Official visit season is in full swing, and while there is still plenty of time left in this weekend’s visits, there is early buzz around some of the biggest names and biggest programs.

From Tennessee‘s push for a five-star running back to Florida looking to add more talent and Auburn positioning itself well with multiple targets, here is the latest from around the Southeast.

Tennessee gaining confidence with David Gabriel-Georges

A lot of eyes remain on five-star running back David Gabriel-Georges out of Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor School.

Ohio State has had confidence in this race, but Tennessee generated considerable buzz on Friday and into Saturday morning.

Two separate sources connected to Tennessee and the recruitment indicated growing confidence that the Vols are in a strong position.

Gabriel-Georges spent Friday building relationships with commits, players and coaches while enjoying the atmosphere around Knoxville. Sources believe he fits in naturally with the group and continues to trend in a positive direction for Tennessee.

The battle is far from over, and a final decision likely won’t come until later this month or around the start of July, but Tennessee continues to make a strong push. I am close to putting a pick on the Vols, but will let the visit finish out before making that decision.

Georgia is not backing off Kennedee Jackson

Florida landed a commitment from Kennedee Jackson earlier this week, but Georgia isn’t ready to concede.

The Lithonia (Ga.) standout arrived in Athens on Friday evening for an official visit after committing to the Gators ahead of his previously planned June 10 decision date.

Sources indicate Georgia plans to continue recruiting Jackson aggressively and make a serious push to flip him before everything is finalized. There are going to be some big discussions taking place this weekend between Jackson, his people and those in Athens.

This recruitment remains worth monitoring closely.

Florida’s trending for multiple defensive targets

Florida’s recruiting momentum could continue this weekend. Linebacker Ellis McGaskin remains a name to watch after visiting Gainesville last weekend, and the Gators continue to feel good about their position. His decision comes Saturday afternoon.

Another target generating buzz is Rhode Island defensive lineman Elijah Guertin, who is on campus this weekend.

Whether a commitment comes immediately remains unclear, but sources continue to point toward Florida as the team to beat.

Auburn is in a strong position for at least official visitors

Auburn continues to trend well for Birmingham (Ala.) Spain Park edge rusher Marquis Evans. Sources believe the Tigers remain the team to beat, although Evans could finish his official visit schedule before making a final decision. Florida and South Carolina still have opportunities ahead, but Auburn maintains strong momentum entering the next phase of the recruitment.

The Tigers also appear to be making a significant move with four-star offensive lineman Reed Ramsier.

The Orlando (Fla.) First Academy standout is down to Auburn and Texas, and there is growing belief that the Tigers could secure a commitment, either publicly or privately, coming out of the weekend.

LSU surging with top targets

LSU continues to gain traction with some of the best prospects in Georgia. Four-star offensive tackle Kelsey Adams remains committed to Georgia, but sources believe the Tigers have made significant progress and could eventually flip the Langston Hughes standout. This is one we are watching closley.

The same can be said for four-star edge rusher KJ Green.

Oregon made a strong impression earlier in the process, while Texas, Alabama and others remain involved. However, LSU appears to have surged toward the top of the board as the visit unfolds. This recruitment is not expected to end until Aug. 8, but LSU is going to come out of the weekend as the team to beat.

Staying on LSU — offensive lineman Terrance Smith of Pennsylvania is one to watch. He is at Auburn this weekend, but we like the Tigers in Baton Rouge. He took his official visit to LSU in April, and Lane Kiffin‘s program is in a good position. A decision is expected before the end of the month.

NC State, Kentucky and Ohio State are building momentum

NC State entered the weekend in a strong position with Georgia safety Alex Scott and appears to be strengthening that lead. Sources continue to point toward the Wolfpack, and a prediction has already been logged in their favor.

There is some buzz around Lexington this weekend. Kentucky is trending in-state defense lineman Malachi Brown. Georgia linebacker Drew Williams has the Wildcats high on his list too. Then Sean Fox, one of the best in Indiana, is back on campus this weekend.

Ohio State continues to trend well with four-star cornerback Jaden Carey. The Buckeyes have prioritized him for months, and the relationships with Tim Walton, Matt Patricia and the rest of the staff continue to pay dividends. A prediction has been logged in favor of Ohio State.

The linebacker position is once again loaded with top talent. Of the 300 prospects featured in the 2027 Rivals300 rankings, 25 are linebackers.

