Cover 3 College Football | Week 7 Problems, Next ELITE College Football Running Backs, and MORE | Cover 3 Recruiting Show

Date: October 14, 2025
Hosts: Bud Elliott (B), Andrew Ivins (C)

Episode Overview

This Recruiting Hour focuses on pivotal week 7 developments in college football with a particular lens on recruiting. The hosts analyze the fallout from James Franklin’s surprising departure at Penn State, compare elite running back prospects, and provide a comprehensive look at how top programs are strategizing for future success both via recruiting and the transfer portal. The show also highlights what makes high-level recruiting and roster management special, and spotlights under-the-radar personnel doing excellent work behind the scenes.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Penn State's Coaching Change: The End of the James Franklin Era

Timestamps: 02:28–11:01

• James Franklin Out: The episode opens reacting to Penn State parting ways with James Franklin, emphasizing a recruiting/personnel perspective.

• Recruiting Wasn’t the Issue:

  • Ivins: “I don’t think like recruiting is the root of the issue with Penn State. Yeah, could they get better in certain departments? Sure…But I don’t think it’s a talent issue.” (03:43)
  • Noted Franklin’s staff recruited nationally and churned out NFL talent; recent classes always top-15 but not top 5.

• Quarterback/Receiver Concerns:

  • Bud and Ivins discuss Drew Aller’s struggles but remind listeners that Penn State, under Franklin, got the most out of multiple QBs, all NFL draftees.
  • Ivins: “I still don’t think they have that difference-maker and NFL guy [at receiver] there.” (07:55)

• Roster Reset & Looking Ahead:

  • With key seniors leaving at OL, RB (Nick Singleton, Katron Allen), and WR, Ivins stresses the need for strong high school recruiting and aggressive portal moves for immediate depth and competitiveness.

• Program Comparison (Penn State vs. Nebraska):

  • Both isolated geographies, but Penn State has a recruitment edge due to a resurgent Pennsylvania talent pool and brand resonance.
  • Ivins: “I think Penn State…certainly a leg up on Nebraska.” (12:12)

2. RB Recruiting: The Next Generation of Elite College Football Running Backs

Timestamps: 13:26–26:34

Come On Spell (2027, Former Penn State Commit)

• Described as a “jackrabbit mixed with a tank”—elusive, three-down potential, huge playmaker.
• “Wouldn’t surprise if he carried 25, 30 times” (15:04)
• Top programs (Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame) now after him post-Penn State decommitment.

Savion Hider (Michigan Commit, 2026)

• “Calling my shot right now: Michigan is going to have the best backfield in 2026.” (16:26)
• Compared to Nick Singleton; exceptional short shuttle test, only 17, instant contributor likely in Ann Arbor.

Xavier Crowell (Alabama Commit, 2026/27 reclass)

• “Bama’s got another Bama running back coming down the pipeline.”
• Smooth, thick, three-down back, dynamic and productive, projects to play as a true freshman.
• Ivins: “Potential freshman All-American, I think it’s Crowell.” (19:34)
• Bud: “He reminds me of Josh Jacobs... ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.” (21:01)

David Gabriel Georges ("DGG"/"D2G", 2027 Top Prospect)

• Canadian-born, possibly the best since Chuba Hubbard.
• SEC schools (notably Tennessee and Ohio State) in hot pursuit.
• “He’s what you want in a featured running back…Bo Jackson but to another level.” (21:46)
• Unique recruitment process, strong family ties, multilingual needs during visits.

The Reclassification Trend

• Pros/cons for RB reclassifying to earlier classes discussed.
• “It’s the easiest position for true freshmen to get on the field.” (24:33)
• True contributors (Spell, Crowell, D2G) have massive high school workloads before college, increasing readiness.

3. Cutting-Edge Program Building: Coaching Hires, Transfer Portal, and GM Shoutouts

Timestamps: 28:47–52:08

Kurt Signetti Hot-Boarded for Penn State

• Debate on whether elite portal proficency at Indiana can translate to high school recruiting expectations at a blueblood like Penn State.
• Ivins: “What does it look like once you are in the Big Leagues...where everything revolves around player acquisition, 365 days a year? I just don’t know…” (31:09)
• Comparison to Kalen DeBoer’s adjustment from Washington to Alabama: can scheme and portal mastery work at scale?

