New Alabama Commit Shines at Elite 11 Finals
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Social media reacts to Bowe Bentley’s commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners
The Oklahoma Sooners’ 2026 recruiting class has its quarterback after four-star prospect Bowe Bentley committed to OU on Friday evening. Bentley is one of the ten best quarterbacks in the 2026 cycle and has been a rising star over the last six months. The commitment is the first big high school quarterback pledge earned by offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. The Celina, Texas native attended the Elite 11 finals and had a standout performance on night two.
After starring in the Navy All-American Bowl in January, Bentley’s recruitment took off, and he received offers from Ohio State, Georgia, Missouri, and more over the last few months. The Celina, Texas native attended the Elite 11 finals and had a standout performance on night two, earning praise from a number of recruiting outlets.
The commitment is the first big high school quarterback pledge earned by offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. Arbuckle offered Bentley less than two months after his arrival to Norman and was able to beat an LSU football program that boasts two Heisman Trophy winners since 2019, a Heisman front runner for 2025, and a strong wide receiver recruiting class.
It’s a huge win for the Sooners and it’s given them a big boost ahead of one of the most important recruiting weekends of the year with the ChampU BBQ happening June 20-22 in Norman.
Bentley’s commitment had social media buzzing on Friday evening, and here are some of the best reactions to the news.
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Home Run from Arbuckle
Oklahoma got their guy
He’s Home
Let’s Goooo!!!
Ben Arbuckle effect
Sooner DNA is Real
Director of Player Personnel reacts
An impressive talent
Oklahoma added one of the best in the class
Timing is impeccable
Ready to Work
Bowe Bentley brings the juice
Oklahoma’s QB plan comes together
Big win for Ben Arbuckle
Blue Chip U
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Oregon Football QB target Bryson Beaver named biggest stock-riser at Elite 11 Finals
Bryson Beaver is one of the fastest-rising QB prospects in the nation. He is expected to announce his commitment to the Oregon Ducks in a few days. The Ducks are also hosting 4-star QB Matt Ponatoski on a visit this weekend. The Oregon Ducks are working hard on a pair of quarterback prospects for the 2026 class: 5-star Ryder Lyons and 4- star Bryson Beaver, both of whom are expected to commit to the Ducks this week or in the next few days, depending on how things go.
The former is a highly-touted prospect who the Ducks are going to have to try hard to win away from the BYU Cougars when he announces his commitment in a few days. However, Oregon got in early on the latter with an offer before his recruitment started to take off a couple of weeks ago, and it appears that it is paying off.
Beaver participated in the Elite 11 Finals this past week down in Los Angeles and was named the No. 3 performer in what is being described as one of the best crops of QBs the camp has seen in quite some time. On top of that, On3 has now declared that Beaver is the biggest stock-riser from the bunch, with the distinction of “strongest arm” coming out of the camp.
“Beaver looked like one of the more talented prospects on hand,” On3’s Charles Power writes. “We felt his arm took a backseat to nobody in attendance. The Southern California native has explosive arm power that effortlessly delivers from multiple slots and platforms. … Currently a four-star prospect for On3, Beaver is primed to debut inside the inaugural Rivals300 ranking in July.”
It’s been quite an eventful two weeks for Beaver in the recruiting world. Rated a three-star commit to the Boise State Broncos over a week ago, Beaver has since seen his rating rise to a four-star after being offered by the Ducks. He has taken a couple of visits to SEC schools after receiving offers from the Ole Miss Rebels and Alabama Crimson Tide. He is also in Eugene this weekend for an official visit, and is now predicted to land with the Ducks according to a new Crystal Ball prediction from 247Sports’ Blair Angulo.
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The Ducks are also hosting 4-star QB Matt Ponatoski on a visit this weekend, with the expectation that they likely will be getting a commitment from one of them. At the moment, there is a belief that Ponatoski could get selected in the MLB draft as a top high school prospect this summer, which might lead to him never taking a snap in college football. That may lead to the Ducks prioritizing Beaver, who is among the fastest-rising QB prospects in the nation.
