Elias PearlMarcus BenjaminSat, November 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM UTC·2 min readTAMPA, Fla. — The measureables are essential in recruiting, but also important is how prospects play in big games. Unrated 2027 wide receiver Elias Pearl scored two touchdowns for Port Charlotte in a thrilling 22-21 win over Tampa Jesuit on Friday night to advance to the state semifinals.
The five-foot-eleven 170-pound playmaker also helped to execute a two-point conversion, throwing a jump pass for the go-ahead score with under 20 seconds left.
“I knew that we’ve been in this position before. We got great love for each other, we just kept fighting through adversity and just made it happen,” Pearl said after the game. “It feels great to know that my coach has trust in me. So when he calls a play my way, I just make the play.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPearl had much belief in the play call when it was called.
“I had confidence in it, because we’ve been working on it all week. Mikael [Santa] made a great catch.”
Pearl currently holds five offers from Appalachian State, Pitt, Syracuse, Toledo, and USF.
“They’re all keeping in contact.”
The three teams that have stood out in his recruitment so far are the Bulls, Panthers, and Mountaineers. Pearl has visited App State and USF so far.
“I like the atmosphere, it’s beautiful,” Pearl said about App State.
USF, however, seems to be making the most progress in his recruitment. Pearl wore USF gloves during the game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I like Coach Alex. He’s a great guy. He’s just building a great team there at USF. He’s the one who gave me the offer. I went to a camp and balled out. He pulled me to the side, talked to me, and gave me the offer. Coach CarMichael keeps in contact with me.”
Pearl has also received attention from the defending national champions.
“I’ve been getting texts from Ohio State, too. Still working, getting better every day, and just hoping for the best.”
Pearl has no timeline for when he wants to make a commitment decision, as he and Port Charlotte will look to continue their run to a state title in the semifinals next week.
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