Message Board Geniuses

Welcome welcome welcome. Congratulations to Ohio State, TCU, Michigan, and Georgia; it feels like the Playoff Committee got it right this year. To those in bowl games, enjoy one more chance to see your favorite squad before the long cold months of the offseason.

One thing we can all enjoy is the thrill and heartbreak of recruiting. And now that the transfer portal is officially open things will continue to get even more crazy (we’ll cover that tomorrow, don’t worry). Today we’ve got you covered on who’s committed and decommitted, who’s flipped, and the best of what our favorite Message Board Geniuses have to say. Pour another cup of coffee and let’s see who’s closing.

UCLA Lands Isaiah Carlson (2023 3 Star – #525 overall, #36 Running Back)

“There was no way I was leaving Westwood without committing.” Isaiah Carlson was the top uncommitted prospect from Washington but he is uncommitted no longer. The athlete played four or five positions at Ferndale but projects as a running back at the next level.

Running Backs Coach DeShaun Foster secured this win for the Bruins.

Top Recruit Samuel M’Pemba Joins the Dawgs (2023 5 Star – #30 overall, #4 Edge)

Out of IMG Academy and Bradenton, Florida, Samuel M’Pemba will be spending his college years in Athens, Georgia. Something of a tweener, M’Pemba played slot receiver and edge during high school but will focus primarily on the defensive side of the ball in college.

It’s good to see the Georgia Bulldogs finally win one.

M’Pemba has a size and speed combination that already has NFL Scouts looking and Message Board Geniuses drooling.

Deion Gets First Recruit for Colorado in Winston Watkins, Jr. (2025 5 Star – #13 overall, #4 Wide Receiver)

Took all of one day for the Deion Effect to kick in. “Deion Sanders!” Watkins said. “He is the GOAT and will always be. He’s an amazing coach and can develop me as a player and person.”

Fans are already excited about what’s next to come in the era of Deion.

According to one Colorado fan, people from Michigan and Texas are already jealous. Well maybe not the Michigan ones.

Jaren Hamilton Commits to the Crimson Tide (2023 4 Star – #258 overall, #31 Wide Receiver)

Jarren is from F. W. Buchholz High in Gainesville, Florida and gives Bama another top commit.

He’s got decent size but his speed has scouts excited. Mr. Hamilton competed nationally in the 100- and 200-yard dashes.

NCState Welcomes Kendrick Raphael (2023 4 Star – #397 overall, #27 Running Back)

Kendrick is the third highest ranked prospect for the Wolfpack. He’s out of Naples, Florida and NC State grabbed the running back over several in-state schools.

Wolfpack fans had been looking to the Portal for some running back help, specifically one Trevion Cooley, but this commitment may put a hold on that.

Marvin Burks, Jr. Flips from Ole Miss to Missouri (2023 4 Star – #316 Overall, #31 Safety)

Burks is a hometown kid from St. Louis, Missouri. He had committed to the Rebels in October but recruiting is all about the long game. Missouri was able to keep this one home.

Ole Miss fans seem to take it in stride.

Miami Flips Collins Acheampong from Michigan (2023 4 Star – #165 Overall, #9 Athlete)

From one U of M to another, Collins flipped his commitment to the Hurricanes. Acheampong is a basketball player and football player for Rancho Santa Margarita Catholic but he’ll likely play defensive edge for the Hurricane.