Competitors nationwide recruiting analysts Greg Smith Recruiting analysts nationwide Marshall LevensonInsideNDSports.com Tyler James and GoIowaAwesome.com Elliot Clough Address three topics and determine whether they believe each statement is fact or fiction.
1. Defensive backs are the most loaded position group in Indianapolis’ opponents’ training camp.
Levenson: Novel. I’ll make a basic point and support quarterbacks as the most loaded group in the league. Rival Training Camp Series Sunday in Indianapolis. The performance of this group over the weekend was much more impressive than I expected. What prompts me to give the signal caller the nod is the depth behind even the top five, six prospects. Not only are there top prospects like Tavion St. Clair, Nathan Bernhard, and Carson Boyd, but there are also some lower-ranked prospects like Emile Piccarella, Jake James, Taylor ·Travers and Jason Wright, both had impressive days.
Some 2026 prospects like Femi Babalola and Cole Bergeron are not yet ranked, but they are performing enough to attract college attention in the near future. The 2027 weapons really set this group apart. Jameson Purcell and Trae Taylor both hold Final Four offers, and they showed why on Sunday.
Smith: Fact. Indianapolis has a great defensive back group. Knoxville (Tenn.) Bearden four-star Chasten Smith is our MVP. At 6-foot-2, he has the length to give receivers trouble all day long. Our other two honorees, Kyndrick Williams and Rashaud Holland, could be potential future risers.
But there are a lot of other quality players in the defensive backfield on Sunday. Amari Sabb, Zyntreacs Otey, Terry Lee Jr., Serious Stinyard and Jussiah Williams-West all showed off their skills.
It’s impressive to see the talent at the position in Indianapolis from top to bottom.
*****
2. Iowa is poised to make a move with 2026 four-star Keenan Harris.
Clough: Fact. keenan Harris appreciates the rich history Iowa State has at the linebacker position. With Josh Jewell, Pat Angler, Jack Campbell and current stars in the secondary in Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson, the Hawkeyes have a lot to say about Harris’ role in A reference to the contribution you can make at the university level.
He will attend Iowa’s prospect camp on June 20 and visit after camp. Recruits who have received scholarships rarely attend training camp unless they have a strong interest in the program. As it stands, it seems likely that the Hawkeyes will land the No. 202 pick in the 2026 Rivals250.
Smith: Fiction. I’m very interested in Harris’ connection to the program. His high school teammate, Iowa tight end Zach Oatworth, just finished his freshman season in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes haven’t been recruiting him long, but they seem to have a good relationship with him Abdul Hodge who is his area recruiter.
However, even though Harris is a 2026 rookie, the Hawkeyes may be late to the draft. Oklahoma, Nebraska, Oregon and Missouri have long been trying to recruit him, and I suspect those programs will be the ones vying for the St. Louis native.
It could help the Hawkeyes if Harris arrives in Iowa City, so the program shouldn’t give up at this point.
Share your thoughts with Iowa fans at GOIOWAAWESOME.COM
*****
3. Notre Dame is dominated by Ben Nichols.
James: Fact. A lot could change in Ben Nichols’ recruitment, but it looks like Notre Dame is in the best position right now for the Davidson (Mich.) High School product. Nichols appeared in one game for Notre Dame last season, returned for spring practice in April after receiving an invitation from the Irish, and was scheduled to return to campus for training camp in June.
Michigan State, less than an hour away from home, may be Notre Dame’s top rival right now, but the Spartans appear beatable while still in rebuilding mode. Michigan State could emerge as a significant threat if the Wolverines decide to offer. This was the biggest reason I didn’t cast Notre Dame with Nichols on FutureCast ahead of time.
Michigan offensive line success Sherron Moore It might be hard to compete, but Notre Dame has a lot of recent success on the offensive line to fall back on no matter who coaches it. offensive line coach Joe Rudolph Nichols impressed early, so it’s fair to say Notre Dame dominated.
Smith: Fact. It was a solid performance for the Davidson (Mich.) High School standout that garnered college attention. Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Penn State, Tennessee, Kansas, Wisconsin, Indiana and Kentucky have all extended offers to Nichols since early April.
The Irish offered him gifts on their “Kettle of Gold Day” which was a special day for him. Nichols told me in Indianapolis that Notre Dame had always been his dream school.
Michigan will always be a threat to the in-state talent it pursues.
I’ll also be keeping an eye on Iowa State. He has a connection to the program thanks to his high school quarterback Brendan Sullivan, who transferred to the program. Nichols will visit the Hawkeyes this summer. But if I had to stop this early, I’d lean toward the Irish.
Share your thoughts with Notre Dame fans at INSIDENDSPORTS.COM
