Miami, LSU, Missouri, Purdue, Notre Dame, and More!

CFB Roundup – July 6, 2024

Good morning, and welcome back to CFB Roundup from CFB Home – the first daily newsletter that’s all college football, all the time with no bias, no slant, and no fluff.

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4-Star OL SJ Alofaituli Commits to Miami

Elite 4-star OL SJ Alofaituli committed to Miami yesterday over Michigan and Nebraska, among others.

Alofaituli cited the academics at Miami as the most appealing part of the program, as well as the emphasis placed on the OL by OL Coach Alex Mirabal and Head Coach Mario Cristobal.

Of the four major recruiting services, ESPN is the highest on Alofaituli, who has the OL as a 5-star ranked 10th in the country and 1st of the IOL.

On the On3 industry composite ranking, Alofaituli is ranked 4th of IOL and 71st overall.

This marks Miami’s 17th commitment for the 2025 class, which now ranks 11th nationally and 3rd in the ACC.

4-Star Edge Damien Shanklin Commits to LSU

Consensus 4-star Edge Damien Shanklin committed to LSU over Alabama and Ohio State, among others.

Shanklin chose the Tigers because he’s hopeful for their ability to develop him and help him get to the next level.

247Sports is the most optimistic on Shanklin, ranking him 48th nationally and 5th of the edge rushers, with the On3 composite placing him 86th nationally and 12th at his position.

Shanklin is Head Coach Brian Kelly’s 15th commitment for the 2025 class, which ranks 4th nationally and 2nd in the SEC, jumping Georgia in large part due to Shanklin’s commitment.

4-Star WR Donovan Olugbode Commits to Missouri

Consensus 4-Star WR Donovan Olugbode committed yesterday to Missouri over Florida, Oregon, USC, and Washington, among others.

Missouri earned an official visit from Olugbode from June 21st to 23rd, and Olugbode felt the best about his visit to Missouri compared to any of the other programs, largely because of the offense and how the Tigers utilize their WRs.

Missouri now has 14 commitments for the 2025 class, which ranks 17th nationally and 9th in the SEC.

4-Star CB Dawayne Galloway Commits to Purdue

Consensus 4-Star Dawayne Galloway committed to Purdue over West Virginia, Kentucky, and others yesterday. For awhile, Kentucky was in the lead for Galloway, but ultimately his connection with the players at Purdue, including his cousin, carried the day.

As for Purdue, Galloway was their top priority at CB for the 2025 class. Now that they’ve landed Galloway, Purdue is sitting at 11 commitments for the 2025 class, which ranks 48th nationally and 15th in the Big Ten.

4-Star S JaDon Blair Commits to Notre Dame

Consensus 4-Star S JaDon Blair committed to Notre Dame yesterday over Michigan, Penn State, and a litany of other offers.

At 6’4.5” and 195, Blair presents an interesting skillset and size for Head Coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame.

For Blair, he was most attracted to life after football and what Notre Dame can offer in that regard.

This is Notre Dame’s 22nd commitment in the 2025 class and its 13th 4-star. The Fighting Irish’s class currently ranks 6th according to On3.

Nebraska Secondary Coach Evan Cooper Resigns

Nebraska’s secondary coach and defensive pass game coordinator Evan Cooper officially resigned yesterday. Per Pete Thamel, Nebraska is currently searching for Coach Cooper’s replacement.

Cooper started with Head Coach Matt Rhule as a player at Temple when Rhule was an assistant, and Cooper had spent 12 consecutive seasons on Rhule’s staff. Last season was his first as a full-time coach, however.

4-Star LB Kamar Archie Commits to Rutgers

Talented 4-Star LB Kamar Archie committed to Rutgers yesterday over Clemson and Michigan, among others.

Archie chose the in-state Scarlet Knights after having visited several times throughout his recruitment process.

This marks Rutgers’ 29th commitment for the 2025 class, a massive number which helps Rutgers’ 2025 class rank 19th nationally and 6th in the Big Ten.

4-Star WR Jalen Cooper Commits to SMU

Fringe 4-Star WR Jalen Cooper committed to SMU yesterday over Baylor, Kansas State, Kansas, Houston, and others.

Cooper’s commitment marks the 5th consecutive day with a commitment for SMU, with all 5 being named a 4-star by at least one of the major recruiting services.

On3 is the highest on Cooper, ranking him 19th of all WRs and 142nd overall.

This marks SMU’s 18th commit for the 2025 class, which ranks 4th in the ACC and jumps the Mustangs up to 22nd overall.

Andy Staples: Florida State Will Look Much Different From 2023

On3’s Andy Staples recently took some time to reflect on some of the major changes America can expect with Florida State’s roster.

With no Jordan Travis, no Keon Coleman, no Braden Fiske, no Jared Verse, etc., the roster is going to look much different.

Staples points out that Head Coach Mike Norvell has added transfers from Alabama, Georgia, and LSU with multiple years of eligibility while also signing the most Top 200 recruits since the Jimbo Fisher era.

SMU RB Velton Gardner Enters Transfer Portal

SMU reserve RB Velton Gardner officially entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining.

In two seasons with SMU, Gardner had 102 carries for 505 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 9 passes for 29 yards.

Prior to his time at SMU, Gardner spent three seasons with Kansas, rushing for 519 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns on 127 carries.