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Debate

Is Jake Kreul the next big thing in college football, or just another overhyped prospect?

There’s nothing like a little camaraderie among teammates, especially as one chapter closes and another begins. The 2026 elite 4-star, all the way from Bradenton, is a Bishop Moore Hornets transfer. From the top programs in Central FL, apart from that, he gave us more reasons today to talk about him. And no, we aren’t even referring to his heroics against Bergen Catholic here.

It’s a teammate thing. IMG Academy’s four-star defensive end Jake Kreul took to Instagram to show some serious love for his teammate and fellow defensive lineman Jackson Cooper. As Cooper bid a heartfelt goodbye to his team of four years, Kreul’s tribute was simple yet full of brotherly pride—featuring a tag and a caption, “Luv Brudda,” set to a track by rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again. The gesture captured the kind of bond that’s hard to break, even as both players prepare for the next steps in their careers.

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Kreul’s Instagram post was a sentimental moment of the tight-knit culture at IMG Academy, one of the country’s top breeding grounds for elite high school athletes. Cooper’s post had game stills of Jake and the rest of the IMG squad from the years spent together. His post read an eye-watering caption, “Best 4 years of my life. If I could wrap my arms around this memory, I would. Next Chapter up.” In one click he can be seen almost mauling an opponent on the ground from his picture dump. Their bond, built over hours in the weight room, practice drills, and big-game moments, is exactly what makes these high school years so special.

Now, we are talking about Jake Kruel flattening a Bergen Catholic OL with a reverse pancake. The 6-foot-3 pass rusher known for bulldozing left tackles and creating chaos in the backfield, has had a stellar season himself. In the November 6 showdown against Bergen Catholic, he showcased his skills in full force, turning the opposing offensive line into his personal playground. Lovingly making pancake blocks on left tackles as IMG’s brunched 27-14 over Bergen Catholic. Surely, he must be a sort after 2026 prospect CFB recruiters.

Did someone say recruiters? Jake Kreul is a favorite

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The offseason Orlando Bishop Moore transfer is hot property among the college recruiting scene. Why? Last season for the Hornets, Jake Kreul put up some big numbers as a sophomore. The DL stacked up 76 tackles, 34 of them going for a loss, forced two fumbles and notched a team-high 17 sacks.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Jake Kreul the next big thing in college football, or just another overhyped prospect?

Have an interesting take?

With an extensive offer list from Ohio State, Michigan, Georgia, and about 40 other college programs. Knows that the journey to greatness is paved with hard work and the support of teammates like Cooper. His ability to lay out linemen with ease speaks volumes about his potential at the next level, and recruiters from powerhouse programs are taking note.

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