Of those 25, 18 are currently committed, as of June 5. Those 18 commitments have dispersed among 14 schools. Four programs — Ohio State, Oregon, Oklahoma and Miami — have landed a pair of blue-chip LBs this cycle.

Below is a look at the top linebackers in the updated 2027 Rivals300 rankings as we head into the heart of the summer:

1. Kaden Henderson

Rivals300 Ranking: No. 21
School:Jesuit (Fla.)

Scouting Summary: Prototypical off-ball linebacker prospect who displays elite length with tremendous athletic ability to close to ball carriers from sideline to sideline. Verified 6-foot-1, 218 pounds with incredibly long 34-inch levers at inside linebacker. Has quality range and closing speed, combined with the ability to trigger to the ball quickly. A very heady and instinctive player who processes the game efficiently. Quick downhill mover that is willing to take on blocks and stick their face in the fan. Violent tackler on impact that explodes through contact. Shows some pass-rush ability off the edge and as a designed blitzer. Comfortable in space and fluid in coverage. One of the more polished off-ball backers in the last few recruiting cycles at the position. Has the chance to be an every-down player at the next level that can be a versatile chess piece in the front seven for a multitude of defensive schemes.

2. Joakim Gouda — Georgia commit

Rivals300 Ranking: No. 31
School:South Paulding (Ga.)

Scouting Summary: Thumping inside linebacker with instincts and play speed that stand out among the 2027 linebacker group. Measured in at around 6-foot-1.5 and over 230 pounds with good length prior to his senior season. Posted a breakout junior season, emerging as a national prospect in the process. A throwback inside linebacker. Quickly diagnoses plays and triggers downhill. Able to stack and shed to get off of blocks when working as a run defender between the tackles. Flashes high-end burst and closing speed in pursuit and as a blitzer. Shows some ability in coverage, but at his best when moving downhill. Finished his junior season with 100 tackles and two sacks. Will need to watch his weight as he is heavier than most future NFL Draft picks at the position. Younger for the cycle, turning 17 years-old in August of his senior year. One of the more instinctive pure linebacker prospects in the 2027 cycle.

3. Cooper Witten — Oklahoma commit

Rivals300 Ranking: No. 37
School:Liberty Christian (Texas)

Scouting Summary: Versatile linebacker that possesses range, sideline to sideline top-end speed and tremendous instincts. 6-foot-1, 210 pounds that has verified athletic ability. Ran sub-11 in the 100m during his sophomore track and field season. Primarily played safety as a sophomore but has since walked down into a more traditional linebacker role. Doubles as a wide receiver as well for his high school showing off his athletic ability and ball skills. Needs to continue developing his ability to strike and physicality in the box, but has top-tier athleticism to make plays in space and cover. Older prospect for the recruiting cycle.

4. Jhadyn Nelson — Texas Tech commit

Rivals300 Ranking: No. 41
School:Langham Creek (Texas)

Scouting Summary: Elite physical talent who has the potential to be a versatile defensive weapon. Measured at 6-foot-3, 216 pounds at the Rivals Camp in Houston prior to his senior season. Has 32.5-inch arms with hands that measure over 10 inches. An elite athlete in the combine setting, posting a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, 35.2-inch vertical, and 10’9.1 foot broad jump at the Rivals Camp – all elite marks. Shows the athleticism on Friday nights, where he lines up at all three levels of the defense for his high school team, taking reps as a pass rusher, outside linebacker, and safety. The top notch movement skills jump out immediately. An explosive, smooth mover who covers space quickly. Shows the ability to quickly generate pressure off the edge. Coordinated when working in spaces and shows impressive range in coverage. Eliminates angles and has sideline to sideline speed. Finished his junior season with 59 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Has solid physicality, but can continue improving his instincts and take-on ability as an off-ball linebacker. Younger for the cycle, turning 17 years-old in June prior to his senior season. Could have the highest upside of all linebacker prospects in the 2027 cycle with the potential to grow into a top pass-rusher.

5. AJ Randle Jr. — Miami commit

Rivals300 Ranking: No. 57
School:Garner (N.C.)

