Three Cardinal Mooney Cougars claimed the No. 6 through No. 4 spots on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune's annual Big 15 college football recruiting list, published Thursday, July 30. Running back Connail Jackson, offensive tackle Jackson Snelling, and defensive lineman Kaleb Exume all represent the defending Class 2A state champions heading into fall camp.

The concentration of talent at one school underscores what national outlets already see: MaxPreps ranked Cardinal Mooney No. 72 in its preseason national top 100, and On3 slotted the Cougars at No. 20 in its way-too-early rankings.

Connail Jackson: 2,452 yards, 39 touchdowns

Jackson, a Class of 2027 running back, put up 2,452 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns during the Cougars' championship run in 2025. He remains uncommitted with offers from Auburn, UCF, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina, and Virginia Tech, among others. At a program already loaded at the position after adding Riverview transfer Toryeon James, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards with the Rams in 2025, Jackson enters his senior season as one of the most productive backs in the state.

Jackson Snelling: 28 offers, no commitment

Snelling, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound rising junior (Class of 2028), holds 28 Division I scholarship offers including LSU, Florida State, Clemson, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Snelling moved to Sarasota when he was 1 year old and didn't start playing football until sixth grade, beginning with flag before switching to tackle.

"My game is really in my IQ. I'm way smarter now. I know all the plays and know what to do. I'm definitely more mentally prepared for this season," Snelling told Your Observer on July 28 when named Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

He is the youngest of the three Big 15 honorees and the highest-rated, carrying a four-star designation. Asked about his goals for the upcoming season, Snelling kept it to four words: "To win another state championship."

Kaleb Exume: Boston College commit, two-way starter

Exume, a Class of 2027 three-star defensive lineman, transferred to Cardinal Mooney from Parrish Community High School, where he recorded 6.0 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in 2025. He committed to Boston College after flipping from a prior commitment to Louisville.

The 2026 season will ask more of Exume than pass-rushing. He will play both ways, lining up on the offensive line next to Snelling while anchoring the defensive front alongside Georgia Tech commit Maleek Lee, a four-star transfer from Booker High.

What it means for fall 2026

Cardinal Mooney began fall practice with non-contact work statewide Tuesday, July 28. The Cougars move up to FHSAA Class 3A this season and are a contender for the state's inaugural Open Division bracket, which will feature Florida's top eight teams regardless of classification.

With quarterback Davin Davidson returning after throwing for 2,360 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2025, and the addition of Lee and James via transfer, the Cougars' roster reads like a small-school all-star team. The Herald-Tribune's Big 15 series notes that eight of the 15 area recruits have already committed to high-level programs.