The college football recruiting landscape in early February is anything but silent, and here’s why you should pay attention!
As we conclude the 2026 recruiting class and enter a dead period for 2027 prospects, many might assume that the excitement would dwindle. However, the first week of this month has already showcased significant commitments, including one of the top recruits from the 2027 class making his decision known. With approximately ten months left until National Signing Day, there’s still much to anticipate from this upcoming class, setting the stage for various programs eager to secure impressive signings during this cycle.
Let’s dive into some of the most noteworthy commitments made just in the past week:
5-star RB Kemon Spell – Georgia
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 3
School: McKeesport (McKeesport, PA)
Though Kemon Spell is still ten months away from formally committing to any school, his recruitment journey has been quite eventful. Initially, he pledged to Penn State but decided to reconsider when the Nittany Lions struggled last season and ultimately parted ways with head coach James Franklin. Despite this, Penn State remained a contender alongside other major programs such as Notre Dame and Georgia. At one point, Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong even predicted that he might return to the Nittany Lions’ fold. However, a recent visit to Athens at the end of January played a crucial role in securing his commitment to Kirby Smart and the University of Georgia, marking him as the top running back for the 2027 class.
4-star DL Dylan Berymon – Nebraska (2026)
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 250
School: Ouachita Parish (Monroe, LA)
Having once committed to Texas, Dylan Berymon attracted considerable interest during the final stages of his recruitment from schools like LSU, Nebraska, and Kentucky, among others. While the Tigers were initially seen as the frontrunners, it ultimately came down to Nebraska and Kentucky. The appeal of playing time early on, coupled with the positive energy surrounding Nebraska's program, led Berymon to choose the Cornhuskers. As he mentioned in an interview, "They made a good impression. They kept it real with me. I feel like they’re gonna turn Nebraska up another notch. From the previous years they spent at other schools, they’re gonna turn this program around."
4-star OT Drew Fielder – Oregon
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 472 (Ranked No. 292 in Rivals300)
School: Servite (Anaheim, CA)
Drew Fielder, who has only recently transitioned to tackle, experienced a surge in interest after changing positions. Schools like Oregon, Arizona State, Kansas, Cal, Nebraska, Washington, Michigan, UCLA, Boise State, San Diego State, and Arizona all sought him out in January. However, following a visit to Eugene at the end of the month, Oregon emerged as his clear favorite. Fielder expressed, "Going into the visit, I really wasn’t planning to commit. I didn’t have a timeframe, but after seeing and hearing everything about Oregon, I know it’s where I wanted to be. Oregon is everything I ever looked for in a program. Between the coaching staff, the player development, and the team culture, they are really second to none."
4-star OT Benjamin Makelela – Iowa State (2026)
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 580 (Ranked No. 244 in Rivals300)
School: CVCS (San Juan Capistrano, CA)
Newly appointed Iowa State coach Jimmy Rogers faced a significant rebuilding challenge upon taking over for the departed Matt Campbell. The Cyclones heavily utilized the transfer portal while also striving to retain a high school recruiting class that could serve as a strong foundation for the future. Benjamin Makelela was viewed as an essential piece of this puzzle. After a remarkable rise in the final Rivals300 rankings, he stands tall at 6’7” and weighs 280 pounds, ready to compete at the collegiate level as a freshman. Despite having only played football for three years, he eagerly anticipates the opportunity to play in the Big 12, stating, "I was just being patient and trusting the process. I got a call from Coach Jimmy asking me if I wanted to go to Iowa State, so I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ It’s a bigger school in a bigger conference and bigger program. There’s also more work for me to do as a player to get ready for bigger things."
3-star DL Anthony Jones – Oregon
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 460
School: Crean Lutheran (Irvine, CA)
Anthony Jones, who had previously committed to UCLA not once but twice, found himself back on the market after the firing of head coach DeShaun Foster during the season. After decommitting, he showed renewed interest in staying with the in-state program, ultimately choosing Oregon over Arizona State and Arkansas. However, when it came time to sign under new coach Bob Chesney, he opted to decommit once again. This opened the door for the Ducks to strengthen their defensive line, which had seen a decline due to transfers and graduations.
This whirlwind of commitments reflects the dynamic nature of college football recruiting, where decisions can pivot rapidly. What are your thoughts on these commitments? Do you believe these players made the right choices, or do you think they should have explored other options? Join the conversation and share your opinions!
