Full Breakdown
The Escalating Feud in College Football Recruiting Media
3/7/2026, 12:47:03 PM
Overview of the Conflict
The college football recruiting media landscape is currently experiencing heightened tensions between On3, Rivals, and 247Sports. This rivalry has intensified following On3's acquisition of Rivals in April 2025, which has led to significant shifts in personnel and strategy among these competing platforms.
Key Players and Their Histories
Shannon Terry, the founder of all three major recruiting services—Rivals, 247Sports, and On3—has been a central figure in this industry for over two decades. Terry co-founded Rivals in 2000, later established 247Sports in 2010 after leaving Rivals, and launched On3 in 2021. The recent acquisition of Rivals by On3 has consolidated Terry's influence in the recruiting media space, positioning On3 as a formidable competitor to 247Sports.
Recent Developments and Strategic Moves
The rivalry escalated in early 2026 when On3 hired Steve Wiltfong, a prominent recruiting insider from 247Sports. Wiltfong's move was seen as a significant gain for On3, which aimed to enhance its recruiting coverage. Following this, Rivals added notable analysts Allen Trieu and Brandon Huffman, along with two team sites previously under 247Sports, further consolidating its resources under the On3 umbrella.
In response to these developments, 247Sports announced a strategic shift on March 4, 2026, stating that it would no longer utilize its composite player ratings for team recruiting rankings, opting instead for its internal rankings. This decision was framed as a reflection of confidence in its evaluation process, but it came just days after Rivals' significant personnel changes, suggesting a direct reaction to the competitive landscape.
Official Statements and Responses
247Sports emphasized its commitment to its internal evaluation process, stating, “This update reflects our belief in the strength and consistency of our own evaluation process.” Conversely, Shannon Terry criticized this move, labeling the composite ratings as “the single smartest product decision in the history of recruiting media.” He argued that the composite system mitigates bias and enhances predictive accuracy, asserting that Rivals is now prepared to “carry the torch” in the industry.
Criticism and Opposition
The decision by 247Sports to prioritize its internal rankings has drawn criticism from various industry insiders. Terry's remarks highlighted a belief that the nature of recruiting demands a composite rating to ensure fairness and accuracy. Rivals responded to 247Sports' announcement by asserting that its Industry Team Recruiting Ranking remains the only unbiased composite ranking in the industry, further intensifying the rivalry.
Conclusion: A Rivalry Reignited
The ongoing feud between On3/Rivals and 247Sports marks a significant chapter in the evolution of college football recruiting media. With both sides making strategic moves and public statements, the competition is likely to continue escalating, reminiscent of earlier rivalries in the industry. As the landscape evolves, the implications for recruiting coverage and media influence will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
