By Kevin Lonnquist
NTX Varsity Sports Columnist
Their goal is to play on Sundays. But as fans, if you want to say to yourself, “I remember when I saw them when’’ then Fridays during the 2025 season is the time to do it.
The NTX Varsity Sports coverage area is well covered in Division I college football prospects. While the season enters into its second week, what no better way than to introduce you to several seniors – graduating class of 2026 – who are finishing brilliant careers and already know where they are going to play.
For those of you who know recruiting, you have a pretty good idea of how this side of the game works. For those of you who don’t, here’s a quick recruiting 101.
Typically, college coaches visit high schools during the NCAA contact periods to learn what players may have a chance to play at their level. These coaches also may discover the prospects through the film the players post on social media or send to them directly.
From there, evaluations turn into relationships, offers are extended, and consistent communication becomes the No. 1 factor why the recruit gives a verbal commitment to that program.
Verbal is the key word because they are non-binding agreements. Recruits can change their minds and flip commitments to someone else for a variety of reasons. They cannot sign a financial aid agreement until the early signing period of Dec. 3-5.
With that, here are the top players to watch. We can’t get to them all. But you should appreciate the depth of talent. The links to their profiles are courtesy of Rivals.
Kaydon Finley, Aledo, WR, Notre Dame: The son of former NFL tight end Jermichael Finley, Kaydon’s 6-2, 205-pound frame and athleticism, made him a national recruit. He picked the Irish in a final four that was also made up of Texas, Texas A&M and Arizona State. Finley committed on July 4.
John Turtine, North Crowley, OL, Texas: Another national recruit, who is considered the best interior offensive lineman in Texas. The Longhorns had always been considered the leaders going into the final months. He committed to them on July 4.
Rhett Gray, Weatherford, OL, Houston: He might have been a little off the radar for some. However, Gray gets his power conference opportunity with this Big 12 school. Gray actually flipped his commitment from TCU in early July to the Cougars in late July.
Aaron Bradshaw, North Crowley, S, Texas Tech: Length in the secondary matters. At 6-2, Bradshaw offers that in pass coverage and is a punishing tackler. He committed to the Red Raiders on April 18 and chose the South Plains over LSU and TCU to name a few.
Brandon Ford, Crowley, DB, Oklahoma State: A corner who can run and has excellent recovery speed. Ford has been part of the Eagles’ varsity team for four years. Like Gray, he also flipped his commitment. He committed to Kansas State in October of 2024 but switched to Oklahoma State July 6.
Jayden Flournoy, Burleson, DB, Boise State: Coached by former Dallas Cowboy Phil Tanner, Flournoy blossomed in 2024 in the secondary and return game. He collected five interceptions and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Flournoy committed to Boise State June 20 over Wake Forest and Colorado State.
Payton Williams, Aledo, OL UTSA; Carson Dempsey, Aledo, DE, Tulsa: These two garnered a lot of G5 program attention. The two made their commitments also in the summer. Dempsey on June 2. Williams on June 19.
Recruiting is a never-ending story. College coaches have long since been evaluating the current junior and sophomore classes to build those relationships, make projections and at some point, lock them in.
If you want an early glimpse of the junior class (2027) for the state of Texas, here’s the link from Rivals .
You will see some names from several of these programs listed.
Enjoy the journey with these budding stars and keep the memories.
