
Biggest strength, weakness for college football's top 25 teams
Discover the strengths and weaknesses of college football's top 25 teams as spring practices unfold.
A record number of athletes from an Athens-area high school have signed to play college sports. This milestone highlights the school's commitment to developing athletic talent.
Mentioned in this story
Record number of athletes sign to play college sports from this Athens-area high school
Terrell Jackson (left) & Carlos Strong (right) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
All-Star MVP and Winder-Barrow's Jerrin Samuel with Carlos Strong during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Cedar Shoals' DJ Hubbard (24) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Cedar Shoals' DJ Hubbard (24) shoots a free throw during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
A record number of athletes signed to play college sports, although the exact number is not specified.
This record signifies the school's strong athletic program and its ability to nurture talent for collegiate sports.
The article mentions Terrell Jackson and Carlos Strong, who participated in the Athens-area All-Star Classic.
The Athens-area All-Star Classic was held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Discover the strengths and weaknesses of college football's top 25 teams as spring practices unfold.

Orlando Magic's Coach Uses NCAA Highlights to Boost Morale

Don't panic, Detroit! Here are five reasons to trust the Pistons this postseason.

Should you back the Fitzpatrick brothers at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans?

Gmac Cash's 'Pistons Won Again' is the anthem of Detroit's victories!

