Cover 3 College Football Podcast

Episode: NEW 247Sports 2026 Rankings Drop — Early Preview + Big Risers | Cover 3 Recruiting Show
Date: November 18, 2025
Hosts: Bud Elliott & Andrew Ivins

Episode Overview

This episode of the Cover 3 College Football Podcast, hosted by Bud Elliott and recruiting director Andrew Ivins, dives deep into the just-released 247Sports 2026 football recruiting rankings. With signing day only two weeks away, Ivins spills behind-the-scenes details on the evaluation process, highlights the top prospects and biggest risers, and provides insight into how modern college football recruiting is changing with NIL, the transfer portal, and a national talent landscape. The conversation captures the excitement and high stakes of “silly season”—the overlap of signing day, the transfer portal, All-Star games, and the always-spinning coaching carousel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Importance of Senior Film in Evaluations

(03:43 – 09:01)

• Ivins on Senior Year Evaluations:

  • Senior film is crucial as kids develop on different timelines; programs that continue evaluating seniors avoid mis-evaluations and increase recruiting success.
  • “The senior season evaluations are key. We're never going to push aside a 10–12 game sample size…99.9% of those true freshman making plays in college were good as seniors.” (Andrew Ivins, 05:44)
  • True freshman who excel in college almost universally had “arrows pointing up” during their final high school season.

• Elliott asks about red flags:

  • If a player drops off as a senior, Ivins says it's investigated—injuries, effort, or attitude (“does this kid think he's made it?”).
  • “We're looking for indicators of future long-term success…the tape is king.” (Andrew Ivins, 07:08)
  • Example: Jeremiah Smith was still competing at an elite level after signing, showing competitive drive.

The 247Sports Rankings Update Process

(09:01 – 14:05)

• Biggest Update in Years:

  • 50+ new names added to the Top 247, and 50+ new four-stars as the season wraps up.
  • This is by design, to properly reflect late-developers and senior-season surges.

• Combatting Anchor Bias:

  • Elliott explains that the biggest industry error is “anchor bias”—clinging to early evaluations instead of updating based on new data.
  • “I’m pumped to hear that we have that many new ones…we could have had 7% more accuracy dumping dudes we loved as sophomores…” (Bud Elliott, 11:17)

• Traits vs. Mental Makeup:

  • Ivins: “We’re not going to miss on the guys with the traits. The ones where we miss is how they're wired between the ears…and [even] the NFL admits they miss on that stuff as well.” (Andrew Ivins, 12:28)

Previewing the New Top Prospects

(14:05 – 21:48)

The Battle for #1 Overall

• Faison Brandon, QB (Tennessee Commit):

  • Once injured, now returned for state playoffs with dominant performance (“He played one half, blowout victory, threw three touchdown passes…threw some absolute darts.” 15:15)
  • Key stat: 36 career starts if they run the table—important for the evaluation staff.

• Keyshawn Henderson, QB (Houston Commit):

  • “The more you see of Keyshawn, the more you like. He is a catalyst…intoxicating.” (Andrew Ivins, 16:39)
  • Style comps: Jaden Daniels, Lamar Jackson. Known for growth as a passer and explosive running ability.

• Jared Curtis, QB (Georgia Commit):

  • Overcame questions; strongest case to contribute as a freshman due to rare experience (over 1000 pass attempts).
  • “He can make all the throws with his arm…he’s also a really, really good runner.” (Andrew Ivins, 18:57)
  • Ivins: He’s “the most ready to play signal caller in this class.” (22:10)

• Lamar Brown (LSU Commit, OL/DL):

  • “Athlete 1”—unique as both OL and DL, “havoc creator,” “elite offensive tape,” and possibly solves either OL or DL needs for LSU or others.

Out-of-Nowhere Risers and Newcomers

(23:04 – 30:37)

• Danny Odom, CB (Nebraska Commit):

  • “Everything you want in a new age corner—tall, long, fast…he can play the football, he can make tackles…just box checked after box checked.” (Andrew Ivins, 23:24)
  • Nebraskan staff fending off other programs for him.

• Valdin Sone, DT (“The Swedish Jalen Carter”, Georgia Commit):

  • “He just takes over…6’3”, 315 pounds, moves like Jalen Carter in the middle.” (Andrew Ivins, 24:18)
  • High-level international recruit with a taekwondo background, disruptive, and athletic.

Toughest Five-Star Decisions

(26:46 – 31:19)

• Discussion on scarcity and value of the five-star designation (32 per class, corresponding to first-round NFL picks).

• Tyler Atkinson, LB (Texas Commit):

  • “Over 500 tackles…heart and soul of a defense…green dot player.”
  • But size/future projection makes a tough call.

• Kendre Harrison, TE (Oregon Commit):

  • Freak athlete (shattered three backboards, 6’6”, 260 lbs), but positional value makes first-round grade difficult.

