Viral posts often show how Indian ingredients and Indian products are becoming easily available in other countries. Recently, an X post about a popular Indian milk brand being sold at a supermarket in Texas went viral. An Indian-origin entrepreneur posted a photo of a shelf filled with Amul milk bottles in a Costco outlet in Austin. The 1-gallon bottles of Amul Gold (6% fat milk) are priced at $6.49 each, as per the photo attached. The post has received over 130K views so far and has sparked a range of reactions from other X users.
Users had a lot to say about the same. Many of them wondered aloud about where exactly the milk was being sourced from. Several users reacted to other aspects of this post. A few were curious about the fat content of the milk. Here are some of the comments from people on X:
“I’ll be happy if I see Amul cheese.”
I’ll be happy if I see amul cheese. :)— Satish (@fraand_kafka) January 28, 2025
“Supply is sporadic…flies off the shelves. At 6% butterfat, everyone wants them.. not just Desis.”
Supply is sporadic…flies off the shelves. At 6% butterfat, everyone wants them.. not just Desis.— The Ashram (@theashramCH) January 28, 2025
“Is it milk Made in USA or Made in India and exported to USA? The former means just branding, but the latter is dairy exports from India, which is crazy.”
Is it milk Made in USA or Made in India and exported to USA. The former means just branding, but the latter is dairy exports from India , which is crazy.— Vijay Sapps (@VJsapps) January 29, 2025
“Why is it 6 bucks though ??”
Why is it 6 bucks though ??— Arjun Ramanujann (@RandianJustice) January 29, 2025
“Who are these people in the US drinking a gallon of Milk??? 3.78 liters That will be 3 times my family’s consumption.”
Who are these people in the US drinking a gallon of Milk??? 3.78 liters
That will be 3 times my family’s consumption— Beytal 🥭 (@navyogita) January 29, 2025
“Are Americans buying it, or is it being stocked for Indians craving for a taste of home? Like Kurkure & Maggi!”
Are Americans buying it, or is it being stocked for Indians craving for a taste of home? Like Kurkure & Maggi!— RD (@DharRenuka) January 29, 2025
“Why isn’t anyone talking about the horrible packaging?? The dented jars & tacky labels look so shady.”
Why isn’t anyone talking about the horrible packaging?? The dented jars & tacky labels look so shady 🙈— s (@chirpy2804) January 29, 2025
Last year, veteran actress Neena Gupta posted about discovering tendli (ivy gourd) in a supermarket abroad. She posted a clip in which she can be seen placing this vegetable in her plastic bag. In the caption, the actress exclaimed, “So excited to find tindli in Australia.” Click here to read the full story.
Also Read: Amul Goes International: Brand To Launch Fresh Milk In The US
We have now moved into the postseason schedule for the 2024 college football season where the rest of the calendar year and first month of 2025 will be filled with bowl games and the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. Conference championship weekend marks the true conclusion to the season that was, as most of the 134 FBS teams have played their final game with the same combination of players and coaches that they carried for much of the fall.
That’s not to say that we here at CBS Sports are done ranking teams. No, we will circle back after the national championship game on Monday, Jan. 20 for one final edition of the CBS Sports 134, our comprehensive ranking of every FBS team. But this is the penultimate update — a snapshot of how our voters view the entire college football landscape as we transition into the season of the coaching carousel, transfer portal and bowl games.
With only 18 teams in action over conference championship weekend, you won’t find many huge swings in the rankings, but there is some notable shuffling in response to those nine results. Georgia took over Texas’ spot at No. 2 after downing the Longhorns in an overtime thriller in the SEC Championship Game, while teams like Penn State (down two spots to No. 5) and SMU (down four spots to No. 10) also dropped following conference title game losses.
There is still no change at the top thanks to Oregon proving itself against the Big Ten’s best yet again and finishing the season with a 13-0 record as the only undefeated team at the FBS level. With Saturday night’s win, the conference’s newest power became the first team in Big Ten history to defeat Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State in the same season.
College football experts from CBS Sports and 247Sports contribute ballots each week, which are averaged together for our rankings. You can see the top 25 below and 26-134 on our rankings page.
1
Oregon
13-0
1
2
Georgia
11-2
5
3
Notre Dame
11-1
4
4
Texas
11-2
2
5
Penn State
11-2
3
6
Ohio State
10-2
7
7
Indiana
11-1
8
8
Tennessee
10-2
9
9
Boise State
12-1
10
10
SMU
11-2
6
11
Arizona State
11-2
11
12
Alabama
9-3
12
13
South Carolina
9-3
14
14
Ole Miss
9-3
15
15
Miami
10-2
13
16
Clemson
10-3
17
17
BYU
10-2
18
18
Iowa State
10-3
16
19
Army
11-1
23
20
Colorado
9-3
20
21
Illinois
9-3
21
22
UNLV
10-3
19
23
Syracuse
9-3
22
24
Memphis
10-2
26
25
Missouri
9-3
24
Biggest movers
No. 41 Marshall (+8): The Thundering Herd were underdogs heading down to Lafayette but played like favorites in an impressive 31-3 win against Louisiana. Marshall finished the year at 10-3, and though they are going through a coaching transition with Charles Huff off to Southern Miss and Tony Gibson taking over, the program seems to be in a good spot heading into 2025.
No. 50 Jacksonville State (+7): An eight-game winning streak was snapped in the final week of the regular season with a 19-17 loss to WKU, but our voters were quick to jump back on board after seeing the Gamecocks thrash the Hilltoppers in the rematch. After being WKU 52-12 in the Conference USA title game, JSU is off to the Cure Bowl to face MAC champion Ohio.
No. 42 Ohio (+5): Speaking of the Bobcats, Ohio also was a team that took a seemingly tight matchup and blew it open over conference championship weekend. Miami (OH) won the regular season meeting 30-20, but the Bobcats raced out to an early lead and never looked back in the conference title rematch, claiming the program’s first MAC title since 1968.
No. 19 Army (+4): The Black Knights have carried an impressive win count all season but lacked for the high-end wins and finally got their best win of the season in the AAC title game by beating Tulane, a team our voters have inside the top 30.
No. 22 UNLV (-3): This is just a small step back for UNLV after losing to top-10 Boise State. The Rebels finish the regular season with a 10-3 record and back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Mountain West, but they now move forward without Barry Odom, who accepted the head-coaching position at Purdue.
No. 34 Louisiana (-3): Injuries at the quarterback position derailed what appeared to be a conference championship path for Louisiana, but the season has still be considered a success. The Ragin’ Cajuns went 10-3 with the only regular season conference defeat coming by two points to South Alabama, but a 31-3 final score in the Sun Belt title game is worth a slight adjustment in the rankings.
No. 10 SMU (-4): Like the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, our voters were hesitant to install too much rankings punishment for the heartbreaking defeat in the ACC title game to Clemson. The Mustangs enter the CFP with an 11-2 record and a combined margin of defeat of just six points while also carrying the nation’s 11th best scoring margin, beating opponents by an average of 17.7 points per game.
No. 78 Western Kentucky (-7): Last week’s rankings movement featured WKU moving up 18 spots after beating Jacksonville State in the final game of the regular season, so this adjustment from the voters taking some of that support back in the wake of a 40-point loss to that very same team in the Conference USA title game.
The SMU versus Alabama debate for the final at-large bid in the 2025 College Football Playoff has understandably stolen the spotlight entering Selection Sunday. There is also significant consternation about how the first few teams outside the top four conference champions will be decided. Ultimately, how the committee interprets those league title game results will have ripple effects throughout the field.
Let’s start with the debate over the final at-large bid.
Alabama held that spot in last Tuesday’s penultimate CFP Rankings, and it looked in good shape to maintain that slot after CFP chairman Warde Manuel said the rankings were locked for teams not playing conference championship weekend.
