"This kid is a star": Hoops fans react to dual-sport athlete Calvin Russell's hooping prowess amid D1 football offers

Miami Northwestern multi-sport athlete Calvin Russell is gaining recognition for his versatility. A recent Instagram reel showcasing his skills on both the gridiron and hardwood was shared on Wednesday and garnered praise from fans.

Russell is one of the most coveted football prospects in the 2026 recruiting class and has also received basketball scholarship offers.

One Instagram user acknowledged the teenager's promise, calling him a future star, commenting:

“This kid is a star.”

Another user highlighted his ability in both sports, writing:

“Nephew been a dual sport athlete all his life. Basketball was actually his first love. Keep going @14gump.”

A fan pointed out the prospect of Russell winning a state basketball championship, stating:

“With Coach Randall as his basketball coach, a basketball state championship is possible. This man done played for two legends.”

Fans of the Florida Gators were also active in the comments, urging their program to recruit Russell. One wrote:

“Go Gators. We the last in state to put first rounders in the league.”

Another Gators fan urged the program to invest in the high school junior, writing with alligator emojis:

“Cut the check!”

Meanwhile, some commenters simply cheered him on. One wrote:

“Let’s go nephew.”

Reactions to Calvin Russell's highlights

Which schools are in the race to sign Calvin Russell?

Calvin Russell is one of the most highly sought-after football prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. The wide receiver prospect has 50 college offers on his desk, according to 247Sports.

The list of college football programs that have extended scholarship offers to the five-star receiver includes Florida State, Miami, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Colorado and Georgia.

Russell, ranked the No. 3 wide receiver in the 2026 class by 247Sports, was part of Teddy Bridgewater’s Miami Northwestern state title-winning team. The versatile athlete, who also competes in track and field events, holds basketball offers from Illinois, Arizona State, Penn State, FAU and Tulane, per 247Sports.

Following an impressive state title run with the Bulls football team under the legendary Teddy Bridgewater, Russell has returned to impressing on the hardwood.

In a blowout win against Booker T. Washington on Jan. 14, he contributed 16 points. In 13 games this season, he has averaged 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists.