"I will look if there is a better opportunity": 4-star ATH Israel Briggs shares his feelings on top six schools following UCLA visit

Israel Briggs, a versatile four-star athlete from Visalia, California, is one of the top-ranked tight ends in the Class of 2026. At 6 feet 5 inches and 205 pounds, Briggs showcases his athletic prowess on the football field and beyond.

Now playing for Redwood High School, he spent his sophomore year at Mt. Whitney High, where his standout season included 44 receptions, 571 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him two first-team East Yosemite League honors.

After last Saturday's visit to UCLA, Briggs narrowed his list of college options to six programs: Miami, Oregon, Texas A&M, Cal, UCLA and Arizona State. While these schools remain his favorites, Briggs is open to exploring new opportunities.

“My top six is the same, but being honest, I will look if there is a better opportunity,” Briggs shared with SI on Thursday. “I am building a relationship with all the schools in my top six.”

During his junior year, Briggs lined up in multiple positions, including tight end, receiver, quarterback, running back and defensive back, showcasing unmatched versatility.

College coaches have been particularly drawn to his rare combination of size and athleticism.

“Coaches love my athleticism, especially for my size,” Briggs said. “There are advantages to be had with little defensive backs or slow linebackers; that is what every college wants me for.”

Israel Briggs is focused on becoming a complete player as he prepares for the next level:

“The one thing I really want to get down to prove everyone wrong is my blocking. In the Mt. Whitney offense, we didn’t go into the I (-formation) or into a pro-style set; there was no blocking. I was offset. I have been working on blocking and cleaning up my routes.”

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Israel Briggs breaks down his top choices in the recruiting process

Four-star recruit Israel Briggs has drawn national attention with offers from powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Michigan, Oregon, Florida State, Washington and Texas A&M.

Explaining his interest in Miami, Briggs emphasized their holistic approach in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated:

“They’re in there because of their atmosphere. They don’t care about Izzy the football player, they care about me the person. I have been looking for that – are those relationships real? I want to be developed as a player and as a person off the field; at Miami, they are good people.”

Oregon stands out as a childhood dream.

“I’m supposed to go there sometime soon; I love that place," Briggs said. "Everyone as a kid, that is their dream school. Someone there is where I am from, we talk every day. His name is Zach Tinker (STA); that is big.”

UCLA impressed Israel Briggs during last Saturday's visit, especially with coach Jerry Neuheisel’s personal attention:

“I just went there on Sunday; I had a little talk with them. It was amazing. That guy, coach Jerry Neuheisel, he doesn’t care about football he cares about me and my family. My dad has Parkinson’s, he will help.”

With upcoming visits to Cal and Fresno State, Briggs continues to evaluate his options.

“You can tell a change is happening at UCLA. To be honest, in the previous months, it was like they were just throwing an offer out but with the new staff and people, it felt like a family. They took their time with me. They went over the little details for me to come to UCLA.”

Beyond football, Israel Briggs is a star in track and field, excelling in the 400 meters, 100 meters, 4x100 relay, long jump and high jump.