Jay Schell, a 6‑foot‑3, 215‑pound linebacker from Georgia, has quickly risen to No. 9 in the Rivals300 rankings for the 2028 college football recruiting class.
With nearly 50 scholarship offers and more than 40 campus visits to his name, Schell has become one of the most heavily recruited prospects of his generation.
Clemson’s Early Edge
The Tigers enjoy a distinct advantage thanks to family ties that run deep in the program; Schell is the son of former Clemson quarterback Matt Schell, who played under head coach Dabo Swinney from 1998 to 2001.
Swinney rewarded that connection by extending a junior offer to Schell in June, making him the first player to receive a Clemson commitment in the 2028 class, while assistants Tom Allen and Ben Boulware have cultivated a close rapport with the recruit.
Oklahoma’s Counter‑Pitch
Under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners have turned a promising defensive scheme into a playoff‑contending unit, a trajectory that has resonated with Schell’s own developmental goals.
Schell has spoken positively about Oklahoma’s coaching staff and the school’s linebacker tradition, recalling a standout spring visit to Norman that highlighted the program’s culture and facilities.
Georgia, once considered a third contender, has been removed from Schell’s focus as he narrows his decision to the two finalists.
Visits and the Final Countdown
Scheduled game‑day visits this fall will provide the final data points the prospect needs to lock in his commitment, with both Clemson and Oklahoma hoping to sway the five‑star talent before signing day.
The outcome will not only shape the 2028 roster for either the ACC or the Big 12, but also underscore how heritage, coaching relationships and recent on‑field success intersect in modern recruiting.