On3 Top-5 athlete Jaylen Mbakwe has his first group of favorites

After picking up over two dozen offers, Pinson (Ala.) Clay-Chalkville athlete Jaylen Mbakwe is ready to reveal his first list of favorites.

The No. 5 prospect in the 2024 On300 named Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Louisville, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Texas A&M as his top 10 schools.

Out of that group, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound four-star has already taken visits to Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Louisville, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss.

“These schools showed the most interest and I have great bonds with these schools,” Mbakwe told On3. “We talk on a daily basis and coaches from these schools also have great relations with my parents. That is why they are my top schools.”

There was buzz early on that Alabama may be the team to beat. Oklahoma is another school On3 heard a lot about. Mbakwe said all schools are equal heading into his junior year though.

The No. 1 prospect in Alabama is likely done with visits for the summer. Mbakwe is focused on defending his state title and what’s next in his recruitment.

“The most important things for me are academics, making sure I’m in a safe environment, finding the right culture for me.

“The next thing for me may be trimming my list next summer, then making a decision before my senior season starts.”