The college football recruiting landscape is buzzing with excitement as programs across the nation make major moves to secure their future stars. This past weekend, all eyes were on Purdue, USC, and Texas State as they rolled out the red carpet for top prospects and celebrated landmark commitments. With the 2025 and 2026 recruiting cycles heating up, these schools are determined to leave a lasting impression on the nation’s brightest young talents.
In West Lafayette, Purdue football hosted a pivotal Big Ten opener against USC at Ross-Ade Stadium, but the on-field action was only part of the story. The Boilermakers orchestrated one of their biggest recruiting weekends in recent memory, drawing an impressive 54 visitors for the 3:30 p.m. kickoff. Among the attendees were seven verbal commits from Purdue’s 2026 class, as well as a slew of high-profile targets from the 2027, 2028, and even 2029 classes. It’s not every Saturday that a program can showcase its campus to such a deep pool of future stars.
The in-state pipeline was well represented, with defensive tackle Kobe Cherry and New Palestine offensive lineman Brock Brownfield leading the charge. They were joined by offensive lineman Rico Schreiber, defensive tackle Jamarcus Whyce, linebacker Brayden Sweeney, defensive end Aiden Solecki, and cornerback Emoni Smith—all of whom have pledged their intent to sign with the Boilermakers. These homegrown talents are the backbone of Purdue’s efforts to build a competitive roster for years to come.
But the Boilermakers weren’t just focused on their current commits. Brownsburg’s Branden Sharpe, who ranks second in Indiana through three games with 448 receiving yards, was a marquee visitor. Sharpe’s knack for big plays was on display last season when he hauled in the go-ahead touchdown to secure Brownsburg’s Class 6A state championship. His presence in West Lafayette signals Purdue’s intent to keep elite talent close to home.
Another Indiana state champion, Mason Oglesby of New Palestine, was among six tight ends with Purdue offers making the trip. The tight end group was particularly strong, featuring 2028 standout Jack McNamara from Brother Rice in Chicago. McNamara, ranked No. 4 nationally for tight ends by 247Sports, is already turning heads as one of the nation’s most coveted prospects. His high school teammate, Kameron McGee, is no slouch either—he’s the No. 2 edge rusher in the 2028 class and a top-10 overall recruit. Jayden Bell, the nation’s No. 3 edge rusher, also announced his plans to visit, adding even more star power to the weekend.
Purdue’s quarterback room got a look into the future as well, with class of 2028 signal-caller Chase Grove from North Central in Indianapolis making the trip. While only one quarterback was in attendance, the focus on other positions underscored the Boilermakers’ commitment to building depth across the board. The full list of visitors spanned offensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, and skill players from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas. The breadth of talent on campus was a testament to Purdue’s growing reputation on the recruiting trail.
Meanwhile, the USC Trojans are making waves of their own as they target one of the nation’s most versatile athletes. Gaige Weddle, a four-star recruit from the class of 2028, has emerged as a top priority for the Trojans. Ranked No. 20 nationally, No. 1 athlete, and No. 2 player from California by the Rivals Industry Ranking, Weddle is a true dual threat—playing both safety and quarterback. And if the name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the son of former NFL All-Pro Eric Weddle.
USC is set to host Weddle for a highly anticipated visit on October 11, 2025, when the Trojans face off against the Michigan Wolverines. That matchup is one of the most important on USC’s schedule, and the presence of Weddle and other recruits could make it a pivotal moment for the program’s future. Weddle has also scheduled visits with Utah (his father’s alma mater) on November 22 and BYU on November 29, ensuring a fierce recruiting battle is on the horizon.
USC defensive backs coach Doug Belk has taken the lead in Weddle’s recruitment, and his reputation as one of the nation’s top recruiters could prove decisive. Weddle’s first visit to USC in February 2025 left a strong impression. "This was my first visit to USC and first time to really meet the coaches and spend time with them," Weddle told On3. "With that being said, I thought the staff was really put together. Each coach spent time to talk to me, introduce themselves, and tell me a little about their school. The new facility was really exciting to see being built. That place will be awesome when done."
Weddle continued, "What really stood out was the culture and how the coaching staff is rebuilding this team. I liked their vision and direction of where they’re going. A big positive is knowing the scheme I run in high school is similar to theirs, which gives me confidence to come and compete right away if I decide to go here." USC’s new football facility, set to open in 2026, will be ready just in time for the class of 2028, adding another selling point for Weddle and other recruits considering the Trojans.
Not to be outdone, Texas State football made program history with a landmark commitment. On September 12, 2025, Lakeyleon Graves, a four-star athlete prospect for the 2026 recruiting class, announced his commitment to the Bobcats. Graves, who plays wide receiver and outside linebacker for Kilgore High School, is Texas State’s first-ever four-star recruit. He’s ranked 51st overall in Texas and 30th nationally as an athlete by 247Sports, and his junior year stats—761 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns—speak volumes about his playmaking ability.
Graves chose Texas State over offers from Houston, Missouri, and Wake Forest, signaling a major recruiting coup for head coach GJ Kinne and his staff. Since Kinne’s arrival, Texas State’s recruiting classes from 2023 to 2025 have all ranked within the top 100 nationally, a feat not achieved since 2017. The Bobcats’ recent invitation to join the Pac-12 conference and their back-to-back winning seasons in the Sun Belt, including their first bowl game appearance in 2023, have injected fresh momentum into the program.
The 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be Texas State’s best ever, with Graves joined by top recruits Cullen Thompson and Easton Webb. The class currently sits at No. 88 in the nation, surpassing the previous best of No. 89. The addition of general manager Justin Owens in the spring has further bolstered the Bobcats’ recruiting efforts, setting the stage for a new era in San Marcos.
As the recruiting calendar rolls on, all three programs—Purdue, USC, and Texas State—are staking their claims as destinations for the next generation of college football stars. Whether it’s hosting massive recruiting weekends, building relationships with elite prospects, or celebrating historic commitments, these schools are making headlines for all the right reasons. With so much talent in play, the road to National Signing Day promises plenty of twists and turns. For now, the race is on, and the future looks brighter than ever for fans eager to see their teams rise to new heights.
