USA TODAY High School Sports‘ Friday Night Notes is a weekly high school football recruiting and news recap that looks at the latest news from around the country—from the Class of 2025 to ’26 and beyond.
There were some notable plays and records broken at the high school level this week, but college football ultimately stole the show, with an Alabama and Auburn freshmen taking the national spotlight.
Meanwhile, UNLV’s NIL battle presents a situation that many schools may see become more prevalent as time goes on.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into that in the latest edition of Friday Night Notes.
Matt Sulka, UNLV take center stage over NIL battle
The balance of power between schools and players took another crucial step toward player empowerment earlier in the week. UNLV quarterback Matt Sulka announced on X late Tuesday night that he was opting out for the remainder of the year to retain his final season of eligibility.
His decision came over a dispute with the school over a dispute with the school over NIL payments. The former Holy Cross quarterback had the Rebels 3-0 and off to their best start since 1984.
“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled,” Sluka said in his post on X. “Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program.”
Sulka wasn’t the only player on the UNLV who opted to sit out after playing the first three games. Running back Michael Allen also announced his decision a few days after Sulka for a similar reason.
USC also had a player opt out and redshirt though not over NIL reasons. Defensive lineman Bear Alexander, a former Georgia lineman, announced his decision on Thursday citing playing time as the reason why.
Saban who? Alabama, Kalen DeBoer get statement win over Georgia
There were understandable questions surrounding Alabama once Nick Saban announced his retirement in January. Even more questions surrounded the program when former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer was named the Crimson Tide’s coach two days later.
All of those questions were answered Saturday night against Georgia.
The Crimson Tide jumped out to a 28-point first-half lead and looked well on their way to a blowout win. However, the Bulldogs clawed their way back and took their first lead of the night with 2:31 remaining.
That lead wouldn’t last as long. Jalen Milroe found freshman phenom Ryan Williams 13 seconds later to put the Crimson Tide up 41-34. Freshman Zabien Brown sealed the win, picking off a Carson Beck pass in the end zone with 43 seconds remaining.
Missouri commitment scores touchdown of the year
Ironton (Ohio) three-star receiver Shaun Terry may not be the highest-ranked player in the 2025 class, but he may have a play in his bag that no other player in the country will be able to touch this season.
Terry stepped back to receive a punt with his team down by seven midway through the third quarter. Taking a hit from nearly every opposing player, Terry somehow broke free, found daylight and evened the game up.
Ironton lost 28-27, but Terry’s punt return is what anyone who attended the game or saw the highlight will be talking about.
Kentucky quarterback commitment sets Pennsylvania state record
Harrisburg (Pa.) Bishop McDevitt three-star quarterback Stone Saunders is set to head down to Lexington once his high school career comes to an end. One honor he’ll have well before that is the state’s all-time passing touchdown record.
Saunders set that record on the first drive Friday night in Bishop McDevitt’s 28-21 win over Altoona. He threw another touchdown pass later in the game.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder has been committed to Kentucky since last August. He ranks as the No. 35 quarterback in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports.
True freshman gets the job done for Sooners at Auburn
In their first SEC road game, Brent Venables turned to a true freshman at quarterback in Michael Hawkins Jr. While it was a gutsy call, it proved to be the right one.
The former three-star signal-caller out of McKinney (Texas) accounted for 230 yards and a rushing touchdown as Oklahoma scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to beat Auburn 27-21.
Hawkins Jr. was 10-of-15 passing for 171 and most importantly, never turned the ball over.
More college football recruiting notes
More: Friday Night Notes: The future of Billy Napier and Florida, Babalola watch, and more
More: Friday Night Notes: The future of Coach Prime and Colorado, USC’s rise, and more
More: College football recruiting: Latest commitment updates for 5-star recruits in 2025 class