In today’s Fact or Fiction — Recruiting Edition — I look at three big recent topics from the recruiting trail and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
1. Michael Van Buren is a 5 star QB.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
ESPN has the new Oregon commitment as the No. 18 player overall and No. 2 QB in the nation and I’m puzzled. Van Buren is good, don’t get me wrong, and he can drive defenses crazy, but he’s also 5-11 and isn’t an overly accurate passer at this stage. The Ducks coveted Dante Moore last season for his completion percentage and efficiency (he ended up de committing and landing at UCLA) and liked 2023 signee Austin Novosad for some of the same reasons. For Van Buren it’s more about his mobility first and accuracy as a passer that will come with time. It’s a puzzling ranking.
2. 2025 WR Ryan Williams will eventually flip to UGA.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
There is a long way to go in the recruitment of Williams, one of the top 2025 recruits regardless of position, but I don’t see him leaving the state of Alabama. UGA had him on campus again and the commitment of QB Dylan Raiola is a new selling point, but you have to think ‘Bama will keep him. He’s loved every visit there, he committed early for a reason and despite losing elite WRs like George Pickens and Justyn Ross over the last six or so cycles, it hasn’t been a trend lately.
3. Oklahoma has a strong lead for DT David Stone.
Farrell’s take: FACT
Michigan State was once a solid contender for the IMG Academy 5 star but they fell off due to some staff losses. Now it’s Miami and Florida who appear to be the biggest threats, but again, this comes down to Oklahoma, and if the Sooners can convince mom that he should stay home. I’m hearing those chances are better and better each time Brent Venables gets a chance to share his pitch. This is trending well for the Sooners.
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