BIG QUESTIONS, BIG NEWS: Can Penn State Set a New May Recruiting Record? CFP Gets It Right with Seeding Change, and More: Friday Five
As May draws to a close, the world of college football continues to churn with significant developments, from the relentless pursuit of top recruits to a pivotal shift in the College Football Playoff structure. This week’s “Friday Five” delves into these crucial talking points, starting with a bold question for James Franklin’s Penn State program: can they etch their names in the recruiting record books?
Can Penn State Set a New May Recruiting Record?
Penn State football has been on a recruiting tear in May, particularly for their 2026 class. They’ve secured multiple high-profile commitments, significantly bolstering their national ranking. The Nittany Lions have added several four-star prospects, including defensive back Jaziel Hart and wide receiver Davion Brown, both from Virginia. The coaching staff has also seen a reclassification from defensive end Daniel Jennings, who will now join the 2025 class. This recent surge has propelled their 2026 class into the top five nationally by some metrics, showcasing a remarkable spring for James Franklin and his staff. The question now looms: can this momentum translate into a record-breaking May for total commitments or overall class ranking at this early stage? The aggressive approach and success in securing talent suggest they’re certainly aiming high.
CFP Gets It Right with Seeding Change
In a significant move that has been widely lauded, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Management Committee unanimously voted to adopt a “straight seeding” model for the 2025-26 season. This means the top four teams, as ranked by the CFP Selection Committee, will receive first-round byes regardless of whether they won their conference championship. This is a crucial departure from the previous format, where the top four conference champions were guaranteed byes, sometimes resulting in lower-ranked teams getting preferential treatment over higher-ranked at-large bids. The change ensures that the four best teams, based on the committee’s evaluation of their entire regular season performance, are appropriately rewarded. This adjustment is a welcome one for fans and analysts alike, promising a more equitable and competitive playoff bracket.
And more, includes additional tidbits that have been making headlines this week in college football, such as coaching carousel whispers, transfer portal updates, and early preseason predictions for the upcoming season, all contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of the sport.