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Elite 11 Finals 2025: Live Updates from Day 3
The 2025 Elite 11 Finals are underway in Los Angeles. The event features 20 of the nation’s top quarterback recruits. Texas five-star quarterback commit Dia Bell has been named the MVP of the Elite 11. Miami commit Dereon Coleman finished the 7-on-7 portion of the Finals completing 15 of 24 throws with 4 TDs, 2 INTs and 2 sacks. Florida commit Will Griffin and On3 four-star Bryson Beaver finished the day with a 19 of 26 and 5 TD-effort. The Elite 11 will celebrate its 27th year in 2025 and features 15 of the top 20 quarterbacks in the On3 Industry Ranking and seven of the country’s top 10 passers. The final day features each quarterback going through a live 7- on-7 session with skill players. On3’S national recruiting team of Chad Simmons and Charles Power are on hand Thursday morning and will be providing live coverage throughout the event. The tournament will run through June 21. It will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
It brings together the country’s elite signal-callers for three days of competition, skill work and training, which culminates with a 7-on-7 skills showcase on Thursday night. The first day featured a circuit of drill stations, followed by a ‘rail shot’ throwing challenge. Night two brings the Pro Day, where each quarterback will go through a scripted workout that mirrors what you’d see at the NFL Combine. Throwers will also compete in an accuracy challenge at the other end of the field. And Thursday, the final day, features each quarterback going through a live 7-on-7 session with skill players.
ELITE 11 DAY 2 TOP PERFORMERS | ELITE 11 DAY 1 TOP PERFORMERS
This year’s group features 15 of the top 20 quarterbacks in the On3 Industry Ranking and seven of the country’s top 10 passers. On3’s national recruiting team of Chad Simmons and Charles Power are on hand Thursday morning and will be providing live coverage throughout.
By: Keegan Pope Dia Bell wins Elite 11 MVP from camp staff and On3 Texas five-star quarterback commit Dia Bell has been named the MVP of the Elite 11 both by the event’s staff and On3’s Charles Power.
“Dia Bell lived up to his status as On3’s highest rated Elite 11 Finalist, stacking three impressive days of work in Los Angeles. The Texas commit showed the most refined and consistent mechanics we saw throughout the week. Bell was the On3 MVP on Day 1, standing out during drill work. He was a Top Performer on Day 2, flashing excellent footwork in his drops from under center. On Day 3, Bell pitched a clean sheet in 7-on-7, going 18 of 23 for 4 touchdowns, with zero interceptions or sacks. The South Florida native’s arm talent, level of refined skill, and track record against top competition give him the highest floor of any quarterback in the 2026 cycle.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
By: Keegan Pope Strong showing from Beaver Bryson Beaver turns in one of the better 7on7 sessions, making an array of high level throws. Beaver showed a loose, pliable arm delivering with zip and touch from multiple platforms.
Florida commit Will Griffin had some moments, but was up and down throughout his session. His highlights came on some layered touch passes. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
By: Keegan Pope Bryson Beaver, Will Griffin close things out Last two quarterbacks of the day are four-star Florida commit Will Griffin and On3 four-star Bryson Beaver.
Griffin finishes 11/21 with a pair of TDs and a sack, while Beaver closes out a 19 of 26 and 5 TD-effort. 4-star QB Bryson Beaver finds the open man for six🎯
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8eGmF pic.twitter.com/nmbWT9qW9r — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
By: Keegan Pope High moments, low moments for Dereon Coleman Miami pledge Dereon Coleman was at his best when working as a point guard, ripping slants and quick hitters in the short and intermediate areas. He can continue working on his ability to layer passes and throw with touch. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Miami 4-star QB commit Dereon Coleman finds his man in the corner of the end zone🙌
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8eGmF pic.twitter.com/hi5V7pdwYU — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
By: Keegan Pope Miami, Washington commits in final two pairs Stats for Miami commit Dereon Coleman: 15/24 4 TDs, 2 INT, 2 sacks Washington commit and On3 four-star Derek Zammit: 11/18 2 TDs, 2 sacks Miami 4-star QB commit Dereon Coleman finished the 7v7 portion of the Elite 11 Finals completing 15 of 24 throws with 4 TDs, 2 INTs and 2 sacks, per @CharlesPower🙌
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8fecd pic.twitter.com/YS9xXNbvY8 — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
By: Keegan Pope Jonas Williams puts on a show USC commit Jonas Williams showed very good feel and accuracy in his 7on7 session. He had a good connection with the wide receivers and hit several big gainers while working over the middle of the field. He started taking shots downfield and connected on a few deep balls, with some being great plays by the wide receivers. Williams’ arm strength does not overwhelm, but he carved up the defense with timing and accuracy. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
By: Keegan Pope Very good performances from USC, Alabama commits Another good day for USC pledge Jonas Williams, who finishes 18/22 with seven TDs and one sack.