However, there was a doomsday scenario: Clemson pulling off an upset over SMU in the ACC Championship Game with the Mustangs playing well enough to warrant a spot in the field.
Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, that’s exactly what happened Saturday night. Clemson freshman kicker Nolan Hauser’s 56-yard walk-off game-winning field goal not only propelled the Tigers into the field as an automatic qualifier but gave SMU a more-than-reasonable chance to receive an at-large bid.
SMU (11-2) has fewer losses than Alabama (9-3) but exists in a similar space as Miami (FL) in that it lacks resume-boosting wins. The Mustangs are 0-2 against top 25 opponents, while Alabama has a 3-1 record against teams, including a win over newly crowned SEC champion Georgia. Furthermore, Alabama’s strength of schedule (18th) is considerably better than that of SMU (75th) as the Tide’s opponents had a combined record of 82-50 while the Mustangs’ were 83-75.
The SMU case? Well, it went undefeated during ACC regular-season play (8-0), and its two losses are nowhere near as bad as Alabama’s 21-point defeat to 6-6 Oklahoma (in which Bama scored 3 points) or its road loss to 6-6 Vanderbilt. SMU’s wins against Louisville and Pittsburgh were notable at the time, too.
If Alabama ranked a spot above Miami in the penultimate CFP Rankings, one could surmise it deserves to hold the same spot when compared head-to-head against SMU given the argument is identical. And that may be exactly what happens!
However, SMU finished as a Power Four conference runner-up in a tightly-contested ACC title game it lost 34-31. If the CFP Selection Committee completely dropped SMU out of the field, it would set a dangerous precedent for conference championship games, which are generally major money makers for leagues. It would essentially incentivize teams to not seek out those opportunities so as not to lose and potentially fall all the way out of the playoff field.
Alabama got the benefit of the doubt last season as it received the final spot over undefeated Florida State in a decision that still roils the ACC. This time around, the ACC has a better chance of bouncing an SEC team out for the last at-large bid.
How will the top three at-large bids shake out?
The committee doesn’t simply have to decide what to do with ACC championship loser SMU. It also needs to figure out where to put one-loss Notre Dame, SEC runner-up Texas and Big Ten runner-up Penn State. The Fighting Irish were No. 4 in the penultimate CFP Rankings, while the Longhorns were No. 2 (slated for a first-round bye with an SEC win) and the Nittany Lions placed No. 3 as the second Big Ten team behind No. 1 Oregon.
Texas (11-2) lost to Georgia, 24-19, in the first SEC title game to reach overtime, a contest the Longhorns easily could have won. Penn State (11-2) fell to the Ducks in a one-score 45-37 loss. And then you have Notre Dame (11-1), which did not play Saturday but in theory could slide up if Texas and Penn State both move down.
Texas’ only two losses are to Georgia, giving it the best defeats of the group; however, Penn State’s two losses (Ohio State, Oregon) are in the same neighborhood. Notre Dame has by far the worst loss to Northern Illinois (7-5), a seventh-place MAC team. That it came at home, too, making it the worst loss of any CFP contender.
The ‘Horns are 0-2 against top 25 opponents, a major knock on their resume. The Nittany Lions hold a singular top 25 win (No. 19 Illinois), while the Irish only possesses one top 25 win over AAC champion Army West Point (No. 24). Army’s win Friday night over Tulane only strengthens ND’s argument.
Just like with Alabama and SMU, it will be interesting to see whether the committee chooses to penalize teams that competed in league title games, especially ones that were extremely close. Notre Dame has been steadily moving up the rankings in recent weeks, and there’s an argument it should jump Texas and Penn State. It almost certainly would in a normal week.
However, in this scenario, it feels more likely that the committee will keep Texas and Penn State ahead of Notre Dame. That’s not an insignificant decision, either, given how the field is shaping up.
If Notre Dame ends up as the No. 7 seed, that sets up a possible quarterfinal against No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. If Notre Dame instead receives the No. 5 or No. 6 seed, it would likely play Boise State or Arizona State in a quarterfinal.
The tougher question will be how the committee weighs Texas versus Penn State. The resumes are fairly similar, and both lost marquee conference championship games by single scores. Texas was ranked higher than Penn State entering Saturday night, which might end up being the slight edge that puts the ‘Horns in the No. 5 seed.
Keep on reading for expert picks on slots No. 5-7 in the College Football Playoff field along with which team our CBS Sports college football writers believe will receive the final at-large bid. You can also check out a complete slate of 2024-25 bowl projections from bowls expert Jerry Palm.
College Football Playoff projection
The top two seeds of the CFP are all but a formality after Oregon remained undefeated by beating Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game and Georgia knocked off Texas for the second time this season to win the SEC Championship Game. Boise State (Mountain West) and Arizona State (Big 12) will be the other conference champions who receive byes given Clemson (ACC) has three losses.
While there is an argument that the Sun Devils should be the No. 3 seed above the Broncos, ASU was ranked five spots lower in the penultimate CFP Rankings. As such, bowls experts Jerry Palm and Brad Crawford both agree the top four seeds — each receiving first-round byes — will shake out as follows:
Oregon (13-0)
Georgia (11-2)
Boise State (12-1)
Arizona State (11-2)
College Football Playoff expert picks
Here’s how our college football staff would vote in the key spots — choosing teams Nos. 5-7 and the last at-large bid in the field — if they were members of the CFP Selection Committee.
In the world of Texas high school football, the stakes soar as high as the vibrant lights that illuminate the Friday night games. It’s a captivating narrative reminiscent of the iconic Remember the Titans, where determination, triumph, and collaborative efforts merge in breathtaking clashes. As the playoffs intensify, the pressure mounts, akin to the heart-pounding final minutes of a championship match. This weekend, as regional powerhouses collide, every single yard becomes crucial, and each play possesses the potential to etch an indelible legacy. The path towards the coveted state title is still long and uncertain, leaving us to wonder: who will emerge triumphant and claim their place in history?
The game turned out to be much more intense than expected. As the Texas High School season progresses, only eight teams remain in each 11-man classification. With each passing day, the battle for fan support becomes even more heated. However, predicting which team has a chance to win the state championship is quite difficult. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to highlight some of the top teams in the Texas High School. These teams will compete against each other in the regional finale and eventually make it to the state championship. One such team is the North Crowley Panthers, who have won 13 consecutive games this season. They were also one of the top teams in last year’s semifinals.
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Even North Crowley’s opponents are no less impressive in terms of performance and gameplay. One such opponent is the Allen Eagles, who have achieved 13 wins this season. The upcoming faceoff between these two teams is bound to be interesting, as the Eagles’ defense has been outstanding, surpassing the Panthers’ imagination. Throughout the year, the Eagles have not allowed their opponents to score more than 21 points. If this trend continues, there is a strong possibility that the Allen Eagles will emerge as the ultimate victors. Furthermore, the list of top-rated teams in Texas High School football is extensive. Let’s take a closer look at it.
More Texas High School teams in the run
If we are talking about top teams with the best shot at winning the state championship, then how can we miss out on undefeated North Shore (13-0) vs. Atascocita (12-1)? Their battle is something really intriguing. The North Shore is fresh off a win against Katy last week, and every high school fan is eager to witness their faceoff, as the Mustangs have already won 4 times against Atascocita. Now let’s see if this year will be any different or not!
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Next up we also have another undefeated team in the league, the Duncanville Panthers (12-0), vs. the Bridgeland Bears (12-1). No. 2 ranked Duncanville is set to enter the finals for the third time in a row. Now it’s more about the legacy rather than just winning. Then from the class 6A division, we have the Southlake Carroll Dragons (13-0) vs. the Denton Guyer Wildcats (10-3) going up against each other. Both teams have their own strengths and weaknesses, but one point that can’t be overlooked is that Guyer has won two games against the Wildcats. Now with all these intense matchups coming our way, let’s wait and see which team ultimately lifts the state championship trophy.