USC’s Recruiting Recalibration

• USC has the #1 recruiting class (32 commits), retooled strategy under new GM Chad Bowden, smarter resource allocation.
• “USC is invested in high school recruiting, and I don’t think it’s a fraudulent class.” (37:15)
• Key commits highlighted:
  • TE Mark Bowman (“might be the best high school tight end I’ve ever scouted” (41:25)),
  • OT Kenye Pepe (IMG Academy),
  • WR Booby Feaster (“reminds me of old guard of USC receivers…”)
• Lincoln Riley commended for building depth in trenches and recalibrating to mix high school with portal

The GM Era: Cincinnati’s Zach Grant (Personnel Director Spotlight)

• “I thought this would be fun...let’s start highlighting some of the GMs that are doing an excellent job.” (50:02)
• Grant’s personnel group praised for smart blend of portal, high school, and immediate backup planning after recruiting losses.
• Cincinnati’s Big 12 title contention credited in large part to smart, flexible roster building.

4. Evaluation of the Week, Notable Player/Coach Spotlight

Timestamps: 45:21–48:57

• Desmond Reid (Pitt RB):
  • Formerly overlooked South Florida three-star, torches FSU for 8 catches, 155 yards, 45 rush yards.
  • “The rule of thumb: If the big three is playing a kid they overlooked…they almost always score big against them.” (46:25)
  • Cade Bell (OC) gets credit for identifying and developing underrated Florida prospects.
  • “If you're a G5 school looking for someone who can recruit and score a ton of points, Cade Bell makes a ton of sense.” (48:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Penn State’s Recruiting Realities:

  • Ivins: “James Franklin hit the pavement…his staff recruited...they have really tried to get to all parts of the country. I look at the roster and I don’t think it’s a talent issue.” (03:43)

• On the Importance of Portal and High School:

  • Ivins: “You gotta find that CEO that still prioritizes high school recruiting… but still can go out and find the right parts in the transfer portal.” (08:31)

• On Crowell’s Freshman Potential:

  • Ivins: “Potential freshman All-American, I think it’s Crowell.” (19:34)

• On Running Back Reclassification:

  • Ivins: “If you’re a Power 4 program…go find the G5 guy that’s having the best season and try to grab them… there’s only so much tread for these running backs.” (24:33)

• On USC’s Recruiting Evolution:

  • Ivins: “USC started making LA and the surrounding areas a huge priority...I think this is shaping up foundational to make a college football playoff run.” (36:16–37:41)

• On the 12-Team Playoff Impact:

  • Bud: “…There’s 25 or 30 fan bases that still have a legitimate, not crazy type shot to get into the playoff…and that’s exciting for me.” (53:25)

Closing Thoughts

The episode beautifully connects developments at the top of college football with strategic recruiting maneuvers, revealing how elite programs try to future-proof themselves whether by reeling in blue chip running backs, hiring the right CEO-like coaches, or empowering savvy personnel behind the scenes. The show ends with both Bud and Andrew expressing excitement about the expanded playoff landscape, changes in how seasons are evaluated, and a desire to see talented personnel—GMs, recruiting directors, etc.—get more credit for their quiet, essential role in building winners.

Quick Segment Timestamps

• James Franklin/Penn State Fallout: 02:28–11:01
• RB Prospect Deep Dive: 13:26–26:34
• Kurt Signetti/Penn State Hot Board: 28:47–35:39
• USC’s Recruiting Build/Reclass Trend: 35:39–44:17
• Evaluation of the Week (Desmond Reid): 45:21–48:57
• Zach Grant (Cincinnati GM) Shoutout: 50:02–52:08
• Expanded Playoff & Season Outlook: 53:25–55:42

For listeners & fans:
Tune in for insights on recruit evaluations, coaching strategy, and why high school and portal recruiting must coexist at the highest level. Even those less obsessed with recruiting will walk away with a sharp understanding of what’s driving the next era of college football.