And Alabama four-star commit Jett Thomalla with a strong outing as well: 14/21, 4 TDs and an INT. Alabama 4-star QB commit Jett Thomalla finished the 7v7 portion of the Elite 11 Finals completing 14 of 21 throws with 4 TDs and 1 INT, per @CharlesPower🐘
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8eGmF pic.twitter.com/isdyw3voma — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
By: Keegan Pope Rios closes strong UCLA and Arizona target Oscar Rios showed good touch and overall accuracy for the most part. He didn’t start hot, but rebounded to make some nice throws. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
By: Keegan Pope Highs and lows for Landon Duckworth Landon Duckworth was up and down in his 7on7. He showed a live arm and delivered some nice throws with zip over the middle. The accuracy and consistency is still a work in progress. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings 4-star QB Landon Duckworth finished the 7v7 portion of the Elite 11 Finals completing 12 of 23 throws with 3 TDs and 2 INTs, per @CharlesPower‼️
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8eGmF pic.twitter.com/OboRTbui9T — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
By: Keegan Pope Uncommitted four-stars get their turn Blue-chipper Oscar Rios stats: 16/27, 3 touchdowns and one interception Four-star Landon Duckworth (down to Auburn and South Carolina): 12/23, 3 TDs and 2 INTs
By: Keegan Pope Feast or famine for 5-star Keisean Henderson Houston commit Keisean Henderson tried a bunch of deep shots early, but couldn’t connect on most of them. His session was a little feast of famine due to the aggressiveness. He strung together at nice TD drive after reeling things in some towards the end. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
By: Keegan Pope Briggs Cherry with one of the best showings of the day Lousiville commit Briggs Cherry turned in one of the best 7on7 sessions we’ve seen so far today. He threw six touchdowns and was very comfortable sticking the football into tight windows over the middle of the field. Cherry was assertive and confident in his reads. He’s more of a stationary pocket passer, which plays well to this setting. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Louisville QB commit Briggs Cherry finished the 7v7 portion of the Elite 11 Finals completing 20 of 24 throws with 6 TDs, per @CharlesPower🔴⚫️
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8eGmF pic.twitter.com/N2kpRU9UQM — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
By: Keegan Pope Houston, Louisville commits get their shot An excellent afternoon from Louisville pledge Briggs Cherry: 20-24 completions with six TDs A more up-and down session from Houston five-star commit Keisean Henderson, who ends 14/25 with three TDs and a pair of sacks. Houston 5-star QB commit Keisean Henderson finished the 7v7 portion of the Elite 11 Finals completing 14 of 25 throws with 3 TDs and 2 sacks, per @CharlesPower😼
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8eGmF pic.twitter.com/7A6XBVB58L — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
By: Keegan Pope Terry Walker flexes terrific arm strength Duke commit Terry Walker III continued to show one of the stronger arms at the Elite 11 Finals. Walker made a few really nice throws into tight coverage. He’s still not all the way there from a consistency and accuracy standpoint, but you can see the talent. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
By: Keegan Pope Travis Burgess sees success in short, intermediate game North Carolina commit Travis Burgess was methodical in working down the field for several touchdown drives. He got a little shaky towards the end of his session as he started to push the ball downfield more. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings North Carolina QB commit Travis Burgess finished the 7v7 portion of the Elite 11 Finals completing 13 of 21 throws with 3 TDs, per @CharlesPower🐏
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8eGmF pic.twitter.com/Atu4zLwYEO — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
By: Keegan Pope Solid performance from UNC, Duke commits Duke commit Terry Walker III‘s line: 14/23, 3 TDs, 2 sacks
UNC 4-star pledge Travis Burgess: 13/21, 3 TDs and 1 sack