Scouting Summary: Toolsy defender who is one of the more physically-gifted linebacker prospects in the 2027 cycle. Listed at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds and looks to have a big frame with plus length. Lines up as an outside linebacker for his high school. High-end combination of size and speed immediately jumps out. Covers ground quickly and shows sideline-to-sideline range. Shows palpable burst as a pursuit defender. Oftentimes looks like the fastest player on the field. Hawks down running backs in the open field. Eliminates angles with his speed. Also shows potential as a blitzer and pass rusher off the edge. Saw snaps at quarterback and wide receiver as a junior, flashing playmaking ability and athleticism. A three sport athlete in track and basketball. A star hurdler who won a state title in the 300m hurdles (37.38 seconds) as a junior. Still developing true off-ball linebacker instincts and may need time to adjust to playing as an inside linebacker at the college level. Can continue improving pop as a tackler. Has athletic bloodlines with several members of his family as college athletes, including his mother who is in Clemson’s Hall-of-Fame as a track athlete. Size, athleticism, and budding skill set make him one of the higher ceiling defenders in the 2027 cycle.

6. Bryce Kish — Clemson commit

Rivals300 Ranking: No. 60
School:Howell (Mich.)

Scouting Summary: Multi-positional high school player with the physical tools to play defense at a high-major level as a linebacker, possibly on the EDGE or as a combination of the two. Physically built like a college player. Big and strong, but separates from others his size because of straight-line speed and athleticism. Comes from a running back background and is a good all-around athlete who is comfortable catching the ball and playing in space. Runs 11.1 in the 100-meter dash and shows that speed in closing on ball carriers but also running with receivers in coverage. Has only played one real season of defense in high school and will need to continue to learn to read keys and improve on technical aspects of coverage and shedding blocks. But from a pure physical talent perspective, he has rare upside and tools.

7. Toa Satele — Oregon commit

Rivals300 Ranking: No. 74
School:Mililani (Hi.)

Scouting Summary: Versatile linebacker who has the ability to play multiple spots and could even grow in to an edge in a few years. Has a long 6-foot-3, 210 pound frame with room to add good weight. Plays both inside and off-ball linebacker, shows natural pass rush skill and is comfortable playing in space. Fluid mover who can drop and cover and runs well enough to make plays sideline to sideline. Closes well on the football, takes sound angles and is a highly instinctive player. Father Sampson played offensive line for Hawaii and was a 2nd round pick of the Miami Dolphins so Toa was raised on the game and has a high football IQ. A natural athlete who we’ve seen working out at tight end at camps and showcases and could play the position in college as well but defense is definitely where his upside is highest. Projects as a high Power 4 athlete with an NFL ceiling.

8. Prince Goldsby — Ohio State commit

Rivals300 Ranking: No. 81
School: Blue Springs South (Mo.)

Insider’s Take: “As a junior, Prince Goldsby recorded 13.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss. He’ll have a chance to play early in Columbus thanks to his athleticism and versatility but the career path of Reese could be instructive. There’s an argument that it could be sped up a bit, honestly. Reese didn’t become a full-time linebacker until his second season in the program. That’s where Goldsby will start his Ohio State career. It will be up to him and Mick Marotti to determine how much of an impact he can make early.” — Jeremy Birmingham, Lettermen Row

9. Isaac McNeil — Auburn commit

Rivals300 Ranking: No. 82
School:Vigor (Ala.)

McNeil on his commitment: “I would say my relationship with Coach Durkin and the staff. He is a great coach, and we have a strong connection. Those connecitons with the coaches, and just being an Auburn fan growing up, really were big. It was my dream school,” he told Rivals’ Chad Simmons. “They made it clear I’m a really high priority for them. Every visit was great. Auburn has a great environment, great energy, and it is really just a great place. I just had to make that decision, and pick the best school for me. It’s Auburn.”

10. Omarii Sanders — Vanderbilt commit

Rivals300 Ranking: No. 110
School:Franklin Road Academy (Tenn.)

Sanders on his commitment: “I’m still committed to Vandy and love the staff,” Sanders told Rivals’ Greg Biggins earlier this year. “Coach Lea is phenomenal coach and I love the scheme fit for me. I play the star position, which is king of a hybrid between safety and linebacker  and I’m excited to go through the process.”

Other linebackers in the 2027 Rivals300

11. Case Alexander
12. Jalaythan Mayfield
13. Roman Igwebuike
14. Jeremiah Culpepper — Ole Miss commit
15. Brayton Feister

16. Izzy Hammons
17. Kenneth Simon II — Alabama commit
18. Noah Glover — Miami commit
19. Taven Epps — Oklahoma commit
20. Sean Fox

21. Brandon Lockley Jr. — Oregon commit
22. Ja’Bios Smith — Florida commit
23. Quinton Cypher — Ohio State commit
24. Colton McKibben — UCLA commit
25. Blake Betton — Penn State commit

Georgia Tech has landed one of its biggest in-state recruiting wins of the cycle.

