Who is the leader for top-100 2024 QB Jake Merklinger?

Four-star 2024 quarterback Jake Merklinger is becoming a top priority on the recruiting trail and here’s a breakdown of his recruitment. 

Things are really starting to pick up on the recruiting trail for the 2024 class, especially when it comes to quarterbacks like Jake Merklinger.

Jake Merklinger is a name that college football fans need to know if they don’t already. He got more recognition when Georgia football jumped in the mix with an offer recently, but the Savannah, Georgia signal-caller is really underrated considering his ranking.

As the No. 7 overall prospect at the quarterback position in the 2024 class and the 63rd overall player, he’s the top target on a number of recruiting boards or at least he should be.

The biggest question though is where Georgia football has Jake Merklinger on its board because of their recruitment of five-star Dylan Raiola.

Georgia football seemed like the favorite for Raiola after he watched them win the national championship. Steve Wiltfong of 247 sports put in a crystal ball projection and even though Nebraska football has a ton of momentum, Wiltfong still has his crystal ball on UGA.

Georgia already has a QB commitment in Ryan Puglisi in the 2024 class but after not landing a QB in the 2023 class, the Bulldogs seemed committed to taking two.

So will it be Raiola or Jake Merklinger?

Does Tennessee football or Georgia lead?

According to On3.com, Merklinger is going to visit Tennessee football, Georgia, Michigan State, and North Carolina during March.

There has been some debate about whether or not Raiola will visit Georgia. But you have to think if the Bulldogs prioritize Merkliner, they would be able to land his commitment.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound quarterback also has Tennessee football after him and according to the On3 prediciton machine, the Volunteers are the current leader.

Michigan State is another real threat and are still getting a visit, but it’s hard to see them beating out a contingent of SEC schools.

North Carolina is an interesting dark horse. The Tar Heels do have a new offensive coordinator but Drake Maye is a nice selling point and Mack Brown is one hell of a recruiter.

Still, my feeling is that if Georgia football really wants Merklinger, it will land him. If not, and if the Bulldogs don’t make him a priority soon, I’d give Tennessee or North Carolina the slight edge.