Eric McFarland Reclassifies to 2027, Becomes Major Target for Top Programs
Big news out of IMG Academy: one of the most dynamic high school receivers in the country is making his move early. Eric McFarland, previously part of the 2028 recruiting cycle, has officially reclassified to the 2027 class - and that shift just sent ripples through the college football recruiting world.
McFarland isn’t just any prospect. He’s ranked No. 23 overall and the No. 5 wide receiver in the 247Sports composite for 2027, and he’s already holding 35 scholarship offers. That kind of attention doesn’t come by accident - McFarland has been lighting up defenses with elite quickness, sharp route-running, and the kind of acceleration that makes defensive backs look like they’re stuck in slow motion.
At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, McFarland projects as a slot receiver at the next level - the kind of player who can stretch a defense horizontally and vertically. He’s the prototype for today’s spread offenses: quick in space, smart with the ball, and a nightmare to cover one-on-one.
His recruiting journey started heating up back in May 2024, when he picked up early offers from Ohio State, Washington, and Florida State. That initial connection with Ohio State was spearheaded by Brian Hartline, then the Buckeyes’ wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator. Hartline’s reputation for developing elite receivers - and sending them to the NFL - made Columbus a natural fit for a player like McFarland.
But now, there’s a twist. Hartline has since taken over as the head coach at South Florida, which changes the dynamic in McFarland’s recruitment.
Still, don’t count the Buckeyes out. Ohio State remains a strong contender here, thanks to the program’s track record and its deep ties to McFarland’s early recruitment.
The Buckeyes already have five-star receiver Jamier Brown committed in the 2027 class, but McFarland’s reclassification makes him a priority target moving forward. Pairing those two in the same class would give any quarterback a dream duo to throw to - and give opposing defenses plenty of headaches for years to come.
Jeremy Ruckert Cashes In with Jets Extension
In the NFL, former Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert just got a well-earned payday. The New York Jets locked him up with a two-year, $10 million contract extension - a strong vote of confidence in the 2022 third-round pick.
Ruckert has quietly become a steady presence in the Jets' offense this season, hauling in 20 catches for 163 yards while suiting up in all 14 games. He’s not just a pass-catcher - he’s also been a reliable blocker and a key part of the Jets' offensive scheme.
His college career at Ohio State showed flashes of the player he’s become. In 2021, he posted 26 receptions for 309 yards and three touchdowns.
That followed a 2020 season - shortened by COVID - where he still managed five touchdowns on just 13 catches. He wasn’t always the focal point in a Buckeyes offense loaded with NFL-bound talent, but his versatility and toughness stood out.
Now, he’s turning that potential into production at the next level - and the Jets are betting on even more to come.