The street to school soccer stardom is paved with strain, promise, and potential — and for 3 of the highest operating backs within the 2026 class, that street is narrowing as dedication selections loom. Hollywood’s personal all-purpose phenom, a Jackson, Alabama, bruiser with a reclassified timeline, and an East Texas star discovering readability in chaos — all face defining moments. Visits are mounting, whispers are rising louder, and selections are inching nearer. Within the more and more high-stakes sport of faculty soccer recruiting, momentum is every thing, and this summer season, the pendulum is swinging wildly between goals and locations.
Prime operating backs are nearing main dedication selections as powerhouse packages make closing pushes.
Chaminade-Madonna five-star leans Miami after visits to Auburn and others.
Ezavier Crowell stays a powerful Alabama lean forward of June 26 resolution.
KJ Edwards nonetheless doubtless headed to Texas regardless of visits to Alabama and LSU.
A South Florida Star, A Hometown Tug-of-Warfare
For the five-star again Derreck Cooper from Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Florida, the journey has by no means been brief on suitors. A current go to to Auburn added gas to an already blazing recruitment, nevertheless it’s Miami that will maintain the within observe. With journeys lined as much as Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, the panorama stays fluid — however South Florida roots run deep. The Hurricanes have lengthy been preventing to maintain elite expertise in-state, and with a surge of late curiosity and native momentum, they’re urgent each benefit to land Cooper.
The Buckeyes supply a well-recognized face in Jeremiah Smith, a Chaminade alum now thriving in Columbus. Georgia gives championship pedigree and consistency. Alabama by no means wants a lot of a pitch. However it’s the Hurricanes — the homegrown hope — who appear to be gaining probably the most traction. There’s an plain wave of perception that the speedster will keep residence, and whereas nothing’s closing, steam towards Coral Gables is plain.
Miami goal 4-Star RB Derrek Cooper scores a landing right here at Chaminade-Madonna’s follow and throws up The U pic.twitter.com/zSfhZNIZhk
— CaneSport Miami Hurricanes (@CaneSport) Could 7, 2025
Alabama’s Quiet Confidence in Crowell
Ezavier Crowell isn’t simply one other identify on the recruiting board — he’s the prize that Alabama appears to have by no means let go of. Initially a 2027 prospect, the highly effective runner from Jackson, Alabama reclassified to the 2026 class, and from the outset, the Crimson Tide have stood agency atop his listing.
Texas made waves with a powerful go to, and Auburn and Georgia stay within the image — pushing arduous, particularly with Crowell’s teammate, quarterback Landon Duckworth, additionally attracting consideration. However within the background, Alabama has maintained quiet management. They’ve achieved the groundwork, constructed the relationships, and positioned themselves because the logical and emotional favourite.
Crowell’s dedication date — June 26 — feels extra like a coronation than a toss-up. Regardless of the noise, nothing in current weeks has shifted the trajectory. Alabama’s lead stays sturdy, and their observe document of growing backs speaks volumes.
5-star RB Ezavier Crowell will take an official go to to #Georgia this weekend, he tells me. 🐶
Crowell ranks because the no. 32 participant and the no. 2 RB within the 2026 class. 👀
Crowell will announce his school resolution on June twenty sixth. pic.twitter.com/gYAm8j2H4H
— Dawg Recruiting (@DawggRecruiting) Could 27, 2025
Texas Holds Robust within the Edwards Chase
KJ Edwards’ recruitment is a chess match of technique and timing, and proper now, Texas holds probably the most highly effective items. The four-star from Carthage, Texas, was as soon as set to go to Baylor and SMU — however these stops have been swapped for Alabama and LSU, elevating eyebrows and expectations.
Nonetheless, the Longhorns seem unshaken. New operating backs coach Chad Scott has cultivated a powerful bond with Edwards, and that relationship is proving tough to prime. Texas A&M remains to be in pursuit, and the Tigers and Tide try late pushes, however Texas gives a compelling mixture of alternative, belief, and proximity.
In a recruitment panorama outlined by volatility, the Longhorns present a way of consistency — a spot the place Edwards can shine, develop, and keep near residence. Until one thing dramatic adjustments, this one looks like a sluggish stroll towards a burnt orange end.
KJ Edwards, No. 3 RB within the nation, from Carthage HS in Texas is ready for an OV to Alabama.
🗣️ “Bama produces operating backs, so it solely made sense.”
Extra on his recruitment/early tackle the Tide’s place.
STORY: https://t.co/NmQur7pknQ
pic.twitter.com/VTkIJc7oGU
— Andrew Bone (@AndrewJBone) Could 24, 2025
