Chad Simmons on which teams are the favorites for 5-star Jaleel Skinner

Jaleel Skinner is the nation’s best tight end recruit. The five-star recruit out of Greer, S.C., plays for IMG Academy and is the No. 17 recruit in the 2022 On300.

He will announce his commitment Friday, which also happens to be his 18th birthday.

On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons recently broke down Jaleel Skinner’s upcoming decision.

“He entered really this month or even I guess September with a top five of Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Miami and Texas,” Simmons said. “Midway through September, he visited Florida and the Gators have jumped back in the mix as well. So really he’ll make a decision from six schools on his birthday.”

While those are the six schools still in the race, Simmons said he believes three of those schools are above the rest.

“Really the buzz right now — and kind of has been the last few weeks — is around Alabama,” Simmons said. “Going into the season, Miami had the buzz and lately though you’re hearing more about Alabama, Texas and, really since that visit to the Swamp, the Gators. So those are the three schools to watch: Alabama, Texas and Florida. A decision’s coming. Based on what I’m being told, no decision has been made yet.”