a hell of a get for the Red Raiders.” – Bud Elliott (56:31)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Oregon’s Star Power and Roster Mix: 03:30–09:46
• QB Recruiting and Development Trends: 09:46–12:56
• Penn State WR Issues: 12:56–16:36
• Georgia’s Defense and Parity Discussion: 17:25–23:20
• 2026 QB Updates and Senior Season Challenges: 25:12–29:13
• Blue-Chip HS QBs to Watch: 33:53–37:24
• Class of 2027 Top Prospects Preview: 41:31–53:45
• Developmental “Finds”/Anthony Smith Feature: 58:25–60:45

Conclusion

This episode offers comprehensive insight into team-building strategies, the evolving recruiting landscape, QB development, and a look at the next wave of impact players. Whether you’re a hardcore recruiting follower or just want to sound sharp at the tailgate, Bud and Andrew’s breakdown cuts through the noise and spotlights what truly matters in the future of college football.