• Ivins notes there are possibly 40 prospects with “first-round” grades, but only 32 get five stars. “Tough calls were made, and those are the ones that keep me up at night.” (Andrew Ivins, 30:51)

Biggest Jumps in the Rankings: “War Daddies” and Skill Talent

(31:19 – 41:20)

• Cosi Okpala, Front Seven Defender (Texas Commit):

  • Best “bend” in the class. “Completely different as a senior,” went from raw to highly productive.
  • “He’s under 6’3…doesn’t matter…the time to quarterback, this guy can let it rip.” (Andrew Ivins, 32:53)
  • Rising edge rushers are less about classic size, more about get-off, relentless pressure, and “reactive bend.”

• Wide Receivers (surge in quality late in year):

  • Samorian Wingo (Miami Commit): YAC monster, basketball background, “heats up after the catch.”
  • Ethan “Booby” Feaster (USC Commit): “Long speed and catch radius…the guy that can make plays.”
  • Corey Barber (Ole Miss Commit): Leading state in yards, excellent after the catch.
  • Jason Lopez (FSU Commit): Insanely productive, surprising dual basketball recruit, “great stopping power, deceleration to create space.” (Bud Elliott, 41:22)

• Ivins praises USC’s class for being “legit—foundational class for them and much, much needed,” lauding Lincoln Riley for a mid-tenure recruiting pivot. (38:55)

Talent Dispersion and Mid-Major Recruiting Wins

(42:15 – 47:35)

• Talent More Spread Out:

  • “There are 20 different schools with a five star.” (42:15)
  • Ivins and Elliott agree the sport is “healthier” with stars at more programs—fanbases can dream big.

• Washington & Tulane Shoutouts:

  • Washington: “Their 2026 recruiting class is awesome…I’m all in…they’re going to make noise in the Big Ten.” (Andrew Ivins, 43:01)
  • Tulane: “I think Tulane’s got like three guys inside the top 247…really good class…if [Coach] Summerall takes another job, a lot of that class will follow.” (44:18)
  • USF (Alex Golesh): Despite being “raided,” they have blue chips and possible immediate-impact players.

• Not Just Helmet Scouting:

  • The staff intentionally gives blue-chip status to Group of 6 and non-power programs, reflecting a more fluid transfer/NIL world. “We’re not scouting the helmet logo…player movement is at an all-time high.” (Andrew Ivins, 46:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Senior Evaluation:
  • “The arrow was pointing up as they embarked on their collegiate career.” (Andrew Ivins, 05:44)
• On Updating Rankings:
  • “Not getting away from your priors…It’s not like you were wrong. You’re evaluating a three-year data set, now you’re evaluating a four-year data set. Everybody grows.” (Bud Elliott, 11:17)
• On Mental Make-Up as a Differentiator:
  • “The ones where we miss is how they're wired between the ears.” (Andrew Ivins, 12:28)
• Valdin Sone, “The Swedish Jalen Carter”:
  • “Georgia, this is the gem of their class.” (Andrew Ivins, 25:14)
• On the Receiver Group:
  • “This is the hardest position I think to stack for us. All these guys are productive…we’re looking for guys that can consistently separate.” (Andrew Ivins, 40:14)
• On College Football Parity:
  • “The sport is much healthier if we have 30 or 40 [schools with five stars]…fanbases…have a shot.” (Bud Elliott, 42:30)
• On the Changing Landscape:
  • “We’re not scouting the helmet logo. Player movement is at an all-time high…you set aside spots for group of six signees. We know those guys are getting poached in the portal.” (Andrew Ivins, 46:09)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Senior film/evaluation philosophy: 03:43 – 09:01
• Rankings update approach/anchor bias: 09:01 – 14:05
• Top overall prospects/the battle for #1: 14:05 – 21:48
• Breakout risers/newcomers: 23:04 – 26:46
• Toughest five-star decisions: 26:46 – 31:19
• Biggest jumps/“war daddies”/WRs: 31:19 – 41:20
• Talent dispersion & mid-majors: 42:15 – 47:35
• Fan bases to be excited for (Washington, Tulane, USF): 42:51 – 47:35

Closing Thoughts

Andrew Ivins and Bud Elliott wrap up by reflecting on how the 2026 class signals change in college football recruiting, with stars emerging at more places nationwide, increased focus on in-season development (versus early hype), and an ever-evolving industry philosophy. As the “silly season” ramps up with signing day, the portal, and All Star games, fans are encouraged to keep up on 247Sports for all the latest.

For Listeners

• If you’re a recruiting/junkie or a hardcore fan, this episode is a must—get the stories behind the stars, understand how evaluations really work, and see why your program might be next to land a program-changing talent.
• For the full rankings, check 247Sports (Top247), and catch Ivins on CBS HQ throughout signing day.