Three seasons are in the books for the 2023 college football five-star class, and what a mixed bag we’ve got. From guys soaring past expectations to others just trying to find their footing, it’s been a wild ride. The biggest head-scratcher? Keon Keeley, the No. 1 defensive prospect from that class, has barely cracked 200 snaps in three full seasons. What gives?
Arch Manning Is Stepping Up, But Can He Really Deliver?
Arch Manning, arguably the most anticipated and criticized recruit in ages, is definitely on an interesting path. Approaching year four in Austin, his collegiate journey has seen its share of ups and downs. After struggling through the first half of last season, Manning’s play helped spark the Longhorns to a 7-1 record in their last eight games. This included three huge wins over top-10 ranked opponents and an impressive Citrus Bowl victory over Michigan. Now, with arguably college football’s most talented roster around him, Manning’s shot at a national championship and potential No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft remains firmly within reach. He’s meeting expectations, but the real fireworks are still ahead.
Two Five-Stars Are In Question, And It’s Getting Rough
Then you’ve got Nico Iamaleava, a signal-caller who led Tennessee to a 10-3 record and a College Football Playoff berth as a redshirt freshman. Seriously impressive! But things went sideways fast. He departed Rocky Top for Westwood when the Volunteers couldn’t agree on terms to bring him back. That UCLA move? Brutal. Iamaleava navigated the Bruins to a dismal 3-9 season, a record that got head coach DeShaun Foster dismissed just three games into the season. Now under Bob Chesney, there’s hope Iamaleava can find those flashes of brilliance, but he desperately needs high-level consistency.
And then there’s Keon Keeley. Ranked the No. 1 defensive prospect in 2023, his career has been a frustrating disappointment. He failed to earn more than 200 snaps in three seasons with the Crimson Tide. That’s baffling for a talent like that. An odd fit in Alabama’s three-down front, Keeley now finds himself under new supervision at Notre Dame. You have to wonder if he’ll ever live up to that No. 1 billing.
The tape’s in, and the progress for these 2023 five-stars is truly varied. Some are thriving, some are struggling. With a pivotal 2026 season coming up, all eyes are on whether these guys can finally become what they were promised. Can Manning deliver for Texas? Can Iamaleava turn it around at UCLA? And will Keeley finally break out at Notre Dame? This season will tell us everything.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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