2027 WR Eli Ferguson Impressed by Indiana Junior Day Visit: “I Love What They’re Doing Over There”
Eli Ferguson is a name to watch in the 2027 recruiting class, and the Brentwood Academy wide receiver continues to turn heads both on and off the field. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound playmaker was in Bloomington for Indiana’s Junior Day, and by all accounts, the Hoosiers made a strong impression.
Ferguson, a three-star prospect out of Brentwood, Tennessee, has been on Indiana’s radar since last April when the Hoosiers extended an offer. Since then, the relationship between him and the IU coaching staff has only grown - and after Saturday’s visit, it’s clear that bond is paying dividends.
“The visit went well,” Ferguson said. “What stood out was how involved their community was into the program.”
That sense of connection - both with the staff and the community - is something Ferguson values. In a recruiting process that often feels transactional, Indiana’s consistency and approach have stood out to him.
**“Me and the staff have had a good connection since last spring,” he said. “I appreciate how they often come by and check in.
I also like the way they approach the game. When I communicate with the staff I feel like we click.”
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That kind of rapport matters, especially for a player who brings a high football IQ and a clear focus on development. Ferguson isn’t just looking for a place to play - he’s looking for a program that aligns with his mindset, and Indiana is making a strong case.
On the field, Ferguson has been every bit the difference-maker for Brentwood Academy. His junior season saw him record 30 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns - numbers that speak to his explosiveness and reliability. But it’s not just the stats that tell the story.
“It was disappointing losing in the state game, especially in that close of a game,” Ferguson said of Brentwood’s championship loss. “But I can say we definitely improved as a team.”
For Ferguson, this past season was about more than just production - it was about growth. He’s seen that growth in his mental game, his strength, and his route running - three areas that separate good receivers from great ones at the next level.
**“As a player I mostly improved with the mental part of the game,” he said. “I’ve become a smarter player.
I also improved on strength and route running.” **
That maturity shows in how Ferguson approaches his recruitment. Back in December, he named Indiana as one of his top schools, alongside Florida State and Tennessee. After this latest visit, the Hoosiers are doing everything right to stay in that top group - and maybe even pull ahead.
“It definitely helped single out what I’m looking for in a program,” Ferguson said. “I love what they are doing over there.”
Ferguson’s offer list is already impressive, with Indiana joined by the likes of Florida State, Tennessee, Arkansas, UCLA, and Kentucky, among others. He’s currently ranked as the No. 26 overall prospect in Tennessee and the No. 104 wide receiver nationally, per 247Sports - but those numbers could rise as he continues to develop.
For now, Indiana has positioned itself well in the race for one of the most intriguing wideouts in the 2027 class. And with Ferguson’s focus on connection, culture, and development, the Hoosiers are checking a lot of boxes.