Malabika Dutta

3 days ago | essentiallysports.com | Malabika Dutta |Rajdeep Paul

Dylan Raiola’s connection to Nebraska isn’t just a choice—it’s a calling. The five-star quarterback is the son of Dominic Raiola, a former NFL standout and Rimington Trophy winner at Nebraska. His uncle, Donovan Raiola, is the Huskers’ offensive line coach. So when Dylan said on Signing Day, “It was always tugging at my heart,” it wasn’t just talk—it was legacy. He turned down national powerhouses like Georgia and OSU to chase something bigger: restoring pride in Lincoln.

3 days ago | essentiallysports.com | Malabika Dutta |Rajdeep Paul

All eyes are on South Carolina heading into 2025—and for good reason. After a thrilling 2024 campaign that saw QB LaNorris Sellers break out and the team finish 9-4, the buzz in Columbia is real. They came close to crashing the CFP—and with Sellers back under center, expectations are sky-high. But head coach Shane Beamer isn’t on the hot seat. Because he’s helped flip the program and turn South Carolina into a true SEC contender. Now, with success comes pressure.

3 days ago | essentiallysports.com | Malabika Dutta

Texas isn’t slowing down anytime soon. After getting the top recruiting class in 2025, the Longhorns are on a roll for 2026. On Saturday, they landed 4-star defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland, their sixth commitment just this month. Then, on Sunday, they snagged one of their biggest wins yet—five-star phenom Richard Wesley. This hot streak pushed Texas up to No. 10 in the national 2026 class rankings.

4 days ago | essentiallysports.com | Malabika Dutta |Rajdeep Paul

Destrehan (La.) four-star WR Jabari Mack made his call in March, choosing Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers after a fierce SEC recruiting battle. The No. 1 wideout in Louisiana had heavy hitters like Texas and Texas A&M in hot pursuit. But in the end, staying home won out. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound playmaker couldn’t pass up the chance to shine in front of those who matter most. “A big part of it for LSU is that stay-home mentality,” shared Mack. So, for him, it’s personal.

4 days ago | essentiallysports.com | Malabika Dutta |Rajdeep Paul

Back on May 7, a 6’4”, 230-pound EDGE from Fort Lauderdale, FL, made headlines by naming Oklahoma his leader in a chat with OU Insider. That same night, Sooners defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis was in Florida, spending hours painting the vision of life in crimson and cream. “When I compare these schools,” said the 4-star edge, “I look at who can develop me better as a person—not only on the football field, but off it as well.” And Coach Chavis gave him a clear response. One that hit home.