The college football world got two jolts over the holiday weekend, first on the Fourth of July, when five-star Felix Ojo — the class of 2026‘s No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 offensive tackle committed to Texas Tech in a recruiting stunner. Then, less than 24 hours later, five-star Calvin Russell — the cycle’s No. 21 overall prospect and No. 3 wide receiver — pledged to Syracuse, giving the Orange their highest-rated commit in more than two decades.
But which blue-chip bombshell was the bigger stunner? The answer is clear, according to 247Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Loy.
“It was absolutely Felix Ojo landing at Texas Tech,” Loy said this week on The 105 with Andrew Ivins & Cooper Petagna, “because, I mean, you and I have been talking about it for weeks that Calvin Russell could absolutely pick Syracuse. There was a bunch of buzz. We did that five-star release. We literally brought up the fact that Syracuse is the team to watch.”
FELIX OJO
The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder from Mansfield (Texas) Lake Ridge’s commitment is Texas Tech’s highest-ranked prospect ever. Behind the scenes, Texas Tech general manager James Blanchard and coach Joey McGuire helped execute a major NIL-backed recruiting play. As reported by 247Sports and CBS Sports, Ojo — repped by Prestige Management — secured a multiyear NIL package that could reach up to $5 million.
“They’re going to go after all of the best players in America, and they’re gonna spend top dollar to do so,” Loy said.
247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins credited Texas Tech’s “NFL-style model,” which empowers its personnel department to make early evaluations and offers. Blanchard’s team was one of the first to offer Ojo, who turned 17 this past Friday and earned buzz as a junior at the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl.
“He was the first player in San Antonio (at the Navy All-American Bowl) to ask for a playbook, even before the quarterbacks,” Ivins said. “Six-foot-6, 272 pounds, 34-inch arms, 81 1/2-inch wingspan.”
Ivins added that Ojo is “a freaky athlete” and compared him to former first-rounder Charles Cross. Ivins also noted the Red Raiders’ attrition likely sets Ojo up to play early in 2026.
CALVIN RUSSELL
While Ojo’s decision shook the recruiting world, Russell’s pledge to Syracuse wasn’t far behind in terms of shock value or significance.
At 6-foot-5, 195 pounds, Russell is a red-zone nightmare with a near 6-foot-10 wingspan and two-sport upside.
The Miami Northwestern star nicknamed “GUMP” (Great Under Major Pressure) had offers from Michigan, Miami, LSU, Florida and others but chose Fran Brown‘s Orange.
“This was the Fran Brown effect,” Loy said. “They made Calvin Russell such a priority. This wasn’t just NIL. This was relationships, from top to bottom.”
“We’re in a compensation-based era, but you still have to get to the table,” Ivins added. “And Syracuse did everything they had to get Calvin Russell to have a hat right there, to be able to be on with the phone with him at the 11th hour.”
Russell, who plans to play both football and basketball at Syracuse, told 247Sports in a statement, “I’m thankful for everyone who’s been part of this journey, and I’m ready to work and give everything I got to Syracuse.”
Ivins added: “He’s a hulking wide receiver with above-the-rim athleticism that makes him a uniquely dangerous target, especially down in the red zone.”
While Ivins also praised his frame, basketball production, and track profile, he noted: “There’s a rawness about his game still. Same with Felix Ojo.”
OJO WAS THE BIGGER SHOCK — FOR NOW
While both commitments reshaped expectations for their respective schools, the industry consensus is that Ojo’s decision packed more surprise.
Russell had visited Syracuse several times and built strong connections with the staff.
Ojo, meanwhile, picked a school that wasn’t even in his reported final group of Texas, Michigan, Florida and Ohio State, and did so in a dramatic, last-minute twist.
Still, the ramifications of both decisions are massive.
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“If you’re a Texas fan or a Texas A&M fan and your guy starts talking to Texas Tech,” Loy said, “I would be very concerned.”