Three-star safety MJ Burnett announced his commitment to Brent Key and the Yellow Jackets, giving Georgia Tech a versatile defensive playmaker with deep family ties to the program.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound standout from Marietta (Ga.) Walton chose the Yellow Jackets over a long list of offers that included Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina and several others.

Burnett’s connection to Georgia Tech runs much deeper than recruiting.

His father, Morgan Burnett, starred for the Yellow Jackets before going on to a lengthy NFL career. His uncle, Cap Burnett, played at Georgia, giving MJ strong ties to two of the state’s premier programs.

In the end, however, Georgia Tech felt like home.

“I picked Georgia Tech because of the familyhood and the love that they show me and my family,” Burnett told Rivals.

The Yellow Jackets made Burnett a priority target early in the process and never backed away. The Georgia Tech staff consistently emphasized relationships, development and the opportunity to help continue the program’s upward trajectory. Those messages resonated with Burnett throughout the recruiting process.

Georgia Tech also benefited from familiarity.

Burnett visited Atlanta roughly half a dozen times during his recruitment, allowing him to spend extensive time around the coaching staff, players and program.

Each visit reinforced what he already believed. The culture stood out. The environment stood out. And perhaps most importantly, Burnett saw a clear fit within Georgia Tech’s defensive scheme.

While Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina all remained involved at various points, the Yellow Jackets quietly continued building momentum behind the scenes.

By the time official visit season arrived, Georgia Tech had established itself as the team to beat.

The commitment gives the Yellow Jackets another major recruiting victory in the state of Georgia and continues an impressive run for Key and his staff.

Burnett brings outstanding length, athleticism and football pedigree to the secondary. At 6-foot-3, he possesses the frame and versatility to impact the game in multiple ways while offering significant developmental upside.

The addition also sends another message about the direction of Georgia Tech’s program.

The Yellow Jackets are not simply keeping top in-state talent home. They are winning recruiting battles against SEC powers for prospects they identify as priorities.

Burnett checked every box for Georgia Tech.

He fit the culture.

He fit the defense.

And now one of the state’s top defensive backs is staying home.

For Burnett, the decision ultimately came down to trust, relationships and family.

Those factors made Georgia Tech impossible to pass up.

Two of the Southeast’s top high school football programs are set for a preseason showdown at Phillip Beard Stadium in early August.

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According to a social media announcement byBaylor School(Tenn.), the Red Raiders will be taking on Georgia’s 2025 defending Class 6A state champion Buford (Ga.) Wolves on Friday, Aug. 7th at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Wolves ended the 2025 campaign as the No. 1 team in the country, according to the final 2025 Rivals Composite High School Football Rankings. Buford came away with their 15th state championship, which the Wolves only trail Valdosta for the most in Georgia high school football.

To reach the GHSA Class 6A mountain top once again, Buford is already testing their mettle with a strong 2026 slate of games they have put together, with a road trip to North Carolina power Mallard Creek in Charlotte on Sep. 4 and a home date against Florida’s vaunted Miami Central Rockets at home on Sep. 11.

There’s no shortage of talent when it comes to what Baylor School has back in the cupboard as they bring back four-star running back David Gabriel Georges and 2028 four-star EDGE Braxton Rein. A big off-season addition for the Red Raiders was the transfer of 2027 four-star quarterback Keegan Croucher (Ole Miss commitment).

Tennessee’s top-ranked high school football team will take on teams like state powerhouse Brentwood Academy (Tenn.), Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School (Ga.), Trinity (Ky.) and Legacy School of Sports Sciences (TX), respectively.

More about Baylor School

“Baylor School, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a prestigious private school known for its rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and rich extracurricular programs. Offering a range of AP and honors courses, the school prepares students for higher education and future careers. Baylor’s athletic teams are highly successful, frequently achieving state championships and fostering school pride. Emphasizing leadership, community service, and personal growth, the school ensures students are well-rounded and ready for future success.”

More about Buford High School

“Buford High School, located in Buford, Georgia, is a distinguished public school known for its strong academics, competitive athletics, and active extracurricular programs. With a variety of AP and honors courses, the school prepares students for college and careers. Buford’s athletic teams are highly successful, frequently winning state championships. Emphasizing leadership, community involvement, and personal growth, the school ensures students are well-rounded and future-ready.”