Early commits in the initial 2027 On300

After dropping its top-100 watchlist last fall, On3 has now unveiled the initial On300 rankings for the 2027 cycle.

Prospects are continuing to emerge as they gear up for their junior seasons. Plenty of blue-chippers have made the decision to reclassify up, but a boatload of talent still remains in the cycle — some of whom have already committed.

The On300 features 10 commits, which have currently dispersed among six programs. Penn State, Miami, Ohio State and Alabama each have a pair of early pledges featured in the new ranking.

Below is every committed prospect in the updated 2027 On300:

RB Kemon Spell — Penn State

School: McKeesport (Pa.)
On300 Ranking: No. 8

Scout’s Take: “In terms of the skillset, Kemon Spell has every box checked when it comes to positional traits at the running back position. His ability as a runner between the tackles, outside runs and as a pass catcher is way beyond his years. Even as one of the younger 2027 prospects, his athleticism shines on the football field on both sides of the ball as a running back and defensive back for his high school program. At 5-foot-9, 190-plus pounds, he catches the ball effectively and has a knack for making explosive plays averaging 14 yards per carry and scoring 12 total touchdowns as a freshman. Excited for his physical and athletic development as he matures and grows throughout his high school career. The sky is the limit for him.” — Cody Bellaire, On3 National Scout

CB Kenton Dopson — Miami

School: Miami Norland
On300 Ranking: No. 18

Dopson on his commitment: “I have visited Miami a lot and they always made me feel at home,” Dopson told On3’s Chad Simmons. “They have always been up there for me. The coaches are great, the energy is good and it is close to home … Coach (Mario) Cristobal is bringing back the old-school Miami. They have a great history and they know how to develop players. I like the staff a lot and how they love to compete … A lot of great players come from Miami and play South Florida football…It doesn’t get any better than that. This is my hometown team. It is a school I know a lot about.”

WR Jamier Brown — Ohio State

School: Wayne (Ohio)
On300 Ranking: No. 32

Brown updates his commitment status: “My commitment to Ohio State is still good. I really like coach Hartline now being the offensive coordinator… We know it will be great for the receivers,” Brown told On3. “I have no concerns about the changes at offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator or anything like that. Coach (Ryan) Day has brought in the right guys for the right spots and I believe in that … What makes coach (Brian) Hartline special is the way he coaches. He is passionate about developing his receivers and doing what it takes to make them better. He pushes his players and he shows a lot of love toward them.”

OT Layton von Brandt — Penn State

School: Middletown (Del.) Appoquinimink
On300 Ranking: No. 37

Coach’s Take: “What I’ve been impressed with is just his understanding for different fronts and different things like that,” Appoquinimink head coach Brian Timpson said of von Brandt when speaking with BWI. “We don’t get much of that here in Delaware. When you get a kid who understands what technique the defense is in or what it means when the linebacker is shaded a certain way, that helps a lot. His footwork and his hands are very impressive. I think, for his size and what he can do, he’s a very good pass blocker. He understands space and awareness and knows how to keep kids off of him and to put himself in the best spot.

“I think he’s only going to get better as an offensive lineman as he gets stronger. I think that’s the one area where he can still improve, which isn’t a surprise for his age. His 14-year-old frame going up against some kids in the run game was an issue for him at times, but his positioning and his handwork have been great. So, he made up for that lack of strength in that area as a freshman. Now, as a sophomore, we saw that growth this year and he became a better run blocker because of it. I’m excited to see how that continues now next year and beyond.”

WR Ah’Mari Stevens — Miami

School: Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage
On300 Ranking: No. 81

Scouting Report: “Ah’Mari Stevens was part of a deep group of underclassman wide receivers at Under Armour Miami. The Fort Lauderdale native showed impressive play speed and solid hands within drills. The footwork and change of direction carried over to 1-on-1’s, where he was at his best while working out of the slot. Stevens had a nice win, shaking a defender out of his shoes on an angle route over the middle of the field. The ability to shift gears within his routes with solid ball skills earned Stevens the Top Performer nod.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings

QB Brady Edmunds — Ohio State

School: Huntington Beach (Calif.)
On300 Ranking: No. 89

Edmunds on his commitment: “The family connection that I have to Ohio helped Ohio State stand out to me,” Edmunds told On3. “Then, the culture of Ohio State football, coach Day and coach Chip Kelly played important roles in my decision. They have the best receiving corps in the nation, so it’s a quarterback’s dream to be there right now. I think there’s no better option for me.” 

“I was ready,” Edmunds said about why he committed. “At this point, it was like, ‘Why not?’… I see myself as having a drama-free recruitment. Tavien St. Clair is a perfect example. He knew he wanted to go to Ohio State, he committed to Ohio State and he hasn’t looked back. He hasn’t gone on any visits to schools besides Ohio State. That’s what I see myself doing.”

Additional 2027 On300 commits

S Khalil Terry — Michigan State
School: Tustin (Calif.)
On300 Ranking: No. 95

EDGE JaBarrius Garror — Alabama
School: Mobile (Ala.) Vigor
On300 Ranking: No. 166

ATH Alexander Ward — Alabama
School: Marietta (Ga.) Walton
On300 Ranking: No. 232

WR Demaje Riley — UCLA
School: Tulare Union (Calif.)
On300 Ranking: No. 241