By: Keegan Pope Faizon Brandon shines with short, intermediate game Tennessee five-star commit Faizon Brandon was fairly conservative, keeping the defense in front of him. He showed good zip on short and intermediate passes. Maybe his best throw of the day came on a deep route down the sideline, where he dropped the ball into the receiver’s outstretched arms. He was a little hesitant in working the deeper routes, leading to a few sacks and close calls. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Tennessee 5-star QB commit Faizon Brandon finished the 7v7 portion of the Elite 11 Finals completing 19 of 22 throws with 3 TDs, 1 INT and 2 sacks, per @CharlesPower🍊
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8eGmF pic.twitter.com/ViEh6M07f6 — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
By: Keegan Pope Helaman Casuga finds the end zone five times Four-star Helaman Casuga was aggressive in going downfield. Showed quality touch and timing with his receivers. Had a few misfires, but overall a solid session headlined by his five scores — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
By: Keegan Pope Texas A&M, Tennessee pledges stand out Tennessee five-star commit Faizon Brandon was extremely efficient in the short passing game, ending 19/22 with three touchdowns and a pick. Meanwhile, Texas A&M pledge Helaman Casuga ends up 16/25 with five touchdowns and one interception.
By: Keegan Pope Penn State commit Troy Huhn shows off aggressive downfield throwing Troy Huhn, a longtime Penn State commit, was aggressive in taking shots downfield, leading to his high TD count. It was the most comfortable we’ve seen him look this week. He was the most aggressive in the 7on7 that we’ve seen thus far. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
By: Keegan Pope Solid showing from top uncommitted target Bowe Bentley LSU and Oklahoma target Bowe Bentley moved at a very quick pace and showed fast processing ability. He was aggressive and took some shots. Had a few times where he misfired and threw into coverage. But you could see his level of comfort in reading defenses and making quick decisions. Matt Ponatoski primarily worked underneath routes. Moved at a slower pace. Generally took what the defense gave him. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Elite QB Bowe Bentley finds the open man during the Elite 11 Finals 7v7🎯
Bentley is down to LSU and Oklahoma.
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8eGmF pic.twitter.com/7P2vM64ebV — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
By: Keegan Pope Dia Bell shines with 4 touchdown throws Texas commit Dia Bell had a very good 7on7 session. He didn’t take a ton of risks, but hit a few nice throws against tight coverage, including a last second TD. After tallying, he finishes 18 of 23 with four touchdown throws.
On the other side, Jake Fette didn’t look overly comfortable. Threw a couple if interceptions and struggled getting the ball out before the play clock. His line ends up at 10/16 with one TD, 2 INTs and four sacks taken.
Uncommitted four-stars Matt Ponatoski and Bowe Bentley up next. — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Texas 5-star QB commit Dia Bell finds the end zone early during the Elite 11 Finals 7v7 drill🤘
Live Updates: https://t.co/dj3dC8eGmF pic.twitter.com/ovRpkU9y0n — On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 19, 2025
The 2025 Elite 11 QB Competition Was ‘One of Best Crops’ in 20+ Years, Says Analyst
The Elite 11 quarterback competition is one of the biggest recruiting events in the country. The top quarterback prospects come out to compete in front of scouts and coaches. The class of 2026 quarterbacks, who were already generating a lot of buzz, were in attendance at the camp and apparently lived up to the hype. One analyst was blown away by what he saw at the Elite 11 finals and called the class “one of the best crops” he has ever seen. The 2026 class is going to produce a number of future college football starters and stars, as many of the top players in the entire country are signal callers. It’s clear that college football will be set at the quarterback position for years to come.
However, the 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be loaded at the quarterback position, as many of the top players in the entire country are signal callers. However, star ratings don’t mean everything, and seeing how a quarterback plays in person is just as important.
The 2026 class also seems to fit that criteria, as one analyst was blown away by what he saw at the Elite 11 finals.
