Duke expected to lose 5-star recruit to SEC powerhouse They’ve also picked up a buzz that they won’t land another five-star recruit, Nate Ament…

Duke expected to lose 5-star recruit to SEC powerhouse They’ve also picked up a buzz that they won’t land another five-star recruit, Nate Ament…

 

In what could be a major shakeup on the recruiting trail, sources indicate that a major college football program is expected to lose a coveted five-star recruit to an SEC powerhouse. The buzz surrounding the situation suggests a major setback for the coaching staff, which had long been in contention for one of the top players in the 2025 class.

 

While the identity of the departing recruit has not been confirmed publicly, insiders say the decision is all but final. The player, who had previously shown strong interest and even visited the campus multiple times, has shifted focus toward a blue-blood SEC program known for its recent dominance both on the field and in recruiting rankings.

 

This development is especially frustrating for the program, which had made significant strides in building a competitive class and had pinned much of its momentum on landing and retaining high-profile talent. Losing a five-star recruit at this stage in the cycle not only affects the talent pool but also the optics of the program’s recruiting efforts.

 

To compound matters, there’s growing speculation that another top target — five-star wide receiver Nate Ament — is trending away from the program as well. Ament, widely regarded as one of the top offensive playmakers in the nation, had long been viewed as a realistic commitment. But according to multiple sources with knowledge of his recruitment, optimism has cooled in recent weeks.

 

Recruiting analysts say the shift in Ament’s recruitment may be due to several factors, including NIL opportunities, coaching relationships, and the momentum of other programs that have made late pushes. Among those making a strong run are national championship contenders, one of which recently hosted Ament for an official visit that reportedly “blew him away.”

 

If both the current five-star decommitment and Ament’s potential decision go against the program, it would mark a significant blow to their 2025 recruiting class — one that had once been poised to crack the top ten nationally. The ripple effects could extend beyond just rankings, affecting team morale and future recruiting relationships.

 

Still, coaches remain publicly optimistic. In recent press conferences, staff members have emphasized the importance of building a complete class and continuing to evaluate talent at every level. “Recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint,” one assistant coach said. “We’re going to keep grinding, keep evaluating, and keep building.”

 

However, behind the scenes, it’s clear that adjustments are already being made. The staff has increased its activity with several four-star and high three-star prospects over the last two weeks, possibly preparing for life without two of their top targets.

 

With several months still to go before National Signing Day, there’s always room for surprises and late flips — but for now, the trajectory is pointing downward for this program’s five-star aspirations.

 

Whether they can bounce back from this recruiting blow will be one of the key storylines to watch heading into the fall.