Big recruiting shake-up alert: Anthony Felesi, a sizzling four-star shooting guard from the 2026 class, has trimmed his college options to a tight five – and the basketball world is buzzing!
Dive into the excitement with us as we break down this pivotal moment for the 6-foot-5 senior from Utah Prep. For those new to college recruiting, a four-star rating is a big deal – it means scouts and analysts see real star potential in a player, based on skills, athleticism, and game impact. Felesi isn't just talented; he's selective, and narrowing to five schools shows he's getting serious about his future. But here's where it gets intriguing: his choices span powerhouse programs, each with its own flavor of competition and culture. Let's unpack the details and see what makes this story even more compelling.
Felesi, whose profile shines on On3 (check it out at https://www.on3.com/rivals/anthony-felesi-237701/), revealed in a chat with Rivals that he's focusing on BYU (https://www.on3.com/college/byu-cougars/), Pitt (https://www.on3.com/sites/pitt-sports-news/), San Diego State (https://www.on3.com/college/san-diego-state-aztecs/), UCLA (https://www.on3.com/sites/bruin-blitz/), and USC (https://www.on3.com/teams/usc-trojans/). These aren't random picks; they're schools that align with his goals, whether it's the intense rivalries, sunny West Coast vibes, or storied traditions. And the part most people miss? This decision could shape not just his career, but the balance of power in college hoops.
To help beginners understand, official visits are like a VIP tour and tryout – players spend a day or two on campus, meeting coaches, checking out facilities, and getting a feel for the team's vibe. Felesi has already wrapped up these immersive experiences at Pitt, San Diego State, and USC. He's gearing up for his UCLA trip on October 22nd, which could be a game-changer with their high-octane style. And don't overlook his planned visit to BYU in mid-November; as a Utah local, this might feel like home, but will it outweigh the allure of bigger-brand rivals?
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Before whittling down his list, Felesi had a treasure trove of offers from elite programs, painting a picture of just how coveted he is. Think about it – suitors like Gonzaga, Louisville, Seton Hall, South Florida, Washington, Villanova, LSU, Oregon, Virginia Tech, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Creighton, Hawaii, Houston, and even more showed interest. For new fans, this means coaches saw his scoring prowess, defensive instincts, and growth potential as a must-have. Turning down these heavy hitters is bold, and it raises eyebrows: Was it about location, coaching style, or something else? Some might argue he's playing it safe with familiar names, but others could say he's prioritizing long-term fit over prestige – what do you think?
Adding to his star power, Felesi sits at No. 61 overall in the 2026 class per the Rivals Industry Ranking (https://www.on3.com/rivals/rankings/industry-player/basketball/2026/), and he's the No. 14 shooting guard. These rankings break down talent levels – not just stats, but projections for college success. For instance, being a top-14 SG means he's in elite company with players who could light up scoreboards, as seen in past stars who dominated from his position.
And here's the controversial twist: In a recruiting landscape obsessed with five-star hype, is Felesi undervalued at four stars? Some fans believe his size, skill set, and decision-making could make him a steal for the right program, sparking debates on whether rankings truly capture a player's ceiling. Could his choice ignite West Coast rivalries, or will it shake up expectations?
What are your predictions for Felesi's final pick? Do you agree with his top five, or think he's overlooking a hidden gem? Drop your hot takes in the comments – let's discuss!
