Trio of SEC schools in contention for 5-star DL Dominick McKinley as decision looms

The next five-star prospect will come off the board on Friday, as Lafayette (La.) Acadiana defensive lineman Dominick McKinley will announce his commitment at 4:30 p.m. ET. The 6-foot-5, 280-pounder will choose between LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M.

McKinley is the No. 22 overall prospect and No. 5 defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the top-ranked player in Louisiana.

LSU was the only finalist not to receive an official visit in June, though the Tigers got McKinley on campus at the end of July. It’s been a level recruitment nearly across the board, leaving many recruiting analysts and insiders unsure on which hat he’ll dawn in 24 hours.

On the latest edition of The Inside Scoop, InsideTexas recruiting insider Gerry Hamilton selected his frontrunners to land McKinley as well as one of, if not the biggest factor that’s playing into the five-star’s humongous decision.

Aggies, Longhorns and Sooners leading the way

“I’m with Texas A&M, Texas and Oklahoma. Those three were the ones coming our of the June official visits, and I think close to home — as these decisions get closer, they become more impactful,” Hamilton said.

All three SEC programs have been on a similar trajectory to landing McKinley. Unofficial visits early in the year, followed up with June OVs. Throughout different points in his recruitment, the Aggies, Longhorns and Sooners have all been thought of as favorites to land his pledge.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), Steve Sarkisian and Texas have the lead for McKinley at 59.5%. InsideTexas’ Justin Wells and On3 national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman each logged picks in favor of the Longhorns in August.

“At the front, you’ve got Texas and Texas A&M, i’ve updated my RPM and I believe the Longhorns and Aggies are in the best position heading into Friday,” Spiegelman said.

Distance to home playing factor in McKinley’s decision

“When kids set that date, then the pressure really amps up,” Hamilton said. “It’s become really about academics and about how comfortable he feels in town, city and at universities, that’s really what this is coming down to.”

It’s no secret that staying somewhat close to Lafayette is one of the major factors playing into McKinley’s decision. Ironically, this hasn’t played into the hands of LSU, but it could be one of the keys for Texas or A&M coming out on top.

According to McKinley’s On3 profile, Texas A&M is the closest option of the supposed top three schools, with College Station being less than 300 miles from home in The Boot. Next is Texas, followed by the Sooners.

“I think within the circle there could be some differing opinions,” Hamilton said. “Right now the question is: is he gonna stay really close to home within driving distance for his mom … or will he go up to Norman, which is a little tougher travel, I think that’s what it’s really coming down to right now and I think Dominick’s having to weigh all that in his mind coming down to this decision.”