ATLANTA — Remember when Sam Ehlinger infamously declared Texas was “back” after the Longhorns beat Georgia, 28-21, in New Orleans at the 2019 Sugar Bowl?
Neither, then, were the Longhorns back in 2016, when that phrase became part of college football’s lexicon. Credit — or should that be blame? — goes to ABC broadcaster Joe Tessitore. After Texas scored an exciting 50-47 win over Notre Dame on Sept. 4, 2016, Tessitore declared, “Texas is back, folks!”
After Ehlinger’s proclamation, the Longhorns went 8-5 and 7-3 the next two seasons, and coach Tom Herman was fired in 2020. In 2016, Texas went 5-7 and coach Charlie Strong was fired at season’s end.
It’s safe to say now, “the Longhorns are back.”
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Ranked No. 2 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings and looking to finish atop the SEC in its first season in the league, Texas (11-1) will meet Georgia (10-2) in the SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 4 p.m. Saturday (ABC).
“First year in the conference, it was definitely a goal of ours to be in Atlanta for this game,” said fourth-year coach Steve Sarkisian, who led Texas to the Big 12 championship and a playoff berth last year. “It’s been a challenging regular season to get to this point. Know it’s going to be a heck of a challenge on Saturday, but one we’re looking forward to.”
If you don’t think the Longhorns are certain and quite proud that their beloved football team is back, then you’re not watching that Burnt Orange-wave bearing down on Atlanta for this weekend’s proceedings. Indications are their fans are coming in droves.
“Oh, you better believe it,” said Houston Chronicle columnist Kirk Bohls, who lives in Austin and has chronicled Texas football for decades. “I think Texas might even have a little bit of an edge there. This has to be ho-hum for the Bulldogs. They’re probably, like, ‘can we get this out of the way so we can move on to the playoffs?’ Whereas Texas is trying to make a statement first year in the league.”
That’s a lot to unpack, just as there is a lot to process about Saturday’s matchup. First, there is no actual guarantee that either team — but especially No. 5 Georgia — will have a place in the new 12-team playoff should it lose Saturday’s game. It’s reasonable to assume that both would be, based on the statements of CFP selection-committee chairman Warde Manuel and a preponderance of evidence laid out over the course of a grueling 14-week SEC season.
And Georgia coach Kirby Smart would take issue with the notion that either he nor the fanatical backers of the Bulldogs would be weary of playing in the SEC championship game. This is the fourth consecutive season in which UGA has played in Atlanta for the league title and seventh time overall. But it’s not like the Bulldogs have owned it or anything like that.
In fact, there is a history of heartbreak when it comes to their experience with this game. They’re 2-4 in it, including a three-point loss to Alabama last year that knocked Georgia out of what was then a four-team playoff.
“I’m an SEC enthusiast who believes an SEC title is a significant marker to the kind of season you have,” Smart said during the Thursday’s news conference, conducted via video conference call. “It also gets you a bye (in the playoff), which gives you an opportunity to rest while others play tough opponents. So, it removes you from having to do that and gives you an opportunity to rest.”
That Texas managed to make it to the SEC championship game in its first year as a member is a significant accomplishment on multiple fronts. It is, after all, something that Texas A&M has been unable to do despite being in the league for 13 years now.
What a delight it was for the Longhorns to have denied A&M that opportunity yet again. Texas defeated the Aggies, 17-7, in College Station on Saturday in a “ticket-punch” game that wasn’t as close as the final score would indicate. The Longhorns thoroughly dominated from buzzer to buzzer.
Texas has been fairly dominant in its first run through an SEC football schedule. Georgia, for one, could probably take issue with that schedule. It certainly didn’t compare with the one the Bulldogs had to navigate, judged at the end of the regular season to be the toughest in college football. Georgia’s two losses came on the road against top-12 opponents Alabama and Ole Miss. The Longhorns played neither one, each of which is still vying for a place in the playoff.
And, lest we forget, the only blemish on Texas’ worksheet is the one it suffered at the hands of this same bunch of Bulldogs. Once again, the Longhorns fully declared themselves “back” for that game Oct. 19 in Austin. They rolled out everything they had shooting off fireworks and conducting the most elaborate drones show ever produced at a college football that night at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
What they didn’t expect to see was a Georgia defense getting after quarterback Quinn Ewers and that slick Sarkisian offense to the tune of seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, countless QB hurries and 29 yards rushing on 27 attempts.
The Bulldogs didn’t exactly light it up on offense, either. Their 283 total yards was one of the lowest outputs of the season. That also became the second of three times this season that quarterback Carson Beck ended up throwing three interceptions in a game.
Still, Georgia’s superiority was evident throughout. The Bulldogs led 23-0 at halftime. Texas got back in it only after Georgia’s weird, unplanned squib kickoff to start the second half and some inexplicable officiating that resulted in an overturned call and the game being delayed by five minutes because angry fans hurled cans and bottles onto the field.
But when the Longhorns drew within a single score, 23-15, late in the third quarter, Beck orchestrated an 11-play, 89-yard touchdown that would secure victory for the Bulldogs.
And now they’re back. Texas is back and Georgia is back in Atlanta. This is actually what everyone expected. When SEC Football Media Days were held in Dallas in July in honor of the Longhorns and Oklahoma making their long-awaited debut in the SEC, the media predicted that it would be Texas and Georgia in the SEC championship game at season’s end. And here they are, the only difference being that the Longhorns own the No. 1 seed and the Bulldogs are No. 2.
On the line is that first-round bye and a whole bunch of bragging rights that Texas would like to carry back to Austin in those 10-gallon hats.
“When we were at media days in Dallas this summer, I asked (SEC commissioner) Greg Sankey a little bit of a tongue-in-cheek question,” Bohls recalled. “I said, ‘How long before Texas is running things?’ I was speaking to the Texas arrogance and bravado. I’m not sure if he appreciated the question very much, but that’s how Texas thinks of itself. ‘Yeah, we’re arrogant; why wouldn’t we be arrogant?’ ”
So perhaps that’s what is on the line Saturday. Georgia will enter as the Great Defender against arrogance and bravado for the Aggies and Oklahoma and Alabama and the rest of the league.
All of it creates a dramatic backdrop for Saturday’s game. In a year in which there has been much debate over the relevance of conference championship games, for one team at least, an SEC title couldn’t be more relevant.
Sarkisian can validate that. He participated in this game twice as an assistant coach at Alabama (2016 and ‘20). Now in his fourth year with the Longhorns, he knows well what winning this game would mean to his fan base.
“What the SEC does, what it puts into this game, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a tremendous venue, this is a fantastic game to be a part of,” Sarkisian said. “Clearly, we know we’re essentially going on the road for a game, playing Georgia in Atlanta. But I also know there’s ton of pride from Longhorn Nation in support our team, and I do anticipate a good amount of burnt orange in there.
“Tell me how much the ticket prices are, and I can tell you how many Longhorns are going to be there. If the prices keep going up, that means were buying tickets.”
Lower-level tickets were creeping up over $2,000 on Thursday, according to Ticketmaster.com. The record for SEC championship game attendance at The Benz was set last year when 78,320 turned out for Georgia-Alabama. If it’s up to Texas, there will be more Saturday.
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M football team signed 24 student-athletes during the early signing day period, head coach Mike Elko announced Wednesday morning.
Signees
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Cl-Exp
Hometown (High School)
Kiotti Armstrong
TE
6-6
254
Fr-HS
Jasper, Texas (Jasper)
Jamar Beal-Goines
DB
6-0
180
Fr-HS
Goodyear, Ariz. (Desert Edge)
Adonyss Currie
DB
6-2
175
Fr-HS
Lancaster, Calif. (Quartz Hill)
Marcus Garcia
OL
6-5
285
Fr-HS
Denton, Texas (Denton Ryan)
Brady Hart
QB
6-4
185
Fr-HS
Cocoa, Fla. (Cocoa)
Kelshaun Johnson
WR
5-11
165
Fr-HS
Hitchcock, Texas (Hitchcock)
Rashad Johnson Jr.
