Welcome to the 12th edition of The Big 15, the annual list of the top Southwest Florida college football recruits selected by The News-Press and Naples Daily News.
It’s almost an entirely new crop of prospects this year with just one recruit returning from last year’s list. All of them are poised to play at college football’s highest level as 12 of the 15 are already committed to Division I programs.
The players selected are from Lee and Collier counties and are ranked based on hard scholarship offers, the level of the schools making the offers, and those who possess the potential to receive attention from Power Four programs. Additionally, the eye test matters; how well they have already performed on Friday nights is also a factor in our ranking.
This week, we’ll unveil three players per day, counting down from No. 15 to No. 1, with our top three prospects appearing on Friday, July 31. We’ll continue with players 9, 8, and 7 on July 29.
No. 9 Fred Jackson
Position: Wide receiver
School: Dunbar
Rating: NR (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Commitment: Jacksonville State
Best Offers: Albany, Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, Lafayette
Measurables: 5-foot-10, 160 pounds
Grade: Senior
Jackson, who will play his final season at Dunbar after transferring from Fort Myers High, is a big play waiting to happen. Last year, he led the Green Wave in all-purpose yards (999) and touchdowns (10). Jackson did the bulk of his damage as a receiver, catching 37 passes for 605 yards (16.4 per reception) and seven scores. He was also a weapon in the return game, averaging 41.4 yards per kickoff return and 26.6 yards on punts.
Jackson’s explosiveness should be on full display in the Tigers’ wide-open attack, which could see him post career-best production across the board.
What makes you one of the best prospects in Southwest Florida?
My speed, my speed is very dangerous. Every time I get the ball, I can take it at least 80 yards down the field.
What was the recruiting process like for you and why was Jacksonville State the right choice?
Ever since I got (to Dunbar) my recruiting process sparked. I got my first offer from Bethune and some small little (FCS schools). But when Jacksonville State came, I felt like that was the one. The coach came down, watched me play, I balled out, we set up an (official visit), had a good conversation, and I think that’s the school for me.
What part of your game do you think has improved the most since last season?
I want to say my route running. My route running definitely improved. I feel like, I can do more one-on-ones, stop, get out of my breaks quicker this year so I’m definitely going to be dangerous.
How would you describe your game?
Need for speed … I can just run right past people, in and out of my breaks, quick left, right. A lot of people can’t stop that.
What goals have you set for yourself this season?
I’m trying to go for 1,000 receiving yards at least and 20 touchdowns this year.
No. 8 Colin Urrea
Position: Interior offensive line
School: Community School of Naples
Rating: 3-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Commitment: Pittsburgh
Best Offers: Louisville, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Stanford
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 290 pounds
Grade: Senior
The lone returning player on this year’s Big 15 list, Urrea will be tasked with leading a Seahawks’ offensive line that graduated three starters from a unit that steamrolled opposing defenses last season. Community School of Naples averaged nearly 390 yards per game in 2025, including 264 on the ground.
Urrea, who will play center this season, said he’s embracing the opportunity to help coach up the Seahawks’ young linemen. They’d be wise to listen to a mentor who’s proven to be an anchor in the run and pass game and has displayed a commitment to continual improvement.
The rising senior will also be playing for more than himself and his team this year. Urrea is the driving force behind the “Pancakes for Apraxia” campaign, which will raise money for the childhood speech disorder based on the number of pancake blocks Urrea and his teammates rack up this season. At the age of two, he was diagnosed with the affliction, which makes communication extremely difficult, but eventually overcame it through years of intensive speech therapy and support.
What makes you one of the best prospects in Southwest Florida?
I have really good hands in the run game and really good feet in the run game and pass game. My mental game is really good for a high school player and I’d say that my leadership skills are getting better. I just want to keep being the better version of myself every day.
What was the recruiting process like and why was Pittsburgh the right fit for you?
It was a long process for sure. Pitt was the choice because it’s home to me. I used to live there and I’ve got a bunch of family that’s connected up there. The coaching staff, they take care of you, they love you, they appreciate you every day … Coach (Pat) Narduzzi, my favorite coach, I’d run through a wall for that guy. He’s special and he’s going to win the ACC Championship soon.
What part of your game would you say has improved the most since last season?
I would say probably my mental game. I’ve gotten a lot better with calling out the plays, making sure all five O-linemen are good. Calling out the backer and calling out the front and making sure everybody’s on point and the offense is running and ready to go.
What has it been like, being a veteran guy and bringing along the newer guys on the offensive line?
It’s been great. There are a lot of young guys coming in to our team … It’s been an honor to be a leader of this team and helping young guys with whatever they need.
Why did you decide you wanted to come forward and talk about (childhood apraxia)?
I’ve had this problem ever since I was a little kid. I’ve been going to speech therapy for most of my childhood and it’s really good to give back to people who have the same problem I did.
I think we’re going to raise a lot of money this year; our O-line is looking really good. We’re going to put a lot of people on the ground.
No. 7 Akhcuonam Augustin
Position: Defensive line
School: Barron Collier
Rating: 3-star (247Sports, ESPN, Rivals)
Commitment: Central Florida
Best offers: Mississippi State, Illinois, Miami
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 270 pounds
Grade: Senior
Football is still relatively new for Augustin.
The senior is entering just his third year playing the sport, showcasing the stunning trajectory he is on as he racked up Power Four offers while learning how to play.
With good hands, a strong motor and high effort, he posted 33 tackles, 9 tackles-for-loss, 6 sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown at Barron last season.
Augustin’s raw potential put him on the radar of Power Four schools like Mississippi State, Illinois, Miami and Rutgers. He ultimately decided to stay close to home, committing to Central Florida in June.
What makes you one of the best prospects in Southwest Florida?
I’m a hard worker. Ever since I started football, I just work my butt off. So I’ve just been able to focus on the little things and excel in those and by God’s grace, I’ve been able to be in the position I am right now.
What was the recruiting process like for you and why was UCF the right choice?
First, I was blessed to get Murray State. That was my first offer, and that kind of snowballed. And UCF saw my potential, and I went on my official visit – really loved the place, loved the coaching staff, loved (defensive tackles) coach Kenny (Martin), loved the head coach, loved the people there, loved the players. And I just felt like this is where I had to be.
What has your football journey been like so far?
It’s been all over the place because I started with just not being that good. I ran a 6-second 40 when I first started. I was blessed to be able to get these amazing coaches at my school, blessed to work with coach (Brannon Tidwell) and by the end of six months got able to run a 4.8, got athletic, got stronger, got bigger. I just thank the Lord, thank Jesus for always helping me and being there for me.
What has been your favorite moment of your high school career?
Getting a touchdown against Estero – that was a really big moment for me because the day before that, me and my coach were talking about how he got one and he was like, ‘I feel like you can get one too.’ And I was like, ‘Me too.’ The next game, I get a touchdown. Like, ‘I told you, I told you.’ It was really exciting for me.
What part of your game has improved the most since last season?
By far, my hands and my speed. I always had steady hands, but now I feel like this summer I’ve been able to work with my coaches to be able use them more efficiently and be able to have a faster get off.
Why do you wear No. 99?
Aaron Donald. When I first started, that’s the first person I’ve ever seen play. And I was like, if I could just be one percent like him, then I know I’ll go far because I saw his work ethic, how people doubted him, and I just enjoyed that. And I just felt like it resonated with me as somebody that just started and never touched a football or a weight room in my life, so that’s why I picked this number.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: The Big 15 college football recruits from SWFL ranked No. 9-7
Reporting by Dan DeLuca, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan DeLuca, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
