Whispers from out West: Big Ten visits move the needle for several out West, while Big 12 and Pac-12 visits do the same
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Several of the West’s top 2028 recruits hit the road this past weekend for some of the key clashes nationally including major ones in the Big Ten
With the calendar flipped to October, key unofficial visits were being taken all over and several of the West’s top 2028s and 2029s are back from the road.
Arizona’s No. 1 2028 Recruit Loves His Trip to Columbus
Ohio State had Maryland in Columbus in their tune-up for their Big Ten championship game rematch with Indiana.
Chandler (Ariz.) Hamilton 2028 cornerback Keaton Fields was originally set to go to the SEC championship rematch in Tuscaloosa between Alabama and Georgia, but instead, found himself in Columbus to see the Buckeyes.
He was impressed with what he saw from Ohio State, the defense in particular.
“I had a great time on my visit to Ohio State this past weekend,” said Fields. “I felt like the secondary backed each other up and was always celebrating with each other.”
Fields is still aiming to get to Alabama at some point as well as to Notre Dame, with Arizona State hoping the Sun Devil legacy makes the short trip over.
Huskers Near Upset Still Resonates with Visitors
Nebraska was ever so close to shocking defending national champion Indiana in Lincoln.
A double-digit lead in the fourth quarter was erased by the Hoosiers, and while the pain was real for Nebraska fans, the recruits from out West in Lincoln were impressed with what they saw.
Bakersfield (Calif.) Garces Memorial four-star 2028 safety Jackson Parker was one of them.
Originally from the Midwest (he spent much of his childhood in Kansas before moving to California this summer), he liked being back in the Midwest and he liked what he saw from the defense.
“Nebraska likes me as a safety, but they also said I could play anywhere in their defense with my frame,” said Parker. “I liked how physical Nebraska’s defense was and how they held Indiana to multiple three-and-outs.”
He’s hoping to get back out there
“I do want to make a return trip to Nebraska.”
Longmont (Colo.) Mead 2028 offensive tackle James Bennett was offered by Nebraska on the visit only adding to the highlight of the visit.
“I had a great time at Nebraska,” said Bennett. “One thing that really stood out to me was the culture around the program. Everyone takes a lot of pride in Nebraska football, and you can really feel that throughout Lincoln. I got to talk with Coach Wade twice during my visit, which was really cool. He told me they really liked my film, especially how aggressive I play, and that physicality is something they look for in their offensive linemen. That meant a lot to me because being physical and finishing blocks are things I really focus on in my game. I also liked what I saw from the offense and how the offensive line competed. Getting the offer was definitely the highlight of the trip. Nebraska has a great offensive line tradition, and I’m excited to keep learning more about the program and building those relationships.”
Oregon Returns to Eugene But Loss Doesn’t Sour Weekend for Visitors
Oregon returned to Eugene over the weekend for their first Saturday home game since the opening weekend of the season (their previous home game was a Friday night kickoff).
That gave them the chance to have a number of recruits come to town and even with a loss to UCLA, it didn’t spoil the weekend for the visitors.
That group included Concord (Calif.) De La Salle 2028 receiver Damari Dean and 2028 linebacker Landon Miller.
Dean left the visit with an offer from the Ducks.
“I had a meeting with coach (Dan) Lanning and Ross Douglas,” said Dean. “The offer meant a lot. Growing up, my cousins always spoke of going to play for Oregon and for me to be the one to have the opportunity to do it means the world and this meant more to me because the offer came from coach Lanning so it felt great to hear that from him.”
Miller has had an offer from the Ducks for over a year and they continue to impress Northern California’s top prospect.
“I had a great time in Oregon and definitely was able to spend time with coaches and other recruits,” said Miller. “I was able to get into multiple meetings with coach B-Mike (Brian Michalowski), as well as coach (Dan) Lanning and coach (Chris) Hampton. I think Oregon‘s defense played really well and it was definitely a fun game for me to watch the defensive side of the ball.
Graham (Wash.) Kapowsin 2028 four-star athlete Jayce Halasz was in Eugene the day after the Ducks played Portland State, so he didn’t get to their Friday night game, but spent the day with the coaches. He was at the UCLA game for just the game.
“It was mainly a defensive shootout and no meeting because I had to rush back home after the game,” said Halasz.
But Halasz plans to be in Eugene on Saturday night when the Ducks host Nebraska.
Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral 2029 quarterback Ryan Trocki enjoyed his visit to Eugene.
“The atmosphere in Autzen was crazy and it was really cool to see all of the traditions they have in person,” said Trocki. “I really appreciated the conversations I had with the coaches after the game.”