DB
6-2
190
Fr-HS
Bushnell, Fla. (South Sumter)
Marco Jones
DL
6-5
245
Fr-HS
Dublin, Calif. (San Ramon Valley)
Nelson McGuire
OL
6-5
315
Fr-HS
Dallas, Texas (Midlothian)
Noah Mikhail
LB
6-3
225
Fr-HS
La Verne, Calif. (Bonita)
Jamarion Morrow
RB
5-10
190
Fr-HS
Memphis, Tenn. (Melrose)
Joshua Moses
OL
6-3
325
Fr-HS
Houston, Texas
(Legacy the School of Sport Sciences)
Jerome Myles
WR
6-2
220
Fr-HS
Draper, Utah (Corner Canyon)
Jonte Newman
OL
6-5.5
300
Fr-HS
Cypress, Texas (Bridgeland)
TK Norman
WR
6-0
170
Fr-HS
Montgomery, Ala. (Carver)
Deyjhon Pettaway
DB
6-0
185
Fr-HS
Katy, Texas (Paetow)
Deondrae “Tiger” Riden Jr.
RB
5-11
198
Fr-HS
DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto)
Kelvion Riggins
LB
6-1
210
Fr-HS
Forney, Texas (Forney)
Landon Rink
DL
6-3
280
Fr-HS
Cypress, Texas (Cy-Fair)
Lamont Rogers
OL
6-6
330
Fr-HS
Mesquite, Texas (Horn)
DJ Sanders
DL
6-3
315
Fr-HS
Bellville, Texas (Bellville)
Cobey Sellers
DB
6-0
170
Fr-HS
Houston, Texas (Shadow Creek)
Chace Sims
DL
6-3
295
Fr-HS
Houston, Texas (Randle)
Tyler Thomas
OL
6-4
330
Fr-HS
Dickinson, Texas (Dickinson)
Position Breakdown
DB – 5
DL – 4
LB – 2
OL – 6
QB – 1
RB – 2
TE – 1
WR – 3
By State Breakdown
Alabama – 1
Arizona – 1
California – 3
Florida – 2
Tennessee – 1
Texas – 15
Utah – 1
Kiotti Armstrong
TE • 6-6 • 254
Jasper, Texas (Jasper HS)
Coached by Kendrick Crumedy at Jasper High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 5 TE in Nation, No. 20 in Texas, No. 84 in Nation
Rivals: 4 star, No. 12 TE in Nation, No. 33 in Texas
ESPN: 4 star, No. 6 TE in Nation, No. 25 in Texas, No. 160 in Nation
High School: A consensus 4-star recruit by all three major outlets (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN) … Ranked No. 160 in the ESPN 300 … Coached by Kendrick Crumedy at Jasper High School … 2024 Navy All-American Bowl selection … Made 68 catches for 1,026 yards and 18 touchdowns as a three-year varsity letterman for the Bulldogs … As a senior he had 36 catches for 683 yards and seven touchdowns … In 2023 he made 26 catches for 268 yards and nine touchdowns, while leading Jasper to a 9-5 record and a UIL D-II state quarterfinal appearance … A multi-sport athlete that played varsity baseball, basketball and track & field.
Jamar Beal-Goines
DB • 6-0 • 180
Goodyear, Ariz. (Desert Edge HS)
Coached by Henri McArthur at Desert Edge High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 12 CB in Nation, No. 1 in Arizona, No. 93 in Nation
Rivals: 4 star, No. 25 CB in Nation, No. 2 in Arizona
ESPN: 4 star, No. 18 CB in Nation, No. 1 in Arizona, No. 161 in Nation
High School: Arguably one of the top recruits in Arizona and tabbed a 4-star by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … Ranked No. 161 in the ESPN 300 … Coached by Henri McArthur at Desert Edge High School … Totaled 1,223 all-purpose yards, while making 72 tackles, 22 pass breakups and four interceptions … As a junior he helped lead Desert Edge to an 11-3 record and an AIA 5A State Championship appearance … In 2022, he made 24 tackles, three blocked field goals and one interception … Also runs track boasting personal best times of 10.43 in the 100m, 21.41 in the 200m and 49.77 in the 400m.
Adonyss Currie
DB • 6-2 • 175
Lancaster, Calif. (Quartz Hill HS)
Coached by Russell Gordon at Quartz Hill High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 8 CB in Nation, No. 5 in California, No. 63 in Nation
Rivals: 4 star, No. 13 CB in Nation, No. 9 in California, No. 121 in Nation
ESPN: 4 star, No. 7 CB in Nation, No. 3 in California, No. 55 in Nation
High School: A consensus 4-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … Ranked No. 55 in ESPN 300 … Coached by Russell Gordon at Quartz Hill High School … 2024 Navy All-American Bowl and Polynesian Bowl selection … Played his junior and senior seasons at Quartz Hill High School where he was a two-way standout totaling 1,500-plus yards receiving and over 60 tackles, while scoring nearly 30 touchdowns … As a junior he made 47 catches for 865 yards and nine touchdowns, while registering 35 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and four interceptions to lead Quartz Hill to the CIF Division 11 state semifinals … Played his sophomore season at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif., and freshman year at Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita, Calif.
Marcus Garcia
OL • 6-5 • 285
Denton, Texas (Denton Ryan HS)
Coached by Dave Henigan and Sam Collins at Denton Ryan High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 26 OT in Nation, No. 29 in Texas
Rivals: 4 star, No. 13 OT in Nation, No. 14 in Texas, No. 101 in Nation
ESPN: 3 star, No. 39 OT in Nation, No. 57 in Texas
High School: A 4-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … Coached by Dave Henigan and Sam Collins at Denton Ryan High School … Was named a team captain prior to the 2024 season … Has helped lead Denton Ryan to a 12-1 record and are in the quarterfinal round of the UIL 5A DI playoffs … As a junior, he was named an All-Area Offensive Lineman and 3-5A Second Team All-District … Totaled 42 pancakes, while not allowing a sack as he helped lead the Raiders to a Bi-District title in 2023 … A dual-sport athlete that was a UIL state qualifier in the discus as a junior, as well as an AAU National Champion and USATF National Champion in 2023 … Was an active member in the Denton Ryan orchestra and jazz band as a bass guitarist … Cousin Josh Jacobs was a running back at Alabama and was the 24th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
Brady Hart
QB • 6-4 • 185
Cocoa, Fla. (Cocoa HS)
Coached by Ryan Schneider at Cocoa High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 22 QB in Nation, No. 36 in Florida
Rivals: 4 star, No. 10 QB in Nation, No. 25 in Florida, No. 117 in Nation
ESPN: 4 star, No. 12 QB in Nation, No. 19 in Florida, No. 134 in Nation
High School: A consensus 4-star recruit by all three major recruiting outlets (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN) … Ranked No. 134 in ESPN 300 2025 class after reclassifying from the 2026 class … Coached by Ryan Schneider at Cocoa High School … Completed 509-of-757 for 7,476 yards and 78 touchdowns in his career for the Tigers … In 2024 he has led Cocoa to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the FHSAA 2A state semifinals, while passing 212-of-308 for 3,592 yards and 36 touchdowns … As a first-year starter in 2023 he completed 288-of-437 for 3,759 yards and 41 scores, while leading the Tigers to a 14-1 record and a FHSAA 2A state title … Father, Alex, was a pitcher at Florida (1999-2002) and was selected in the fifth round of the 2002 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Kelshaun Johnson
WR • 5-11 • 165
Hitchcock, Texas (Hitchcock HS)
Coached by Craig Smith at Hitchcock High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 15 WR in Nation, No. 24 in Texas, No. 112 in Nation
Rivals: 4 star, No. 35 WR in Nation, No. 25 in Texas
ESPN: 4 star, No. 8 ATH in Nation, No. 28 in Texas, No. 176 in Nation
High School: Earned a 4-star ranking by all three major recruiting outlets (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN) … Ranked No. 176 on the ESPN 300 … Coached by Craig Smith at Hitchcock High School … Played varsity all four seasons leading the Bulldogs to district titles in 2022 and 2024 … Earned First Team All-District honors each season … Multi-sport athlete that was a starter on the state champion basketball team and school-record holder in the 100m at 10.49.
