College football heavyweights stand out to 2027 4-star safety Semaj Sanford

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Over the weekend, four-star safety Samaj Stanford trimmed his recruitment for the first time, releasing a Top 12 that features college football’s elite. Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Texas A&M all made the cut.

The Broken Arrow (Okla.) standout has picked up more than 30 offers and checks in as the No. 188 prospect in the 2027 Rivals Industry Ranking. For now, Stanford is locked in on those 12 programs as he begins to narrow his focus.

“Right now I’m really just focusing on those schools,” Stanford told Rivals. “Later on, I’ll get it down to the schools I want to take official visits to and then make a decision.”

A handful of programs have separated themselves early.

“Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Nebraska and Ohio State are really standing out. LSU too. It’s how they’re recruiting me and what I see in their programs. They are all pushing hard.”

Oregon will get a big opportunity later this week. Stanford is set to visit Eugene for the first time on Jan. 24, and the Ducks have his attention.

“I want to see how it goes, learn more about the defense and talk to some players,” he said. “Coach Lanning is a great coach, a defensive head coach, and Coach Hampton getting promoted stood out. They’ve been to see me and they’ve been on me hard.”

Nebraska is another school making a strong impression.

“I like Coach Rhule a lot. He’s a man of the people and really cares about his players.”

Texas is also trending up after recently offering. Stanford expects to meet with Will MuschampandBlake Gideon this week.

“It is a big-time program. They just offered, and I am excited to learn more about them.”

Stanford referred to Georgia and Ohio State as “top programs”.

Oklahoma remains firmly in the mix as the in-state option. Stanford has been to Norman multiple times and continues to feel valued by the Sooners.

“They do a good job with me,” he said. “They treat me well and always make me feel welcome. It’s an SEC program, they play physical football, and I like what Coach Brent Venables does.”

Stanford’s recruitment remains wide open, but with visits lining up and communication intensifying, the picture should start to sharpen in the coming months.

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