Kellan Hall is still months away from turning 16, but the Christian Academy of Louisville standout is already acting like one of the biggest names in the 2028 cycle. The 6-foot-4.5, 273-pound lineman is ranked No. 3 overall and No. 1 among defensive linemen in the Rivals industry rankings, and his recruitment is moving fast.
For now, Oklahoma has grabbed the early edge.
On the latest Wiltfong Whiparound, Rivals insider Steve Wiltfong said the Sooners are the early Rivals prediction machine favorite for Hall, whose process is only beginning to take shape. Hall’s summer plans are set, more visits are coming, and a top 10 is on the way in August before he releases his college visit dates.
Wiltfong said, "He's going to drop a top 10 going into the season in August, and then he's going to release his college visit dates,"
Hall’s profile jumps off the page before you even get to the production. He has run the 40-yard dash in the 4.8 to 4.9 range at national camps, a number that stands out for a player carrying that kind of size. He also plays basketball as a power forward and center, and scouts view that athletic background as part of why his frame is expected to climb past 300 pounds.
The on-field numbers have been just as loud. As a sophomore, Hall piled up 53 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 11 games while dealing with constant double teams.
That season helped Christian Academy finish 15-0 and win its fourth straight Class 3A state championship. Hall also earned Rivals Sophomore All-American honors and was named Kentucky's top defensive player in his class.
Oklahoma’s early lead comes from the relationship Hall has built with Brent Venables and defensive line coach Todd Bates. He visited Norman in early September and came away impressed, one of several trips that helped push the Sooners to the front.
Wiltfong said, "He said great visits to Norman, is already building a great connection with Brent Venables and that staff," and added, "Loves where they're at as a program, the vibe around the football team, the environment. So the Sooners are certainly one of the schools setting the pace."
The Sooners are not alone in the chase. Wiltfong said Hall has also mentioned Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Georgia, Ohio State, Tennessee and Ole Miss, while Miami and Kentucky are still pushing hard.
Hall already has more than 25 offers, and with the visits still ahead, the race for one of the country’s most coveted young defensive linemen is just getting started.
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