Rashad Johnson Jr.
DB • 6-2 • 190
Bushnell, Fla. (South Sumter HS)
Coached by Franklyn Lawrence at South Sumter High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 5 S in Nation, No. 12 in Florida, No. 74 in Nation
Rivals: 4 star, No. 24 S in Nation, No. 48 in Florida
ESPN: 3 star, No. 39 S in Nation, No. 67 in Florida
High School: Rated a 4-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … Coached by Franklyn Lawrence at South Sumter High School … Four-year varsity two-way standout that totaled 886 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding 186 tackles, nine interceptions, 16 passes defended and three blocked field goals in his career … As a senior he made 63 tackles, including 24 solo takedowns and five interceptions … Helped lead South Sumter to the FHSAA 2 S Regional Finals in back-to-back season in 2023 and 2022 … Also competes in track & field with personal best marks of 11.13 in the 100m and 22-5.25 in the long jump.
Marco Jones
DL • 6-5 • 245
Dublin, Calif. (San Ramon Valley HS)
Coached by Aaron Becker at San Ramon Valley High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 12 EDGE, No. 10 in California, No. 137 in Nation
Rivals: 4 star, No. 23 OLB, No. 25 in California
ESPN: 4 star, No. 20 DE, No. 18 in California, No. 193 in Nation
High School: A consensus 4-star prospect by all three major recruiting networks (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN … Ranked No. 193 in ESPN 300 … Coached by Aaron Becker at San Ramon Valley High School … 2024 Navy All-American Bowl selection … Totaled nearly 425 tackles, including 214 solo takedowns, 53.0 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, while adding seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and six interceptions in his career … Was named Cal-Hi State Junior of the Year in 2023 after making 166 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles … Helped lead San Ramon Valley to a CIF state title as a sophomore … A multi-sport athlete that also played basketball and baseball.
Nelson McGuire
OL • 6-5 • 315
Dallas, Texas (Midlothian HS)
Coached by Doug Wendel at Midlothian High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 8 IOL in Nation, No. 26 in Texas, No. 139 in Nation
Rivals: 3 star, N/A
ESPN: 3 star, No. 40 OG in Nation, No. 125 in Texas
High School: Rated a 4-star and the No. 8 interior offensive lineman by 247Sports … Coached by Doug Wendel at Midlothian High School … Helped pave the way for a Panther offense that averaged 264.4 rushing yards per game in 2024 before finishing 10-3 that included a regional UIL 5A DI playoff appearance … As a junior he battled in the trenches as his team finished with an 8-3 record, including a 7-1 mark in district action before finishing the season in the playoffs in the bi-district round … Also competed in track & field with a personal best 41-11 mark in the shot put.
Noah Mikhail
LB • 6-3 • 225
La Verne, Calif. (Bonita HS)
Coached by Bo Beatty and Steve Bogan at Bonita High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 7 LB in Nation, No. 8 in California, No. 101 in Nation
Rivals: 4 star, No. 5 ILB in Nation, No. 10 in California, No. 136 in Nation
ESPN: 4 star, No. 6 OLB in Nation, No. 4 in California, No. 64 in Nation
High School: Rated a 4-star prospect by all three major recruiting outlets (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN) … Ranked No. 64 in the ESPN 300 … Coached by Bo Beatty and Steve Bogan at Bonita High School … 2024 Navy All-American and Polynesian Bowl selection … Three-time Max Preps All-American, two-time All-CIF and two-time CIF League Defensive MVP … Was a two-way standout that totaled 446 tackles, including 54.0 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks, five interceptions, while adding over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 29 touchdowns in his career … Earned the Palomares League Outstanding Senior Award and was a four-time varsity scholar athlete.
Jamarion Morrow
RB • 5-10 • 190
Memphis, Tenn. (Melrose HS)
Coached by Jarrett Morrow and Gerald Morrow at Melrose High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 13 ATH in Nation, No. 9 in Tennessee
Rivals: 4 star, No. 5 ATH in Nation, No. 4 in Tennessee
ESPN: 3 star, No. 29 ATH in Nation, No. 15 in Tennessee
High School: Rated a 4-star by 247Sports and Rivals … Coached by his father Jarrett Morrow at Melrose High School … As he senior he has played running back, wide receiver and quarterback, while helping lead the Wildcats to 12-3 record, an undefeated district title and Melrose’s first TSSAA 4A state title game appearance since 1998 … In 2023 he played at Germantown High School where he was a two-way player that accounted for 1,212 all-purpose yards and 12 scores, while adding 24 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and four interceptions.
Joshua Moses
OL • 6-3 • 325
Houston, Texas (Legacy the School of Sport Sciences)
Coached by Trey Hopkins at Legacy the School of Sport Sciences
247Sports: 3 star, No. 88 IOL in Nation, No. 187 in Texas
Rivals: 3 star, No. 27 OG in Nation, No. 78 in Texas
ESPN: 3 star, No. 58 OG in Nation, No. 162 in Texas
High School: Rated a 3-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … Coached by Trey Hopkins at Legacy the School of Sport Sciences … Was named a finalist for the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Super Team in 2024 … Helped lead the Titans to a 7-4 record in 2024 and an 8-1 mark in 2023 … Also competes in track & field with personal best marks of 117-10 in the discus and 39-11 in the shot put.
Jerome Myles
WR • 6-2 • 200
Draper, Utah (Corner Canyon HS)
Coached by Eric Kjar at Corner Canyon High School
247Sports: 5 star, No. 5 WR in Nation, No. 1 in Utah, No. 23 in Nation
Rivals: 4 star, No. 4 WR in Nation, No. 1 in Utah, No. 32 in Nation
ESPN: 4 star, No. 6 WR in Nation, No. 1 in Utah, No. 33 in Nation
High School: Tabbed a 5-star by 247Sports, while Rivals and ESPN listed him as a 4-star recruit … Ranked No. 33 in ESPN 300 … 2024 Navy All-American Bowl and Polynesian Bowl selection … Coached by Eric Kjar at Corner Canyon High School … Totaled 28 catches for 732 yards and 10 touchdowns in two seasons as a Charger … Played the 2022 season at West Jordan High School where he caught 34 passes for 699 yards and eight touchdowns … Also runs track and won the 100m and 200m state title as a junior, while his 100m time of 10.36 broke a 43-year old Utah record.
Jonte Newman
OL • 6-5.5 • 300
Cypress, Texas (Bridgeland)
Coached by Lonnie Madison at Bridgeland High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 23 IOL in Nation, No. 43 in Texas
Rivals: 4 star, No. 32 OT in Nation, No. 44 in Texas
ESPN: 3 star, No. 52 OT in Nation, No. 74 in Texas
High School: A 4-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals … Coached by Lonnie Madison at Bridgeland High School … Earned First Team All-District 16-6A honors as a sophomore, junior and senior, while helping lead Bridgeland to district titles each season … Has helped pave the way as the Bears have averaged nearly 225 yards rushing per game with a 12-1 record and are in the quarterfinal round of the UIL 6A DI playoffs … As a junior, he helped lead Bridgeland to a 9-2 record, including an undefeated 7-0 mark in district play as the offense averaged 400 total yards per game.
