The Headlines as we begin the Class of 2027 Open Period

The Headlines June 14th

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Ireland Controls the Class

Our top-rated PPV athlete will have the most influence on the direction of three of the top programs in the country come Sunday. Ireland Real remains the top target in the class and is rumored to be down to Wisconsin (her favorite), Stanford, and Texas. Wisconsin has been her favorite all year, but there has been debate about her switching between the Badgers and the Cardinal. 

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All In On Larkin!

Coach Keegan Cook and staff have made it clear for some time that the AZ Storm Outside Tessa Larkin is their #1 target. Early on, talk was that it looked terrific for the Gophers to land the Phoenix prospect, but now there appears to be competition. Word has it that Larkin is interested in Stanford, Texas, and Minnesota. There is no word on what the Gophers' backup plan would be.

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Penn State is looking like the Champs.

The defending champs also want to keep the crown in recruiting. If the Nittany Lions' projections are correct, they should be the #1 overall class over Nebraska. Look for PSU to land a chunk of their class early (possibly Taylor Harrington of Paramount Volleyball and maybe Olivia Henry).

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Nejari is up for grabs?

One athlete that is a prized recruit for two B1G Rivals is Nejari Crooks of North Carolina.  The OPP is our highest evaluated PPV at the position and is the most significant impact player at a down position group this year.  Penn State and Nebraska are her two finalists; both are hot after her.  My guess has always been that she ends up in Penn State blue and gray and would be the one to give PSU the #1 class that can’t be caught.

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SEC Ready to Move 

I really look for a few teams in the middle of the SEC to make the biggest moves this year. Tennessee, LSU, and Alabama have had deep camp depth charts. I think Ole Miss has the potential to pop, and I liked Arkansas's June 14th camp roster. So, look for the SEC to challenge the B1G a bit for some recruiting class momentum.

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Creighton has a breakout class!

The Texas W and the national TV exposure have carried Creighton to its biggest class ever. I just have a feeling this class looks more touristy.

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Does Kansas get a BIG Name?

Ulmer and his staff have always recruited well, and that will continue. Eventually, they are going to land a high PPV prospect, Gold Level 260+. Will it be an OH in this year’s class, or will it take a year?

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Setter Dominos: When Does It Happen?

Last year, it took about four to five days before the domino effect started with the setter group. This year, it is a bit odd, as we have touched on several top programs that are passing and going for 2028s in anticipation of the 5th year eligibility rule and the talent level of the 2028 class.  That could mean the schools in the market for setters have more to choose from and take a little more time, OR the setters get to take more time because there are more setters to choose from in this year’s class?  But, you will see a run and domino effect when it starts, like nearly every year.

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Surprise Team By Conference:

Here are my picks for a surprise team to have a breakout class at each conference.

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B1G: Michigan State, although I really feel that Indiana could put together another great class.

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Big XII:  It’s a cop out to say Kansas.  So I love rivalries and am going to say K State.  Tourney program.  Amazing facilities and so close to several recruiting hotbeds.  Also, liked several prospects that they brought to campus for June camps.

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SEC: Tennessee (I think Vols have the best class in program history). I have to pick two because I think LSU is also bound for a big class.

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ACC: I truly think the usual suspects will do what the usual suspects have been doing.

SMU will have its best prep class ever, though. They brought in two talented prep camp groups, and I think they have a couple of natural fits that just make total sense to commit to. Plus, there is so much talent in their own zip code.

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