A new class of freshmen are ready to fill the void left behind by departing seniors. This conveyor belt of talent and carousel of players hopping on and off is perpetual in CFB. By design, coaches, and programs always need to have a farsighted view beyond the upcoming season. Envision a damsel in distress, with some of the best schools in the country looking to save her from each other. Except it’s a 305-pound freak of nature. After de-committing from in-state Alabama back in December, defensive lineman Vodney Cleveland is back on the free market. He’s now condensed his list of suitors down to 6 programs.

For the longest time, the Alabama Crimson Tide had a monopoly on in-state recruits. A few talented individuals seeped through the cracks and got through to Auburn. But the house that Nick Saban built was founded on players wanting to play for the sport’s top program. It would’ve been rare for a 4-star recruit from Birmingham, AL to not wind up in Tuscaloosa. But for him to rescind his commitment after explicitly saying, “I love Alabama…I don’t plan on changing my commitment.” would be unfathomable. Yet, that’s what’s transpired. Naturally, the vultures are circling to pick up the pieces.

On3’s Hayes Fawcett broke intel regarding Vodney Cleveland. “NEWS: Four-Star DL Vodney Cleveland is down to 6️⃣ Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits,” he wrote on IG. One of these schools is indeed Hugh Freeze’s Auburn. The “Loveliest Village on the Plains” has had little love in reciprocation over the years. But the dynamic is seemingly shifting. The Tigers landing Vodney Cleveland will be a statement and a rare W over their neighboring nemesis, Bama. However, their path is far from linear. Sans Alabama, other bluebloods are still in the mix. Which you’d expect for a top 5 D-tackle in his class of ‘26. 

Georgia and Texas have made it through to the next phase of Cleveland’s recruitment. The effect that dominating the trenches can have in this sport was evident during Philly’s Super Bowl triumph. The Eagles’ defensive line that gave Patrick Mahomes 60 minutes of hell consisted of three ex-Bulldogs. Naturally, Athens is an enticing landing spot for Vodney Cleveland. Similarly, Texas is a powerhouse for development. They rode their defense all the way to the final 4 just last season. Also in the reckoning are Florida and Miami. Plus, a final boss of head coaches that carries more reverence in football circles than perhaps even Deion Sanders. Who’s Colorado Buffaloes were also in the race, but have been left off the shortlist. 

In terms of Florida’s standing, Vodney Cleveland has visited the Swamp multiple times. Billy Napier hasn’t had a great track record with D-linemen recently, but Cleveland could represent a line in the sand. Mario Cristobal & Miami have also made power moves of their own. Canes’ D-line coach Jason Taylor has hit the road and gone down to Birmingham to visit Vodney Cleveland in person. Taylor is a former NFL DPOY 6x Pro Bowler and 3x First-team All-Pro vet. His visit projects a certain level of eagerness that will go down well in Cleveland’s camp. All this hard work could easily be rendered futile, though.

Last but certainly not least, Bill Belichick’s UNC closed out the list of 6. Learning the ropes under the greatest defensive mind in football history sure is an allure. With so many great alternatives, It’s not hard to understand why Deion Sanders’ Colorado was left hanging. Despite their own extensive measures to woo Cleveland.

Plying and honing his craft under Deion Sanders’ supervision doesn’t tempt Vodney Cleveland

CU director of player personnel Corey Phillips also visited Vodney Cleveland down in Birmingham. On the surface level, this may not come across as having the same potency to it as Jason Taylor. Phillips doesn’t strike the same chord that an NFL pro does. Possess the same halo, if you may. But Phillips has proven his prowess at recruiting high-rated lineman.

He was instrumental in Colorado bringing in 5-star O-lineman Jordan Seaton a year ago.  Plus, the radiance of Coach Prime projects far enough that he doesn’t necessarily need to be present physically. Or so you’d think. Birmingham, AL turned out to be a bit too far from Boulder after all. Plus, one key factor in luring Seaton doesn’t quite exist anymore for Colorado. The chance to feature alongside superstars such as Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Which brought plenty of eyes to the Buffs.

Vodney Cleveland has a host of avenues, and each of them can be career-altering. A huge decision rests on his very strong but very young shoulders. All 6 schools have different advantages and drawbacks to them and in the process. The race is very much alive for Vodney Cleveland. So what if Coach Prime stumbled and subsequently DQ’ed earlier than he’d have hoped.