TK Norman
WR • 6-0 • 170
Montgomery, Ala. (Carver HS)
Coached by Bobby Carr at Carver High School
247Sports: 3 star, No. 56 WR in Nation, No. 21 in Alabama
Rivals: 3 star, No. 88 WR in Nation, No. 34 in Alabama
ESPN: 3 star, No. 82 WR in Nation, No. 26 in Alabama
High School: Tabbed a 3-star wide receiver by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … Coached by Bobby Carr at Carver High School … Amassed 75 catches for 1,365 yards and 16 touchdowns as a two-year starter … As a senior he averaged 20.3 yards per catch, while finishing the season with 31 catches for 629 yards and six touchdowns … Helped lead Carver to a 7-4 record and an AHSAA 6A playoff appearance in 2023 after finishing with 44 catches for 736 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior … Dual-sport athlete that competes in track & field with a personal best long jump of 22-6.
Deyjhon Pettaway
DB • 6-0 • 185
Katy, Texas (Paetow HS)
Coached by David Hicks at Paetow High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 24 S in Nation, No. 34 in Texas
Rivals: 4 star, No. 33 CB in Nation, No. 45 in Texas
ESPN: 4 star, No. 16 CB in Nation, No. 20 in Texas, No. 131 in Nation
High School: Tabbed a 4-star prospect by all three major recruiting outlets (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN) … Ranked No. 131 in the ESPN 300 … Coached by David Hicks at Paetow High School … Was named to the 2024 Touchdown Club of Houston Preseason Team after registering 80 tackles, four pass breakups and one interception to garner District 19-6A First Team honors as a junior … As a sophomore he made 26 tackles, including 1.0 tackle for loss, one interception and one fumble recovery … Helped lead Paetow to a state championship in 2021 … Dual-sport athlete running track boasting a personal best 10.59 in the 100m and 21.86 in the 200m, while qualifying as an area and regional finalist in the 100m and as a member of the 4x200m … Earned the Academic Excellence Award and is an A/B Honor Roll student … Brother Daymion Sanford is a sophomore linebacker for the Aggies.
Deondrae “Tiger” Riden Jr.
RB • 5-11 • 198
Desoto, Texas (DeSoto HS)
Coached by Claude Mathis at DeSoto High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 28 RB in Nation, No. 55 in Texas
Rivals: 4 star, No. 15 RB in Nation, No. 29 in Texas
ESPN: 4 star, No. 25 RB in Nation, No. 43 in Texas
High School: Rated a 4-star running back by all three major recruiting outlets (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN) … Coached by Claude Mathis at Desoto High School … He owns DeSoto’s career rushing record with 4,250-plus yards and has scored nearly 60 rushing touchdowns in four seasons … As a senior he’s ran for 1,880 yards on 234 carries and 27 touchdowns, while leading the Eagles to an 11-2 record and are currently in the quarterfinals of the UIL 6A DII playoffs … Despite missing six games after an injury in the 2023 season opener, he ran for 1,044 yards on 139 carries and 12 touchdowns to help lead DeSoto to its second consecutive UIL 6A DII state championship and a perfect 16-0 record … As a sophomore he was named the District 11-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year after he rushed for 1,339 yards on 194 carries and 18 scores to guide the Eagles to a 14-2 record and DeSoto’s first state title since 2016.
Kelvion Riggins
LB • 6-1 • 210
Forney, Texas (Forney HS)
Coached by Jeff Fleener at Forney High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 44 LB in Nation, No. 51 in Texas
Rivals: 4 star, No. 12 ILB in Nation, No. 36 in Texas
ESPN: 4 star, No. 3 ILB in Nation, No. 31 in Texas
High School: A consensus 4-star recruit by all three major outlets (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN) … Ranked No. 197 in the ESPN 300 … Coached by Jeff Fleener at Forney High School … Played his junior and senior seasons at Forney High School where he totaled 172 tackles, including 83 solo takedowns, 14.0 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks, while adding 21 quarterback hurries … Helped lead Forney to a 5A DI state semifinalist appearance after earning 7-5A Second Team All-District honors in 2023 … Played his sophomore and freshman seasons at Dallas South Oak Cliff winning back-to-back UIL 5A DII state titles and was a 6-5A First Team All-District selection in 2022.
Landon Rink
DL • 6-3 • 280
Cypress, Texas (Cy-Fair HS)
Coached by Jeff Miller at Cy-Fair High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 24 DL in Nation, No. 31 in Texas
Rivals: 4 star, No. 12 DT in Nation, No. 26 in Texas
ESPN: 4 star, No. 11 DT in Nation, No. 24 in Texas, No. 155 in Nation
High School: Tabbed a 4-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … Ranked No. 155 in the ESPN 300 … Coached by Jeff Miller at Cy-Fair High School … Totaled 255 tackles, including 86.5 tackles for loss and 34.0 sacks, while adding 80 quarterback hurries in four seasons for the Bobcats … Was named the 17-6A District Defensive MVP after finishing his junior season with 70 tackles and 15.0 sacks … Helped lead Cy-Fair to back-to-back undefeated 17-6A district titles as a sophomore and junior, before finishing the 2023 season at 11-2 with a UIL 6A DI Regional playoff appearance … Also competes in track & field with a personal best 47-2 in the shot put and 140-11 in the discus … Father, Shane Rink, was a defensive lineman at Texas from 1991-95.
Lamont Rogers
OL • 6-6 • 330
Mesquite, Texas (Horn HS)
Coached by Courtney Allen at Horn High School
247Sports: 5 star, No. 5 OT in Nation, No. 9 in Texas, No. 26 in Nation
Rivals: 4 star, No. 12 OT in Nation, No. 11 in Texas, No. 76 in Nation
ESPN: 4 star, No. 7 OT in Nation, No. 7 in Texas, No. 24 in Nation
High School: A 5-star recruit by 247Sports and a 4-star prospect by Rivals and ESPN … Ranked No. 24 in the ESPN 300 … 2024 Navy All-American Bowl selection … Coached by Courtney Allen at Horn High School … Earned first team all-district honors as a senior, junior and sophomore … As a sophomore he helped pave the way for the Jaguars to an 8-3 record and a UIL 6A DI playoff appearance … A multi-sport athlete that also played basketball and soccer.
DJ Sanders
DL • 6-3 • 315
Bellville, Texas (Bellville HS)
Coached by Keith Reineke at Bellville High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 11 DL in Nation, No. 14 in Texas, No. 62 in Nation
Rivals: 4 star, No. 11 DT in Nation, No. 19 in Texas, No. 166 in Nation
ESPN: 4 star, No. 7 DT in Nation, No. 18 in Texas, No. 110 in Nation
High School: A consensus 4-star recruit by all three major outlets (247Sports, Rivals, ESPN) … Ranked No. 110 in the ESPN 300 … Coached by Keith Reineke at Bellville High School … 2024 Navy All-American Bowl selection … Has totaled over 304 tackles, including 88 solo takedowns, 42.5 tackles for loss, 36.5 sacks, while adding 51 quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in four seasons for the Brahmas … As a junior he totaled 115 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 15 sacks to earn Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Super Team recognition … Won district 10-4A Defensive MVP honors as a sophomore and was named district 12-4A Defensive Newcomer of the year as a freshman … Helped lead Bellville to a district title all four seasons, including a runner-up finish in the UIL 4A DII state playoffs with a 15-1 record … Cousin is Emmanuel Sanders who played at SMU (2005-09) and played 12 seasons in the NFL where he was a Super Bowl L champion and two-time Pro Bowler with the Denver Broncos.
