The 2027 college football recruiting cycle is entering its homestretch, and many of the nation's top prospects are boosting their stock as their high school careers wind down. Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill, writing for ESPN, examine the biggest risers from the first half of the high school season, including two new five-star recruits and a pair of improving SEC quarterback commits.
Leading the list is A'mir Sears, an athlete reclassified from 2028 and committed to Miami. Sears is a true two-way threat, and the analysts compare him to 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. He recorded a three-interception, two-touchdown performance against Bishop Gorman earlier this season. Miami has a greater immediate need in the secondary than at receiver, but keeping Sears off the field when the Hurricanes have the ball could prove difficult.
Gideon Gash, a 6-foot-4 cornerback committed to Texas Tech and ranked No. 21 in the SC Next 300, also stands out. He has posted a 4.2-second 20-yard short shuttle and is productive on offense as a receiver. Gash has already returned six punts for touchdowns, a Michigan state record. Colleges typically recruit prospects like Gash with a plan to develop them after arrival.
Quarterback prospects are also rising. Israel Abrams, a Miami commit ranked No. 55, is reminiscent of NC State quarterback CJ Bailey. His footwork and pocket navigation improved this year, and his arm strength makes off-schedule throws look easy. Jake Nawrot, a Kentucky commit ranked No. 88, has thrown 31 touchdowns with zero interceptions through his first eight weeks of the senior season. He is a gifted play-action passer who operates in a vertical offense, so his production reflects more than easy throws.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing