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Hey guys, UC's first official visit weekend is this weekend and it'll be pretty busy over the next five weeks or so, especially with the 2025 class. So, ahead of that, I wanted to catch up with some 2026s and 2027s before they take a seat for the most part. First one I caught up with is Maddox Hager, a 2027 tight end from Boyle County (Ky.), just southwest of Lexington. They've won the Class 4A state title four years in a row now.
Login to view embedded media Hager told me he plans to camp at UC this summer, but not sure which one he'll be at. It'll likely be with his team, which always has a few D-I caliber players. He also said that while he's never been to UC's campus in Clifton, specifically, he's been to Cincinnati quite a bit through the years. Hager's parents used to live in Cincinnati before their current home and his older brother was born in Cincinnati.

Assistant coach Josh Stepp is the main recruiter here. They haven't talked a ton because of NCAA recruiting limitations, but Hager said he's liked what he's heard so far and said he likes how Stepp explains the offense and the plan with the tight ends. Hager said he's also interested because he knows Travis Kelce played with the Bearcats.

It's incredibly early. But the school to watch here til the end will be Kentucky. Hager has grown up watching the Wildcats and ask any kid from the state, there's always a pull to play for UK. It's just too early for much. But Hager said he does have a good relationship with assistant coach Vince Marrow.

Camps coming to UC, West Virginia, UK, Purdue, Florida, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. And while it's just interest, he said he's especially happy with the looks from the last two, UGA and FSU. Maybe something to put in the back of your mind for down the road. No decision any time remotely soon. So lots of visits coming. BUt Bearcats did well to get in here early with an offer.

Full story coming.

National article from our friend Adam Friedman, but mentions three UC targets: Blake Woodby, Zion Elee and Tariq Hayer:

Rivals spotlights some standout linebackers from the Rivals Camp Series stop in Indianapolis. One mentioned was Cam Thomas. Not a lot mentioned here, to be honest. But wanted to link it for everyone interested. I still hear he's one of the Bearcats' top targets for 2026, along with his teammate Grant Beerman. I honestly don't think UC will get them both. But we'll see. It's just a feel based on talking to them and reports, social media posts.

Hey y'all, just wanted to give a heads up that our man Cameron King will be covering EYBL in Kansas City this weekend, so we'll have coverage on a few UC targets, like Jalen Reece, Jasper Johnson (2025s), Felipe Quinones (2026) and Kameron Mercer (2028). He'll be keeping an eye on others for our notebook, but those guys for sure. Let us know if you have any questions. Cam will be posting info here on the board as well.

Hey guys, story on one of UC's recent visitors, who also will officially visit June 7:

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Hey guys, I caught up with one of UC's more recent offers, 2026 TE Preston Fryzel from Toledo. He's got Louisville and some other MAC offers and it sounds like UC is in a good early spot here.
Login to view embedded media The Bearcats just offered Fryzel a week ago, but he visited back on April 8 for spring practice. If you'll remember, that was the day of the solar eclipse, so Fryzel told me it was really cool to be at UC for that. He told me he loved being around the team for that and he loved getting to see everything up close. he called Nippert Stadium "One of the better stadiums I've seen."

Specifically, assistant coach Josh Stepp is the main recruiter here. Fryzel told me they have a strong relationship and he loves that Stepp came to his school's showcase this spring. I think that's when Fryzel considers their relationship to have really taken off. Now, he told me they talk quite often, every few days or so.

The other two to watch right now are Louisville and Toledo. With the Cardinals, Fryzel said assistant coach Ryan Wallace is his primary recruiter and Fryzel loved going to campus and seeing the coaches and sitting in on meetings. Toledo is the hometown team, which will keep the Rockets involved. Fryzel told me "That one I wanted a lot." I'm just saying don't overlook Toledo, just because it's a MAC school. There's at least a slight pull there to stay home.

This spring, Fryzel said he visited Michigan State, Purdue, Kent State, Toledo, Louisville and Miami (OH) in addition to Cincinnati. I think Purdue will probably be the next to offer. No summer camp dates set yet. But I'd expect him to be back at UC at some point this summer, maybe not to camp, but to hang out during camp.

Full story coming.

Our friend Ross Dellenger has been all over this. ACC also followed suit this evening, but Big 12 was first, this afternoon:
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Bearcats mentioned here with three-star RB Cortez Stone from Louisville. Still early, but worth keeping an eye on:

Just how big of a get id new transfer Dillon Mitchell? Our guy @CameronlKing breaks his game down:

Big OL from right outside of Chicago. Story coming.
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MASSIVE pickup for Wes Miller. Has started all but one of Texas' games the past two seasons and gives great size to UC.

UC among a throng of schools in here. Way too early to say if anyone is leading, past those SEC schools close to home. But you never know how things play out.

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Guys, I caught up with one of UC's most recent offers and visitors, Atlanta OL Xavier Canales. Memphis just offered today, but he visited UC last Saturday, after he was offered on April 22.
Login to view embedded media Canales told me his visit to Clifton was his first time in the Queen City. He toured all the facilities and dorms/apartments and told me, "It's bigger than what I thought." Canales also really likes assistant coach Nic Cardwell, who's been the main one recruiting him. Canales called him "chill," "honest" and "genuine." They talk regularly, every few days or so.

It sounds like Canales was impressed enough that he's officially visiting on June 7. He said he likes the academics at UC and the success/graduation rate of the Bearcats' football players. Canales also likes how the coaches coach, at least what he's seen.

The other officials coming are June 1 to Georgia Tech and June 21 at Georgia State. The Yellow Jackets are the main competition here. I see Ga St as a backup. But he talks to the GT coaches about as much or more than UC and I think there's a pull to stay home. But we'll see how the officials go. I'd say GT is the favorite right now, UC not too far behind, but behind.

Full story coming.