Seattle (Wash.) O’Dea 2029 receiver Kaydon Tatum also was able to check out the game.
I liked Oregon a lot, the atmosphere was crazy and the fan base was strong,” said Tatum. “I liked how the offense spreads the field and their passing game was pretty good.”
Bakersfield (Calif.) Liberty 2029 edge Pierce Buckey, the No. 2 player in California, enjoyed the environment.
“It was a really fun environment and it was loudest stadium I had ever been to,” said Buckey. “It was a defensive battle all game. I also looked at Oregon’s facilities, and they were state-of-the-art.”
Cal Rebounds at Home with Major In-State Targets
After a loss to UNLV coming off a loss to Clemson, Cal returned to Berkeley on Saturday badly needing a win.
They got it, a fourth quarter score to knock off Virginia Tech and they did it with the No. 1 recruit in the Golden State there, Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley 2028 offensive tackle Aden Owolabi.
“The visit was good,” said Owolabi. “First gameday visit but I’ve been there a total of three times now. I didn’t like how the line couldn’t get the run game started and the atmosphere was a little quiet but picked up in the 4th,” said Owolabi.
He was able to spend some time with the Cal coaches though.
“After the game I went to the locker room and talked to coach (Tosh) Lupoi, coach (Mike) Saffell and coach (Famika) Anae,” said Owolabi. “Me and coach Anae actually had a one on one conversation just talking ball.”
They also had teammates from Bakersfield (Calif.) Garces Memorial there in 2029 offensive lineman Sonny Lefotu and 2028 linebacker Isaiah Lefotu.
The younger Lefotu is one of the top sophomore linemen in the state.
“I had a great time at Cal and the weather was perfect,” said Sonny Lefotu. “One thing that stood out to me was seeing so many Samoan players on the team and how much Polynesian culture is represented throughout the program. Even looking into the stands and seeing so many Polynesian fans was pretty cool. It felt good to see that kind of support and representation. Overall, I left with a really great impression of Cal. I enjoyed the whole experience and would definitely love to come back for another visit.”
His older brother, Isaiah, echoed the sentiments.
“I really enjoyed my visit to Cal,” said Isaiah Lefotu. “One thing that really stood out to me was seeing how many Polynesian players were on the team. Being around guys who share my culture made me feel at home and like I could really fit in.”
Sacramento (Calif.) Grant 2028 offensive lineman Max Tuiileila has a Cal alum for a coach and two teammates committed to the Bears and another as a true freshman, so Cal is ever-present in his recruitment.
“I loved it out there,” said Tuiileila. “I really enjoyed being on campus and learning about what it means to be Golden Bear. The atmosphere was great, everyone showed love and great hospitality and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to be out there.”
Cal is back home in Berkeley this weekend when they host Wake Forest.
Beavers Make Massive Impression in Blowout Win
While Boise State was the preseason favorite for the Pac-12, Oregon State was picked to finish 8th.
Instead, JaMarcus Shephard, the Beavers first year head-coach, has the Beavers on a collision course with the Broncos next month with one of the most electric offenses in the country.
The Beavers, fresh off a blowout win over Colorado State in Fort Collins were back in Corvallis over the weekend, to take on the team picked to finish second in the conference, San Diego State.
Oregon State sent the Aztecs home with a 66-14 loss and impressed several of the recruits who were there.
That included their first 2028 commit, Eugene (Ore.) Willamette quarterback Zeke Thomas, who they flipped from Boise State.
“Saturday was very entertaining,” said Thomas. “The atmosphere was awesome and you could tell the fan base was behind the Beavs. It’s always good to catch up with Coach Shephard and coach (Mitch) Dahlen before the game. I could watch the Beaver offense all day. It’s so explosive, and it’s something I can’t wait to be a part of.”
The Beavers may not be entirely done with 2027 recruits – they offered Redding (Calif.) Christian tight end Darren Goodman and he loved his visit up to Corvallis.
“It was a great time,” said Goodman. “The offense was so explosive and to see how much they used their tight ends was a lot of fun. The energy in the stadium was up the entire game despite it being a blowout.”
Thomas’ teammate, Eugene (Ore.) Willamette 2028 tight end Knox Smith, also teammates with 2027 commit Kawai Chamberlin, joined those two.
“I really enjoyed the visit,” said Smith. “I thought their offense looked explosive. I noticed how energetic the atmosphere was. I really enjoyed checking them out and super excited for what’s to come.”