Cobey Sellers
DB • 6-0 • 170
Houston, Texas (Shadow Creek HS)
Coached by Tyrone Green at Shadow Creek High School
247Sports: 4 star, No. 26 CB in Nation, No. 30 in Texas
Rivals: 4 star, No. 43 CB in Nation, No. 55 in Texas
ESPN: 4 star, No. 19 CB in Nation, No. 26 In Texas, No. 166 in Nation
High School: Rated a 4-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … Ranked No. 166 in ESPN 300 … Coached by Tyrone Green at Shadow Creek High School … Helped lead Shadow Creek High School to consecutive district titles in 2023 and 2024, after playing his sophomore season at Fort Bend Christian Academy winning a TAPPS DII state title in 2022 … Made 15 tackles, including 11 solo takedowns, while adding two interceptions, two passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery to help lead the Sharks to an undefeated District 22-6A title as a senior … Was a two-way star as a junior completing 58-of-82 passes for 956 yards, 17 touchdowns, while making 12 tackles and one forced fumble on defense … Dual-sport athlete that competes in track & field with a personal best 21.60 in the 200m.
Chace Sims
DL • 6-3 • 295
Houston, Texas (Randle HS)
Coached by Brian Randle at Randle High School
247Sports: 3 star, No. 94 DL in Nation, No. 124 in Texas
Rivals: 3 star, N/A
ESPN: 3 star, No. 88 DT in Nation, No. 159 in Texas
High School: Tabbed a 3-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … Coached by Brian Randle at Randle High School … Was a three-year varsity letterman earning First Team All-District honors each season … As a senior he’s played a crucial part in the Lions path to an undefeated district title, including a 13-0 record and a quarterfinal appearance in the UIL 5A DII playoffs … In 2023 he made 86 tackles, 18.0 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks, as well as 11 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles to help lead Randle to an 11-2 record and UIL 5A DII Regional appearance … Also excels in track & field competing in shot put with a personal best toss of 47-3.
Tyler Thomas
OL • 6-4 • 330
Dickinson, Texas (Dickinson HS)
Coached by John Snelson at Dickinson High School
247Sports: 3 star, No. 46 IOL in Nation, No. 91 in Texas
Rivals: 3 star, No. 57 OT in Nation, No. 96 in Texas
ESPN: 3 star, No. 48 OG in Nation, No. 149 in Texas
High School: Rated a 3-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … Coached by John Snelson at Dickinson High School … Three-year varsity letterman and helped lead the Gators to the UIL 6A D1 playoffs each season … Was named a finalist for the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Houston … As a senior he helped pave the way for a 1,500-plus yard rusher as Dickinson averaged 250.7 rushing yards per game … In 2023, he helped lead Dickinson to a 24-6A district title with an undefeated 6-0 record in league play before finishing the season at 9-2 after losing in the Bi-District round of the playoffs … Also competed in track & field as a sophomore finishing with a season-best shot put of 40-11.5.
If Joey McGuire has become known for anything in his first three years as Texas Tech football coach, it’s his effervescent personality and how it’s benefited the Red Raiders on the recruiting front.
McGuire signed top-30 recruiting classes in each of the past two years. The 247Sports’ composite index ranked Texas Tech’s haul No. 28 in the nation and No. 4 in the Big 12 for the class of 2023 and No. 25 in the country and No. 1 among continuing Big 12 teams for the class of 2024.
It’s the best a Tech staff has fared in back-to-back years since 2011 and 2012.
The bad news: Even with the Red Raiders at 8-4, their best regular-season record in 15 years, they’re likely to finish outside the top 30 this year. Part of that’s because of a relatively small class by necessity.
Related:Five players Texas Tech football is targeting for national signing day
More:Texas Tech football transfer portal tracker: Who’s in, who’s out for Red Raiders in winter window?
As of late Monday, the Avalanche-Journal projected Tech to be 18 players over the anticipated 105-man roster limit for 2025, assuming terms of the House v. NCAA court case settlement are approved in April. That’s taking into account 93 players with eligibility remaining, four seniors who could return on medical hardship waivers, 16 commitments from high-school recruits and McGuire’s plan to add 10 from the NCAA transfer portal that opens next week.
The Red Raiders’ high-school pledges can sign starting Wednesday. McGuire said last week the class could grow to 18 if the right players say yes.
Here’s how recruiting services rank the Texas Tech football class
247Sports: No. 54 in the nation, No. 11 in the Big 12
On3: No. 42 in the nation, No. 6 in the Big 12
Rivals: No. 63 in the nation, No. 14 in the Big 12
ESPN (only 50 teams ranked): Not among top 50 in the nation, not among top eight in the Big 12
Here’s how recruiting services rank Texas Tech football commitments
∎ Lloyd Jones III, 6-4, 210, QB, Hitchcock: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 54 in Texas, No. 402 in nation
∎ Tristian Gentry, 6-0, 165, WR, Stephenville: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 46 in Texas, No. 322 in nation
∎ Leyton Stone, 6-2, 170, WR, Frenship: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 94 in Texas, No. 668 in nation
∎ Michael Dever, 6-2, 175, WR, Lubbock-Cooper: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 57 in Texas, No. 406 in nation
∎ Bryson Jones, 6-2, 175, WR, Frisco Lone Star: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 53 in Texas, No. 396 in nation
∎ Preztynn Harrison, 6-5, 214, WR-TE, Mineral Wells: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 76 in Texas, No. 549 in nation
∎ Danilo Guberinich, 6-5, 280, OL, Detroit (Mich.) Catholic Central: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 27 in Michigan, No. 1,341 in nation
∎ Patrick McMath, 6-4, 255, OL, Katy: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 199 in Texas, No. 1,319 in nation
∎ Garin Maley, 6-5, 250, OL, Papillion-La Vista, Neb.: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 10 in Nebraska, No. 1,312 in nation
∎ Elias Gillen, 6-5, 295, OL, Rapid City (S.D.) Stevens: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 2 in South Dakota, No. 1,053 in nation
∎ Ren Brown, 6-6, 270, OL, Stanton, Neb.: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 12 in Nebraska, No. 1,512 in nation
∎ Dylan Singleton, 6-4, 280, DT, Loreauville, La.: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 41 in Louisiana, No. 1,425 in nation
∎ Brock Golwas, 6-1, 215, ILB, Flower Mound Marcus: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 110 in Texas, No. 735 in nation
∎ Michael Henderson III, 5-9, 185, DB, Wylie East: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 189 in Texas, No. 1,238 in nation
∎ Deante Lindsey, 6-1, 165, DB, Ada, Okla.: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 15 in Oklahoma, No. 899 in nation
∎ Braylan McDonald, 5-11, 185, DB, Lancaster: 247Sports composite rankings: No. 216 in Texas, No. 1,425 in nation
More:Texas Tech football OC Zach Kittley named new head coach at FAU
More:Micah Hudson reportedly set to leave Texas Tech football team, enter transfer portal
Four East Texas A&M University football players were named to the All-Southland Conference Football Team.
Heading the list for the Lions was linebacker Brandon Tucker, Jr., who is a 5-10, 225-pound sophomore from DeSoto.
Tucker earned the Southland’s Defensive Player of the Year award after setting a school record with 141 tackles this season. He led the conference in tackles for a loss with 15. He also forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles.
Tucker, also named to the first-team defense, is one of 35 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award given to the top defensive player in FCS.
Lion defensive back Max Epps, who is a 5-11, 182-pound senior from Spring Dekaney, also earned first-team honors for the second straight season.
Epps, who has earned all-America honors in the past, recorded 76 tackles, intercepted two passes, broke up seven passes, forced one fumble and recovered one fumble.
ETAMU wide receiver Christian Jourdain, a 6-0, 175-pound senior from New Orleans, made the second-team offense. He led the Lion receivers with 51 catches for 683 yards and six touchdowns.
ETAMU defense back Jaden Rios, a 6-0, 172-pound junior from Frisco Lone Star, made the second defense. Rios recorded 30 tackles, intercepted three passes and broke up six passes for the 3-8 Lions, who won two of their last three games.
Incarnate Word quarterback Zach Calzada, who has passed for 3,351 yards and 33 TDs, earned the conference’s Player of the Year award after leading the 10-2 Cardinals to the conference championship and a playoff berth.
