Around the SEC: Recruiting News & Trends

Recruiting is always moving full steam ahead in the SEC, and as one might expect, things are not slowing down as the season grows near. Top prospects are making choices, and the SEC is loading up on top talents from near and far. Let’s not waste any more time and dive into the latest news, notes and headlines from across the SEC recruiting trails.

Big Gets

Demarcus Riddick‍ flips from UGA to Auburn

Headlines

Down to a few – St. Louis (MO) Christian Brothers wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan‍ recently named a top five of Missouri, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State and Oregon, while Troy (AL) Henderson 2025 edge defender Zion Grady‍ named a top ten of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, Florida State, Oregon, Michigan, Texas, Louisville and USC.

KJ Bolden‍’s decision around the corner – Five-star Buford (GA) S KJ Bolden has his eyes on an August 5 decision date with a top five of Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Auburn and Florida State. He took official visits to Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia and Florida State in June, and he has an October official visit scheduled to Auburn.

S Jaylen Heyward‍ decommits from Georgia – The Bulldogs saw the departure of one of their top defensive recruits when Heyward, of Rockledge (FL), re-opened his recruiting process. He originally committed to Georgia in January over the likes of Ohio State, Florida and Alabama. He has taken official visits to Miami and UCF, and those are a couple of programs to watch as he moves forward.

New Name to Know

OL Brysten Martinez‍, Gonzales (LA) East Ascension - 2026

The size is an eye-catcher. Martinez checks in at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, with plenty of room for growth on his big frame. He also brings a unique blend of flexibility and athleticism, and the tape shows a healthy mean streak to his game.

Not only is Martinez able to stay low and maintain leverage, but he generates power through his hips as he drives opponents off the ball. He shows quick feet in pass protection, and the ability to pick up blocks downfield. He prides himself on a dominant style of play, and he likes to study NFL great Trent Williams.

College coaches are beginning to take notice. Martinez camped at Florida State and LSU this summer, and the scholarship offers are beginning to arrive. Florida State was the first to offer in late April, and he added offers from Texas Tech and Grambling at the end of May.

Not only was he the first East Ascension freshman OL to start all 12 games on his way to honorable mention all-district honors, but he also competes in basketball and baseball. In fact, this spring, he was the first freshman to hit a home run out of East Ascension’s baseball stadium.

What’s up with the top

SEC five-star commits (according to TexAgs)
QB Dylan Raiola‍, Buford (GA) – Georgia
QB Julian Sayin‍, Carlsbad (CA) – Alabama
WR Cameron Coleman‍, Phenix City (AL) Central – Texas A&M
CB Jaylen Mbakwe‍, Pinson (AL) Clay-Chalkville - Alabama
CB Ellis Robinson IV‍, IMG Academy (FL)/New Haven (CT) - Georgia
ATH Mike Matthews‍, Lilburn (GA) Parkview – Tennessee

Other SEC-area five-stars (according to TexAgs)
WR Micah Hudson‍, Temple (TX) Lake Belton
WR Jeremiah Smith‍, Opa Locka (FL) Chaminade-Madonna – Ohio State
WR Ryan Wingo‍, St. Louis (MO) St. Louis University
DL Dominick McKinley‍, Lafayette (LA) Acadiana
DL David Stone‍, IMG Academy (FL)/Oklahoma City (OK)
DE Williams Nwaneri‍, Lee’s Summit (MO) Lee’s Summit North
DE Colin Simmons‍, Duncanville (TX)
LB Sammy Brown‍, Jefferson (GA) – Clemson
S KJ Bolden‍, Buford (GA)