Jared McCain steals the show with his viral dance moves at the airport!
See every story in Sports β including breaking news and analysis.
North Oconee's Leslie Bradley (23) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Winder-Barrow's Jerrin Samuel (12) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Carlos Strong during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Oglethorpe County's Malik Forshee (23) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
North Oconee's Leslie Bradley (23) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Clarke Central's Alexander Ozuna (21) passes the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Athens Academy's Kendall Lawson (3) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Oconee County's Eliza Oechsle (21) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Commerce's Jeremiah Jarrells (1) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Winder-Barrow's Addison Smith (20) shoots a 3-pointer during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Winder-Barrow's Chelsea Latim (3) dribbles down the court during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Winder-Barrow Addison Smith's (20) shoots a 3-pointer during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Commerce's Arianna Patman (11) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Cedar Shoals' Deston Foote (3) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Clarke Central's Matthew Collins (10) dunks the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Oconee County's Jill Daniel (22) shoots a 3-pointer during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Cedar Shoals' Kayla Harris (24) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Terrell Jackson (left) & Carlos Strong (right) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Cedar Shoals' Deston Foote (3) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Athens Christian's Christian Hubbard (23) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Clarke Central's Devin Osoh (11) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Commerce's Arianna Patman (11) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Apalachee's Kemarri Clarke (1) attempts a layup during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Oconee County's Jill Daniel (22) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
North Oconee's Gavin Hopkins (4) dunks the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Madison County's Laila Streetman (25) attempts a layup during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Carlos Strong presents the boy's MVP award after the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Andiasean Johnson during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Commerce's Jeremiah Jarrells (1) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Cedar Shoals' DJ Hubbard (24) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Winder-Barrow's Jerrin Samuel (12) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Athens Academy's Jordan Marnell (4) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
North Oconee's Addie Argo (3) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
North Oconee's Laura Frances Willis (1) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Oconee County's Jill Daniel (22) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Terrell Jackson during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
North Oconee's Laura Frances Willis (1) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
North Oconee's Leslie Bradley (23) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Terrell Jackson (left) & Andiasean Johnson (right) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Athens Academy's Kendall Lawson (3) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Cedar Shoals' Kayla Harris (24) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Andiasean Johnson during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
1 / 46
Terrell Jackson (left) & Carlos Strong (right) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
1 / 46
Terrell Jackson (left) & Carlos Strong (right) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
2 / 46
All-Star MVP and Winder-Barrow's Jerrin Samuel with Carlos Strong during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
3 / 46
Cedar Shoals' DJ Hubbard (24) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
4 / 46
Cedar Shoals' DJ Hubbard (24) shoots a free throw during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
5 / 46
North Oconee's Leslie Bradley (23) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
6 / 46
Winder-Barrow's Jerrin Samuel (12) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
7 / 46
Carlos Strong during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
8 / 46
Oglethorpe County's Malik Forshee (23) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
9 / 46
North Oconee's Leslie Bradley (23) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
10 / 46
Clarke Central's Alexander Ozuna (21) passes the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
11 / 46
Athens Academy's Kendall Lawson (3) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
12 / 46
Oconee County's Eliza Oechsle (21) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
13 / 46
Commerce's Jeremiah Jarrells (1) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
14 / 46
Winder-Barrow's Addison Smith (20) shoots a 3-pointer during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
15 / 46
Winder-Barrow's Chelsea Latim (3) dribbles down the court during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
16 / 46
Winder-Barrow Addison Smith's (20) shoots a 3-pointer during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
17 / 46
Commerce's Arianna Patman (11) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
18 / 46
Cedar Shoals' Deston Foote (3) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
19 / 46
Clarke Central's Matthew Collins (10) dunks the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
20 / 46
Oconee County's Jill Daniel (22) shoots a 3-pointer during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
21 / 46
Cedar Shoals' Kayla Harris (24) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
22 / 46
Terrell Jackson (left) & Carlos Strong (right) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
23 / 46
Cedar Shoals' Deston Foote (3) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
24 / 46
Athens Christian's Christian Hubbard (23) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
25 / 46
Clarke Central's Devin Osoh (11) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
26 / 46
Commerce's Arianna Patman (11) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
27 / 46
Apalachee's Kemarri Clarke (1) attempts a layup during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
28 / 46
Oconee County's Jill Daniel (22) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
29 / 46
North Oconee's Gavin Hopkins (4) dunks the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
30 / 46
Madison County's Laila Streetman (25) attempts a layup during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
31 / 46
Carlos Strong presents the boy's MVP award after the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
32 / 46
Andiasean Johnson during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
33 / 46
Commerce's Jeremiah Jarrells (1) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
34 / 46
Cedar Shoals' DJ Hubbard (24) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
35 / 46
Winder-Barrow's Jerrin Samuel (12) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
36 / 46
Athens Academy's Jordan Marnell (4) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
37 / 46
North Oconee's Addie Argo (3) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
38 / 46
North Oconee's Laura Frances Willis (1) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
39 / 46
Oconee County's Jill Daniel (22) shoots the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
40 / 46
Terrell Jackson during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
41 / 46
North Oconee's Laura Frances Willis (1) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
42 / 46
North Oconee's Leslie Bradley (23) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
43 / 46
Terrell Jackson (left) & Andiasean Johnson (right) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
44 / 46
Athens Academy's Kendall Lawson (3) dribbles the ball during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
45 / 46
Cedar Shoals' Kayla Harris (24) during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
46 / 46
Andiasean Johnson during the Athens-area All-Star Classic, hosted by Next Up Sports and the Carlos Strong Foundation, in Commerce, Georgia, on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
NOTE: If you are an athlete yourself, or coach or parentΒ in the Athens-area who had an athlete sign to play college sports, please email stidwell@usatodayco.com with name, sport and school.
High school seniors were able to sign to play sports at the NCAA Division I and II levels as early as November.
The football period was added into the mix in December and February brought around the regular period, while April provided a late period for those last-minute tough decisions still to be made.
Early/football period: Here's where the Athens-area class of 2026 signed to play college sports
Of course, students don't have to sign actual National Letters of Intent anymore. The NCAA eliminated this part of the process binding students and schools for the last 60 years in October of 2024 for the class of 2025.
Here is a rundown of all of the athletes who pledged their careers to colleges around the country this spring, including a record-breaking amount at Jefferson:
Chap Chapman, football, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Elijah Echols, football, Sewanee University
Jordan Marnell, basketball, Kansas Christian College
Kayla Wilkins, basketball, Huntingdon College
Ally Baldwin, softball, Kennesaw State
James Bunn, football, Lyon College
Barrett Clayton, wrestling, Emmanuel University
Bella Crooks, competitive cheerleading, Alabama
Teah Gales, track & field, Grambling University
Rileigh Harrison, track & field, Kennesaw State
Brianna Hill, volleyball, Truett McConnell
Sophia Hobbs, swim & dive, Piedmont University
Hannah Howard, track & field, Harding University
Vincent Ledbetter, football, Erskine College
Danny Kruteles, wrestling, Garnder-Webb
Ty Murray, wrestling, Appalachian State
Ceven Nicely, basketball, Southern Wesleyan
Clay Owen, basketball, Valdosta State
Darren Pinkard, football, Kennesaw State
Kaitlyn Roper, volleyball, Truett McConnell
Karter Shields, basketball, Pfeiffer University
Kira Stevens, cross country, Gulf Coast State College
Paola Swancey, volleyball, Toccoa Falls College
Addison Taylor, golf, Brenau University
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Record number of athletes signing to play college sports from Jefferson