All-Southland Conference
Football Team
Player of the Year — Zach Calzada, Incarnate Word
Offensive Player of the Year — Jalen Walthall, Incarnate Word
Defensive Player of the Year — Brandon Tucker, East Texas A&M
Offensive Lineman of the Year‚ Evan Roussel, Nicholls
Newcomer of the Year — Sam Vidlak, Stephen F. Austin
Freshman of the Year — Miequle Brock, Nicholls
Coach of the Year — Clint Killough, Incarnate Word
Caleb Rogers had plenty of opportunities to leave the Texas Tech football team, and few would’ve blamed him if he did.
A member of Matt Wells’ 2020 recruiting class, Rogers and his roommate of five years, running back Tahj Brooks, are the only remaining members of the class still in a Red Raiders uniform among the scholarship signees. A few walk-ons, such as Trent Low and Joseph Plunk, also remain. But of the 16 players that Wells and co. signed, Rogers and Brooks are all that’s left.
Everybody else has either transferred elsewhere — in some cases, multiple elsewheres — or begun their professional careers. Rogers knows where every one of them is, like Kobee Minor, who’s wrapping up his career at Memphis. Myles Price being part of the resurgence at Indiana. Ja’lynn Polk, who turned a stellar move to Washington into being a second-round NFL Draft pick this past April. Jon-Jon Davis medically retired from playing and is ascending up the coaching ranks.
More:Texas Tech football can still make the Big 12 championship game. Here are the scenarios
Rogers said Tuesday the 2020 recruits all keep in touch through group text. They call their collective “The Family” and try to get together around New Year’s to reconnect.
“Every last one of us changed so much when we got here,” Rogers said. “We all lived over in the Overton villages together. We were all together all the time. It was incredible, and that we all have love for each other and we all support each other to this day.”
For Rogers, seeing the majority of his recruiting class depart made sense. They all signed under Wells and some didn’t want to make the transition to Joey McGuire as the new head coach. Rogers considered joining them in the transfer portal, but looked at the big picture instead.
“I made a 50-year decision instead of a five-year decision,” Rogers said, later adding, “My goal when I can here was to leave knowing that I left a big impact, and I felt like I still had a little bit left to do here.”
Rogers said he wants to eventually succeed McGuire as Texas Tech’s head coach, using the knowledge McGuire has instilled in him to do so. That’s a process that will come after what Rogers hopes is a lengthy stay in the NFL himself, and staying connected with the same university and support system went a long way in that decision.
It’s something Jalin Conyers and CJ Baskerville have come to realize in their time in Lubbock. Conyers wanted to be a Red Raider from Day 1, but circumstances led him to Oklahoma, then Arizona State before finally returning home.
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“I’ll probably always, honestly, I wish I came to Tech first,” Conyers said. He added that being at OU and Arizona State gave him a sense of what being a leader is all about. Arriving earlier this year, Conyers realized he wasn’t the leader he thought he was at Arizona State, an experience he felt he needed to have.
“I learned a lot of valuable lessons,” Conyers said, “and I’m thankful that i got to spend my last year here, because it honestly has been the most enjoyable.”
Like Conyers, Baskerville returned to his home state to conclude his college career. The Dallas-area native called his overall experience at Texas Tech transformational.
Rogers, Conyers and Baskerville will be among the group of Red Raiders honored for Senior Day before Saturday’s regular-season finale against West Virginia. Each said their emotions are already starting to hit. While they all had different experiences and timeframes in Lubbock, the trio all agreed they made the right decisions to wind up at Texas Tech.
“I know I was only here for two years, but Texas Tech changed my life,” Baskerville said. “Texas Tech allowed me to come back home and play in front of friends and family, which I’ve always dreamed of doing, and I’ve met the best people here, people that I’ll cherish forever in my life.
“Every morning I wake up, I think about how it’s gonna be my last time playing in the Jones (AT&T Stadium), I get a little emotional. And on Saturday, I’m definitely going to feel some type of way about it, but I’m definitely going to put it out on the field of how important and how passionate I feel about this place.”
WASHINGTON — WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump headed to Brownsville, Texas, on Tuesday to watch one of Elon Musk ’s companies test its Starship rocket, the latest sign of a deepening bond between the president-elect and the world’s richest man.
Ever since Musk began camping out at Mar-a-Lago after the election, there’s been speculation over when Trump would grow tired of having him hanging around and giving him advice on running the country.
But Tuesday’s outing was a remarkable display of intimacy between the two, one with implications for American politics, the U.S. government, foreign policy and even the possibility of humans reaching Mars.
Musk spent around $200 million to help Trump beat Democrat Kamala Harris in the presidential race, and he’s been given unparalleled access. He’s counseled Trump on nominees for the new administration, joined the president-elect’s phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and been tapped to co-chair an advisory panel on cutting the size of the federal bureaucracy.
Musk could benefit personally as well. SpaceX, his rocket company, has billions of dollars in government contracts and the goal of eventually starting a colony on Mars. He’s also CEO of Tesla, which manufactures electric vehicles, and has battled with regulators over safety concerns involving autonomous driving.
“Trump has the biggest possible regard for people who break the rules and get away with it,” said William Galston, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank. “Musk has demonstrated extraordinary accomplishment in doing that.”
To top if off, Musk owns the social media company X, formally known as Twitter, which he has harnessed as an influential perch to promote Trump and his agenda.
“Stop the Swamp!” he wrote on Tuesday as he shared a warning that entrenched Washington interests are trying to undermine Trump before his inauguration.
Before the election, Musk rejected the idea that he was expecting any favors in return for supporting Trump in the presidential race.
“There is no quid pro quo,” he posted on X in September. “With a Trump administration, we can execute major government reform, remove bureaucratic paperwork that is smothering the country and unlock a new age of prosperity.”
However, Trump has not gone anywhere without Musk in the two weeks since beating Harris. Musk joined Trump at a meeting with House Republicans in Washington and sat next to him at an Ultimate Fighting Championship match in New York. The trip to Texas for the rocket launch will be Trump’s third time outside Florida since the election.
Much of Trump’s activity is happening with little public access for the press. Unlike his predecessors, he has opted against regularly making his travel plans or events open to journalists.
The relationship between Trump and Musk was not always so close.
Two years ago, Trump was mocking Musk in stump speeches and Musk was saying it was time for Trump to “hang up his hat & sail into the sunset.”
“Trump would be 82 at end of term, which is too old to be chief executive of anything, let alone the United States of America,” Musk wrote on social media.
But Musk swiftly endorsed Trump after the former president survived an assassination attempt in July. He quickly became a central figure in Trump’s orbit, appearing at times more like his running mate than Ohio Sen. JD Vance.
Trump started boasting about Musk’s accomplishments at campaign rallies, such as when Starship’s reusable rocket booster returned to the launch tower and was caught by mechanical arms.
“Those arms grab it like you grab your baby, just like you grab your little baby. And it hugged it and just put it down, and there it was,” Trump said.
Musk was with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort on election night and has spent much of the two weeks since there. Trump’s granddaughter Kai Trump posted a photo of her with Musk at one of Trump’s golf resorts, writing that Musk was “achieving uncle status.”
Last week, Musk appeared in a golden ballroom at Mar-a-Lago, seated in the center of the room as a guest of honor at an event. Trump, in his remarks at the black tie event, said Musk’s IQ is “about as high as they can get” and praised him as “a really good guy.”
“He launched a rocket three weeks ago and then he went to Pennsylvania to campaign because he considered this more important than launching rockets that cost billions of dollars,” Trump said.
He joked about Musk’s constant presence at Mar-a-Lago, saying, “He likes this place. I can’t get him out of here.”
He added, “And you know what, I like having him here.”
Musk was so heralded by Trump’s crowd that he was invited to speak on stage at the event after Trump, in which he spoke of the president-elect’s victory like he was his running mate.
“The public has given us a mandate that could not be more clear,” Musk said of the election results.