Snohomish (Wash.) Glacier Peak 2028 offensive lineman Luke Jennings made the trek down and liked what he saw.
“I really like the energy of Oregon State right now,” said Jennings. “The crowd was amazing and the student section was completely full which is always good to see when you are a recruit. I’m really impressed with the offense. The offensive line completely dominated at the line of scrimmage and set the tone that allowed the offense to be so productive.”
Puyallup (Wash.) Emerald Ridge 2028 three-star linebacker Amosa Masaniai also enjoyed himself, having been to Corvallis last season and seeing a completely different feel this time around.
“It was a great trip,” said Masaniai. “The atmosphere was insane and really comparing last year to this year was a crazy change and I definitely see the change in the culture.”
Medford (Ore.) Cascade Christian 2028 linebacker Mikey Covey felt the same.
“It was overall an amazing time,” said Covey. “The atmosphere this is year is incredible. You can definitely tell the change in the program. The feeling you get in Corvallis isn’t like anywhere else. Overall you can tell that the Oregon State football program is on a rise and I’m very impressed.”
Puyallup (Wash.) 2029 receiver Siosaia Malietufa loved watching the offense up close.
“The offense runs a spread which I like a lot so there’s plenty of room for opportunity,” said Malietufa. “I also enjoyed seeing Jesse Legree in person, he’s a baller.”
Happy Valley (Ore.) Nelson 2029 athlete Amir Burton also liked taking the in-state visit.
“It was an amazing experience all around,” said Burton. “Watching them compete showed me where that next level is and I’m going to do everything it takes to get there.”
The Beavers aren’t sitting idle- they had a pair of 2030’s from Washington there too.
One of those was Puyallup (Wash.) offensive lineman Mason Lawrence.
“The overall experience was cool and definitely appreciated the invite,” said Lawrence. “I’m glad I got to experience the game day atmosphere down there because I was honestly surprised by how crazy the fans were. A few of them made sure they stopped me as I was leaving to tell me how great the school and program is. The overall environment, campus, the people – was all honestly better than I expected. Oregon State’s offense surprised me with how much and how easily they scored on San Diego State. The whole time we were there, that offense had their foot on the gas for sure. I was definitely impressed.
Burien (Wash.) Kennedy Catholic offensive lineman Tyson Daniels is another 2030 with numerous offers.
“I had a great time at Oregon State,” said Daniels. “It was my first time in Corvallis. The campus was much larger than I expected. The fans I saw were awesome and excited about what’s happening at Oregon State. The Oregon State staff were welcoming and well organized. It was clear to me what coach Shephard is building and his expectations of working hard and maintaining integrity in order to win ball games. The offense was explosive.”
The Beavers are back at Reser Stadium on Saturday against Pac-12 holdover Washington State.
Sun Devils Impress Local, National Visitors In Bounceback Win
Arizona State had a big recruiting weekend, largely with out-of-state recruits, then were promptly trounced by Baylor.
Back in Tempe to play Hawaii, they had another big weekend, this time, the focus being mostly in-state targets, and the result was much better.
That included the No. 2 recruit in the state in 2028, Chandler (Ariz.) Basha edge Landen Wade.
“Overall, it was a good visit, and I’m glad they got the win. I got to watch the defense play and talk with the position coaches a little bit before the game. It was a cool experience getting to see everything in person, and I appreciate them having me out.”
Already a Golden Ticket recipient from the Sun Devils, Wade was joined by his Basha teammate Makai Nelson, another 2028 target with a Golden Ticket.
“I loved being out there,” said Nelson. “It feels like we’re family every time we come out and we really appreciate it. The visit was great. The atmosphere is really cool, even with ASU being on fall break, it was still packed and full of energy. They have an amazing fan base. They have a special coaching staff and I believe are some of the best in the country. Hines Ward is a legend and it’s surreal to hear from him.”
Scottsdale (Ariz.) Horizon 2028 offensive tackle Liam McNeal, another Golden Ticket holder, was at his third ASU home game of the season, two days after offensive line coach Saga Tuitele went to watch him play.
“It meant a lot to me (Tuitele going to see him play),” said McNeal. “I am continuing to enjoy ASU’s environment.”
Phoenix (Ariz.) Mountain Pointe 2028 safety Legarrette Blount Jr was back in Mountain America Stadium after being at the season opener.
“I always like going to their games and the atmosphere is amazing,” said Blount. “Their defense played amazing and I like the energy they play with.”
Two 2028 out-of-state targets were there in Sacramento (Calif.) Grant linebacker Julian Bruno and Puyallup (Wash.) safety Markel Newell.
