BRADENTON, Fla. – After welcoming over 100 coaches to campus for a showcase earlier this week, IMG Academy opened its doors to the media on Wednesday evening for its annual spring scrimmage. We have some takeaways and scouting notes below after getting to watch one of the more talent-rich programs in the country move around for an hour and a half in rainy conditions.
KEENYI PEPE NEXT UP ON THE O-LINE
No high school has churned out future NFL offensive linemen in recent years like IMG Academy. The Ascenders currently have six offensive linemen on NFL rosters (JC Latham, Evan Neal, Cesar Ruiz, Robert Hainsey, Daniel Faalele and Hjalte Froholdt) and should have a few more make their way to the pro ranks in the coming years (Alabama’s Tyler Booker, Miami’s Francis Mauigoa and Colorado’s Jordan Seaton).
IMG Academy might not have a can’t-miss senior offensive lineman on this year’s roster, but it’s time to get familiar with Keenyi Pepe, who currently ranks as the No. 39 overall prospect in the Top247 for the class of 2026. Pepe doesn’t have much game tape after spending a majority of his sophomore season backing up Seaton at left tackle, but he looked like the real deal on Wednesday protecting the corner.
Not only does Pepe own a prototypical frame (6-foot-7, 295 pounds), but he’s light on his feet and can match speed rushers with his agility. There weren’t a ton of full team reps during the glorified practice, but we also liked how he was able to find leverage and open up perimeter run lanes.
Pepe still has a ways to go, but Wednesday’s performance was extremely encouraging and it wouldn’t be surprising to see all the College Football Playoff regulars duking it out for his services this time next year.
DONOVAN OLUGBODE PUTS ON A SHOW
No one found the end zone more than Donovan Olugbode on Wednesday as he scored during the 1-on-1 period, the 7-on-7 period and the 11-on-11 period. Olugbode is an advanced route runner with large features (11-inch hands, 35-inch arms) and plenty of polish to his game.
One IMG Academy staffer mentioned during warm-ups that they believe Olugbode is in store for a monster senior campaign after catching just 31 passes for 561 yards and five scores last season. We agree. Two years ago, it was current Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate who elevated his play as a senior and finished with a fifth star next to his name. Olugbode might not have that type of ceiling when it comes to the rankings, but he continues to make a case that he should rise in the Top247.
When it comes to his recruitment, Olugbode has summer official visits set up with USC, Florida, and Missouri. He already took one to Washington and is in talks with both Ohio State and Alabama. The Tigers had a trio of coaches on the sidelines Wednesday, including offensive coordinator Kirby Moore. Pairing Olugbode with quarterback Matt Zollers would give Missouri one of the more intoxicating quarterback-wideout duos in the 2025 cycle.
JAYDEN WADE A QB TO TRACK FOR 2028
IMG Academy seems to always have a veteran under center. The Ascenders could certainly bring in a high-profile arm this summer, but it was 2028 quarterback Jayden Wade who took a bulk of the first-team reps on Wednesday.
Obviously, it’s extremely early to talk about a rising freshman, but it’s hard not to get excited about what Wade could be at some point down the line. The California transplant is over 6-foot-3 and equipped with a smooth stroke. He put multiple balls on tight lines and was able to throw his targets open during 1-on-1s.
Michigan offered Wade earlier this week, joining both Georgia and Oregon. Only more schools are going to throw their hat into the ring as the 15-year old is a true dual-threat talent with a promising arm and an elite testing profile: 4.49 in the 40-yard dash and 4.19 in the short shuttle to go along with a 32.1-inch vertical jump and a 125.4-inch broad jump.
AROUND THE FIELD…
–Top247 linebacker Gavin Nix has scheduled official visits to Oregon, Miami and FSU. The in-state programs might have the inside track to land the Sunshine State native, but the Ducks have compared Nix to Nakobe Dean, who Dan Lanning leaned on heavily during his days at Georgia. We think that player comparison fits as Nix is also on the smaller side, but an elite processor. He broke up multiple passes while in coverage on Wednesday.
–Washington wide receiver commit Raiden Vines-Bright scored a touchdown when the team drilled red zone situations. We were impressed with how Vines-Bright created separation at the line of scrimmage with his release. Arizona had an assistant coach in attendance Wednesday and doesn’t seem to be giving up on the homegrown talent, who started his prep career off in Tempe at Corona Del Sol.
–Major Preston is set to make a commitment on July 1st after he takes trips to Florida, Virginia Tech and Ole Miss. He came down with interception during 1-on-1s as he jumped a route and looked comfortable lined up in the slot.
–IMG Academy is in the process of rebuilding its defensive line after losing David Stone, Jayden Jackson and TJ Lindsey to graduation. Ohio State commit London Merritt had his moments and is going to be leaned on heavily after transferring in this winter, but we also liked what we saw out of two younger linemen in Elijah Golden and Preston Carey.
–Multiple high-profile recruits were limited or did not participate on Wednesday. That group included running back Donovan Johnson, who missed his entire 11th grade season with a knee injury, linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Colorado defensive back commit Alex Graham.