2026 Quarterback Class Shines at Elite 11
The Elite 11 quarterback competition is one of the biggest recruiting events in the country every season, as the top quarterback prospects who are entering their senior year of high school come out to compete in front of scouts and coaches.
This year, the class of 2026 quarterbacks, who were already generating a lot of buzz, were in attendance at the camp and apparently lived up to the hype.
Bruce Feldman, who reports for The Athletic and has been covering the Elite 11 quarterback camp for nearly a quarter of a century, posted on X that the 2025 group was “one of the best crops” he has ever seen.
I’ve been coming to the @Elite11 quarterback competition for 20-plus years. The 2025 group was one of the best crops I’ve seen. The most highly touted guys were every bit as good as they were hyped to be. That’s often not the case. — Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) June 20, 2025
It’s high praise that solidifies just how good this 2026 quarterback class is.
Faizon Brandon, Dia Bell, and Keisean Henderson, who are all five-stars in the class, were in attendance. Bell, who is a Texas commit, took home the camp’s MVP, but all three of the five-stars received big-time praise from scouts at the camp.
There were also numerous four-star recruits at this year’s Elite 11 finals, including Landon Ducksworth, who is currently uncommitted and ranked by 247Sports as the 51st best player and the number one dual-threat quarterback in the country.
Some other top 300 recruits that, according to Feldman, balled include Oklahoma Sooner commit Bowe Bentley and Alabama Crimson Tide commit Jett Thomalla.
KEEP READING: ‘Truly Amazing Experience’ — Texas Commit Dia Bell Named Elite 11 MVP, Gets Touching Shoutout From NBA Veteran Father Raja Bell
Feldman also had some praise for uncommitted four-star Matt Ponatoski, whom the reporter called “the most pleasant surprise” from the weekend.
These are just a few names of the 20 quarterbacks that were in attendance for the Elite 11 finals, but it’s clear that the 2026 class is going to produce a lot of future college football starters and stars.
Fans should be fired up to hear this news, as it seems that college football is going to be set at the quarterback position for years to come.
Texas commit Dia Bell, Arch Manning’s heir apparent, shines at Elite 11, eyes MVP honors
The 2025 Elite 11 Finals conclude Thursday with a 7-on-7 showcase. Texas Longhorns commit Dia Bell impressed in the accuracy challenge and Pro Day drill. Bell, ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2026 cycle by On3, passed for 2,597 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior. The son of former NBA star Raja Bell was named the MVP of Day 1 and remains in contention for MVP honors as the competition wraps up.
Bell, a Texas commit, is contending for Elite 11 MVP honors.
The highly touted recruit is also actively recruiting for Texas, hinting at a potential addition to their 2026 class.
Bell passed for 2,597 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior despite a season-ending playoff injury.
The 2025 Elite 11 Finals conclude Thursday with a 7-on-7 showcase, capping a week of competition for 20 of the nation’s top high school quarterbacks.
Wednesday’s events at Mira Costa High School featured the Panini Accuracy Challenge and the Pro Day drill. Texas Longhorns commit Dia Bell, a five-star prospect from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, impressed in both. Bell showed off his arm strength in the accuracy challenge, hitting targets at all distances with only minor misses due to aim.
In the Pro Day drill, which simulates game throws to moving receivers, Bell completed 15 of 20 passes, with most incompletions coming on overthrows.
Bell, ranked as On3’s No. 10 performer on Day 2. The son of former NBA star Raja Bell was named the MVP of Day 1 and remains in contention for Elite 11 MVP honors as the competition wraps up. The award has previously gone to future NFL quarterbacks such as Caleb Williams, C.J. Stroud, and Matthew Stafford. Bell is the 12th Texas commit to participate in the Elite 11 Finals since its inception in 1999.
Off the field, Bell has emerged as a vocal recruiter for Texas, hinting this week that another major commitment could be on the way for the Longhorns’ 2026 class. Bell, ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2026 cycle by On3, passed for 2,597 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior before a playoff injury ended his season.
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Despite continued interest from top programs like Georgia and Alabama, Bell has remained firm in his Texas commitment.
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