The 2026 college football recruiting class is already shaping up as one of the most competitive and talent-rich in a while. Big commitments keep coming in, shaking up the rankings and showing just how fierce the battle is among top programs.
From in-state victories to surprise flips, the recruiting landscape is shifting fast. Let’s dig into some of the latest moves and the names making the most noise.
LSU’s In-State Triumphs Boost Rankings
LSU’s been on a roll in the 2026 recruiting class, mostly because they’ve locked down top in-state talent. Their biggest win? Fending off Texas A&M to keep local star Lamar Brown at home.
Brown, ranked No. 1, looks set to make waves on the defensive line. He’s got agility, flexibility, and a motor that just doesn’t quit. There’s even chatter he could excel on the offensive line, too.
Key Commitments
- Lamar Brown – Defensive Line
- Tristen Keys – Wide Receiver
- Jabari Mack – Wide Receiver
- Brysten Martinez – Offensive Tackle
- Richard Anderson – Defensive Tackle
- Aiden Hall – Safety
- Havon Finney Jr. – Cornerback
Alabama’s Rise with Defensive Talent
Alabama’s climbing up the 2026 recruiting rankings, thanks to some big defensive pickups. Landing five-star safety Jireh Edwards has changed the game for the Crimson Tide.
Edwards brings size, speed, and a physical edge, giving Alabama’s secondary more options. The Tide also pulled in several other top defenders from Georgia.
Notable Additions
- Jireh Edwards – Safety
- Xavier Griffin – Defensive End
- Jamarion Matthews – Defensive End
- Jorden Edmonds – Cornerback
- Zyan Gibson – Cornerback
Oregon’s Star-Studded Class
Oregon’s making waves in the 2026 class, even after losing an ESPN 300 commitment. They’re currently the only team with three five-star prospects in the fold.
Offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho, the newest Duck, brings size and power to the trenches. He’s joining five-stars Kendre’ Harrison at tight end and Jett Washington at safety.
Top Recruits
- Immanuel Iheanacho – Offensive Tackle
- Kendre’ Harrison – Tight End
- Jett Washington – Safety
- Xavier Lherisse – Defensive Back
- Tradarian Ball – Running Back
USC’s Momentum Under Lincoln Riley
USC’s been rolling under Lincoln Riley in the 2026 recruiting race. The Trojans have landed double-digit ESPN 300 commitments, including two five-stars: offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe and cornerback Elbert Hill.
They’re putting real effort into the trenches too, bringing in top offensive and defensive linemen. That’s a focus that could pay off big.
Key Players
- Keenyi Pepe – Offensive Tackle
- Elbert Hill – Cornerback
- Tomuhini Topui – Defensive Lineman
- Jonas Williams – Quarterback
- Jaimeon Winfield – Defensive Tackle
- Simote Katoanga – Defensive End
- Esun Tafa – Offensive Lineman
Georgia’s Consistency Under Kirby Smart
Georgia just keeps finding itself among the top recruiting classes with Kirby Smart at the helm. They’ve secured five-star quarterback Jared Curtis, who’s got a rocket arm and a quick release.
On defense, the Bulldogs added defensive backs Justice Fitzpatrick and Zechariah Fort. That secondary’s looking tough already.
Top Commitments
- Jared Curtis – Quarterback
- Justice Fitzpatrick – Cornerback
- Zechariah Fort – Safety
- Brady Marchese – Wide Receiver
- Lincoln Keyes – Tight End
Notre Dame’s Defensive Additions
Notre Dame’s beefed up its defense for 2026. The Irish grabbed top cornerback Khary Adams and rangy safety Ayden Pouncey.
They also added some serious muscle on the offensive line, with ESPN 300 OT Gregory Patrick and top-10 tackle Tyler Merrill joining the class.
Key Recruits
- Khary Adams – Cornerback
- Ayden Pouncey – Safety
- Gregory Patrick – Offensive Tackle
- Tyler Merrill – Offensive Tackle
- Thomas Davis Jr. – Linebacker
- Noah Grubbs – Quarterback
Texas A&M’s Diverse Class
Texas A&M’s been casting a wide net and it’s working. The Aggies landed No. 1 athlete Brandon Arrington, who could end up making plays on either side of the ball.
They also brought in top defensive linemen and a couple of in-state running backs. That’s some solid depth.
Notable Additions
- Brandon Arrington – Athlete
- Jordan Carter – Defensive Lineman
- Bryce Perry-Wright – Defensive Lineman
- Jermaine Kinsler – Defensive Tackle
- K.J. Edwards – Running Back
- Jonathan Hatton – Running Back
- Helaman Casuga – Quarterback
Ohio State’s Star Power
Ohio State’s building its 2026 class around five-star receiver Chris Henry Jr. He’s got a rare blend of length and quickness that’s hard to find.
The Buckeyes also added safety Blaine Bradford, linebacker Simeon Caldwell, and in-state tackle Maxwell Riley. That’s a strong core to build on.
Top Recruits
- Chris Henry Jr. – Wide Receiver
- Blaine Bradford – Safety
- Simeon Caldwell – Linebacker
- Maxwell Riley – Offensive Tackle
- C.J. Sanna – Linebacker
Michigan’s Defensive Strength
Michigan’s putting a real emphasis on defense for 2026. The Wolverines landed ESPN 300 defensive ends Titan Davis and McHale Blade.
They also pulled in four-star DE Tariq Boney and edge rusher Carter Meadows. There’s some offensive help too, with tight end Matt Ludwig committing.
Key Players
- Titan Davis – Defensive End
- McHale Blade – Defensive End
- Tariq Boney – Defensive End
- Carter Meadows – Edge Defender
- Matt Ludwig – Tight End
Miami’s Offensive Line Focus
Miami’s trending in the right direction with its 2026 class. The Hurricanes are zeroed in on building a strong offensive line, led by No. 1 tackle Jackson Cantwell.
They’ve added more top linemen and a few key defensive players, too. Feels like the Hurricanes are quietly stacking up some real strength up front.
Notable Additions
- Jackson Cantwell – Offensive Tackle
- Dereon Coleman – Quarterback
- Vance Spafford – Wide Receiver
- Jordan Campbell – Linebacker
The 2026 recruiting class just keeps getting more interesting. Top programs are going all in to snag the best players out there.
If you’re curious about the latest rankings or want to check out new commitments, take a look at ESPN’s comprehensive coverage.
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