“The visit was great,” said Bruno. “I was able to sit in with the linebackers coaches during their AM linebacker meeting and get a better understanding of how they prepare for game day. I also got to tour the facilities and campus. The atmosphere was awesome, especially considering the weather. (Sunday), I also had the opportunity to meet with coach (Kenny) Dillingham, coach (Brian) Ward and coach (AJ) Cooper. It was great being able to hear their perspectives and learn more about how they see me fitting into the program.
Newell seconded the atmosphere he felt.
“I loved it and I felt the love from all the coaches and the atmosphere was amazing,” said Newell. “ASU is definitely a school I’m starting to consider more seriously.”
They also welcomed several 2029 prospects to campus, most notably, the No. 1 recruit in Colorado, Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek edge Jayden Bates.
“Honestly, I really loved ASU and everything they have to offer,” said Bates. “The coaching staff especially caught my eye from the beginning, and getting to sit down and talk ball with coach (Diron) Reynolds and coach (Vince) Amey was an awesome experience. The atmosphere was amazing too. I loved the stadium, and the fans were loud and rowdy, which made everything even better. “
It also included the No. 1 2029 recruit in the state of Arizona, Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy Prep tackle Colin Itule.
“ASU always has a great atmosphere, and the fans bring a lot of energy,” said Itule. “Throughout the night, the whole staff made me feel like a priority and really made me feel at home and wanted. Overall, it was a great experience, and I really enjoyed getting to be around the coaches and the program.”
He was joined by his twin brother, Cody Itule.
“The game was 100% electric with huge plays on both sides of the ball for ASU,” said Itule. “I loved the tempo of ASU’s play and how they utilized their playmakers in space. Everyone I was around was extremely welcoming and the student section set the raucous atmosphere of the game very well.” Overall, I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience and gave me a lot to think about.”
And another sophomore lineman for the Broncos was there in Yuen Taufete’e.
“One of the things I respected and really liked during the visit and from coaching staff is that most of them sat down at the tables and made conversation and really got to know their recruits. Especially coach (Sage) Tuitele, who really went out of his way to sit for maybe 10-20 minutes with a family, getting to know them on a deeper level.”
Rounding out the 2029 visitors from Brophy Prep was sophomore safety Mason Alexander.
“The energy and the hospitality from everyone was great,” said Alexander. “It was a great atmosphere and the fans were electric.”
Scottsdale (Ariz.) Horizon 2029 running back Dylan Brush also made the visit.
“I had a great time at ASU,” said Brush. “I loved being able to spend time with my whole family and two of my friends from my school. The atmosphere was great, and the rain actually made the experience even cooler and more memorable. I really enjoyed watching the offense, and meeting with the coaches.”
Gilbert (Ariz.) Williams Field 2029 defensive back Boston Smith also enjoyed his trip.
“I had a great time at the recruiting tailgate,” said Smith. “It was good to see the defensive schemes and watch the secondary closely. The atmosphere seemed pretty good considering all the rain too.”
The Sun Devils are back in Tempe on October 24 when they host Kansas State.
More Whispers from the West
Folsom (Calif.) 2029 athlete Elijah Williams made his way down to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama-Georgia game and the atmosphere caught his eye.
“It was an amazing atmosphere,” said Williams. “The fans were really dedicated to the program. It was mostly a defensive game that came down to the end and a few big mistakes. It was great to talk to the coaches there again and get advice as well as some reminders for the season, recovery, and training. I felt my time was valued. I got to meet Haha Clinton-Dix and he answered my questions and gave me some reminders to keep working. Overall, it was cut short because of the tight window between flying the night after my game and having to be back in town Sunday but the time I was able to spend there left a lasting impression on me.”
Scottsdale (Ariz.) Desert Mountain 2028 running back Easton Conner got over to Utah for their win over Kansas.
“The whole staff there is amazing,” said Conner. “They are all very nice and genuine people. The White Out was also an incredible atmosphere and all the fans of Utah were amazing. I think the offense they run is electric, especially when they bring both the quarterbacks on the field.”
And Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy Prep 2028 tight end Brady Powell was in Seattle to see Washington host Iowa.
“Seattle itself is super beautiful,” said Powell. “My family and I got to drive around campus and it was super nice. For the atmosphere of the game, I loved how involved the fans were and how much passion there was for the game. It was awesome. The offense has the tight ends always super involves and I noticed a lot of 12 personnel. I had a meeting with coach Pao (Jordan Paopao) and he related me to Baron Naone and after watching him, he looked great.”
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