Brayden Parks Narrows Down to Eight Schools: A Closer Look
In the world of college football recruiting, four-star defensive lineman Brayden Parks is making waves with his recent decision to narrow his list of potential schools to eight. The finalists vying for the 6-foot-2, 305-pound standout from Chicago include Illinois, Ohio State, Georgia, Miami, Oregon, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Michigan. Parks, a top prospect in the 2027 class, is generating significant buzz as he inches closer to his college decision.
Parks' talent is undeniable. Rivals ranks him among the top 20 defensive linemen in his class, while 247Sports places him at No. 12 in the same category.
His national rankings vary slightly, with On3/Rivals listing him at No. 167 and 247Sports at No. 128.
ESPN also recognizes his potential, slotting him at No. 264 in the ESPN Jr 300. His performance in the 2025 season, where he recorded 44 tackles and 2 sacks over 13 games, underscores his impact on the field.
The recruitment trail has been busy for Parks. He's already visited several top programs, including Oregon, LSU, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. Notably, On3's prediction model currently favors Notre Dame, hinting at a potential lean towards the Fighting Irish.
Looking ahead, Parks has lined up a series of spring visits that could shape his final decision. He'll be visiting Notre Dame on March 21st, followed by trips to Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Georgia, Tennessee, and Oregon. Each visit presents an opportunity for these programs to make a lasting impression.
Meanwhile, Miami's 2027 recruiting class is taking shape with four current commits, all hailing from Florida. This group, including talents like safety Jaylyn Jones and wide receiver Ah’Mari Stevens, is ranked No. 21 nationally by 247Sports and No. 12 by On3's industry comparison. As Parks considers his options, Miami's growing class could be an attractive factor.
As the recruitment process unfolds, Brayden Parks' decision will be one to watch. His choice will not only impact his future but also the fortunes of one of these prestigious programs. Stay tuned as Parks continues his journey toward making one of the biggest decisions of his young career.