The offseason is in full swing as the spring camp circuit begins to heat up and college programs expand recruiting committees. With the offseason already having camps and events under its belt, prospects across the country have achieved national status with others on the way.
Here are the top five Midwest prospects I’ve had a chance to see so far this offseason.
The Geneva, Illinois star showed great promise during a special freshman season, but his development in the offseason has propelled Taylor to a new level as a prospect. The 2025 receiver has been excellent at many events this offseason and nearly unstoppable when we saw him on the 7-on-7 circuit.
Taylor has already proven himself to be a special player this winter and he is literally growing and improving with every passing day. The backhand is perhaps the second-year wide receiver’s most exciting trait, as it barely touches the surface of the player he will eventually become.
Currently ranked as the No. 17 overall rookie and No. 5 wide receiver in the 2025 class, Taylor will likely find himself in the five-star conversation down the road.
our Lady, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, state of michigan and others have already offered, but don’t be surprised if Taylor becomes a national rookie sooner rather than later.
*****
The Southfield (Mich.) A&T cornerback was phenomenal during December’s Top 250 Rising Stars showcase and continues to show through the 7-on-7 offseason and camp circuit. At 6-foot-1 and 178 pounds, Todd has incredible length to go with the frame defensive back coaches covet on the recruiting track.
His fluid hips, straight-line speed and explosiveness off the breaks allow him to reflect receivers and make plays on the ball with the best of them. Whether it’s press coverage, off-man or zone – Todd is dominant in all facets of his game and gives adjustments to any receiver who challenges him.
Todd debuted as the nation’s No. 230 prospect in our recent 2024 rankings release and currently sits with 23 offers, including MichiganMichigan State, Tennessee, Nebraska, West Virginia, Boston College and others.
*****
The four-star prospect is a jack-of-all-trades and capable of making a difference in all three phases of the game. Griffin is special with the ball in his hands, but it’s his defensive back play that has turned heads this off season. Although he can be soft by nature, Griffin flips a switch the second his feet touch the ground and becomes a threat to anyone who crosses his path.
He’s an athlete in every sense of the word, and while I’d hate to take the ball out of his hands, his ability to cover and make plays on the ball as a defensive back may be too good to pass up.
Griffin released a top 10 of MarylandMichigan State, IllinoisWisconsin, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Purdue And Louisville on February 22 and his recruitment should remain highly contested in the months to come.
*****
Durr has been a human star during camp and on the 7-on-7 circuit this offseason. Chicago (Ill.) standout Morgan Park may not have the prototypical size, five-star rating, or list of offers as others have mentioned on this list, but you’d be hard pressed to find another rookie who was as productive and fun to watch in the offseason as he was.
He’s quick as a hiccup, dynamic with the ball in space, always finds a way to open up and catch whatever comes his way. Durr may not be a national rookie, but he’s as good as anyone with the ball in space and his off-season performance definitely puts him in the top five in terms of performance.
Durr currently has eight deals ranging from the Ivy League to the ACC. Louisville became the first Power Five program to offer on March 9. He’s just too qualified to move on and his recruiting should continue to ramp up as summer approaches.
*****
Rarely do you see a 6-foot-5, 305-pound freshman with the tic, bending, footwork, and level of villainy that Canty Jr. showcased during December’s Rising Stars Top 250 showcase. . Detroit (Mich.) standout Cass Tech welcomed any defender to take on the challenge and was downright dominant during the 1-on-1 while taking on a number of top class men with offers.
The physical and athletic gifts are evident, but his love for the game, his competitive spirit and his desire to eliminate his opponent’s will are what separates Canty Jr. from his peers.
He already has eight offers including Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky, West Virginia and others. Canty Jr. will certainly be in the discussion as we prepare for the initial release of 2026 Rivals100.