The 2026 college football recruiting class rankings are out, and the top programs are hustling to lock in the best young talent across the country. This year feels especially unpredictable, with early coaching changes and some bold moves by schools shaking up the recruiting scene.
Let’s take a look at the teams making the biggest waves and the standout recruits who could shape the 2026 season.
USC Trojans: Leading the Charge
Lincoln Riley has USC rolling in the 2026 recruiting class. The Trojans’ new general manager, Chad Bowden (he came over from Notre Dame), has made a real difference.
USC now has a bunch of ESPN 300 commits, including two five-star prospects: offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe and cornerback Elbert Hill.
Key Additions
USC’s focused on beefing up both lines. Some of the top names:
- Keenyi Pepe: Offensive tackle from IMG Academy, 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, moves surprisingly well for his size.
- Elbert Hill: The top-ranked cornerback, clocked at over 22 mph in games.
- Tomuhini Topui: Four-star defensive tackle from Oregon, plays with a mean streak.
- Jonas Williams: Dual-threat quarterback who flipped from Oregon, gives USC another weapon on offense.
Georgia Bulldogs: Consistent Contenders
Kirby Smart keeps Georgia right near the top. The Bulldogs held on to five-star quarterback Jared Curtis, beating out Oregon and others.
Curtis has a quick release and big-time tools. He could be a difference-maker down the road.
Offensive and Defensive Strengths
Georgia’s class looks balanced, with some eye-catching additions:
- Brady Marchese: Wide receiver with verified 22 mph speed in games.
- Kaiden Prothro: Receiver with a rare combo of size, speed, and body control.
- Justice Fitzpatrick: Defensive back and younger brother of Minkah Fitzpatrick, brings size and speed.
- Zechariah Fort: Safety with range and a nose for the run game.
Texas A&M Aggies: Expanding Their Reach
Mike Elko’s Texas A&M staff has been aggressive, landing top prospects from Georgia, Florida, and California. Their biggest get? Brandon Arrington, the nation’s No. 1-ranked athlete (he’ll probably play cornerback).
Noteworthy Recruits
Here are a few names to remember from the Aggies’ class:
- Brandon Arrington: Versatile, can play both ways but projects as a corner.
- Jordan Carter and Bryce Perry-Wright: Defensive linemen from Georgia, giving the D-line a boost.
- K.J. Edwards: Texas running back, has racked up 1,700 yards in back-to-back seasons.
- Helaman Casuga: Utah quarterback with a strong arm and quick release.
Texas Longhorns: Building for the Future
Texas isn’t slowing down, even with Arch Manning on campus. They’ve added another five-star QB, Dia Bell, who’s known for his accuracy and poise.
Offensive and Defensive Additions
The Longhorns have brought in some serious talent:
- Dia Bell: Five-star quarterback, great touch on the deep ball.
- Chris Stewart and Jermaine Bishop Jr.: ESPN 300 receivers who can stretch the field.
- Derrek Cooper: Running back with size and breakaway speed.
- Richard Wesley: Defensive end with the frame to play anywhere up front.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Strong Defensive Additions
Notre Dame started slow in 2026 recruiting but picked up steam with some key ESPN 300 defenders. They’ve added length and toughness to the secondary and restocked the offensive line.
Key Recruits
Who stands out for the Irish?
- Rodney Dunham: Edge rusher with a lightning-quick first step.
- Ayden Pouncey: Safety with a 6-foot-3 frame and plenty of range.
- Khary Adams: Cornerback prospect, checks all the size and speed boxes.
- Gregory Patrick and Tyler Merrill: Offensive linemen who fit the Irish’s tradition of great line play.
Oregon Ducks: Sustained Excellence
Dan Lanning keeps Oregon in the mix, with several five-star recruits in the 2026 class. They’ve added dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Five-star tight end Kendre’ Harrison and safety Jett Washington headline the group.
Standout Recruits
Some of Oregon’s top newcomers:
- Kendre’ Harrison: Five-star tight end, also a standout in another sport.
- Jett Washington: Safety with smooth movement and good ball skills.
- Tradarian Ball: Four-star running back, explosive with great hands.
- Immanuel Iheanacho: Massive offensive lineman, stands 6-foot-7 and weighs in at 350 pounds.
Tennessee Volunteers: In-State Success
Tennessee has locked down some of the state’s best, led by five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon. The Vols have also beefed up their defense with several key additions.
Key Additions
Who’s joining the Vols?
- Faizon Brandon: Five-star quarterback, seems like a perfect scheme fit.
- Tyreek King and Joel Wyatt: In-state receivers with speed to burn.
- Zach Groves: Defensive end, quick off the snap and powerful.
- Dereon Albert: 300-pound defensive lineman, has impressed at camps.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Late Surge
Alabama got hot in June, landing several ESPN 300 defenders. The Tide have added a lot of depth, especially on defense, with talent from Georgia and their own backyard.
Noteworthy Recruits
Some names to watch:
- Ezavier Crowell: Running back with power and vision.
- Xavier Griffin and Jamarion Matthews: Defensive ends from Georgia, both with impressive physical tools.
- Jorden Edmonds and Zyan Gibson: Cornerbacks who bring speed and flexibility.
- Jireh Edwards: Five-star safety, tested well and plays with an edge.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Building Around a Star
Ohio State’s 2026 group is centered around five-star receiver Chris Henry Jr. His dad starred at West Virginia and with the Bengals, so the bloodlines are there.
The Buckeyes have surrounded Henry with several ESPN 300 prospects to round out the class.
Key Recruits
Ohio State’s top additions:
- Chris Henry Jr.: Five-star receiver with length and quickness you rarely see together.
- Blaine Bradford: Louisiana safety, rangy and physical.
- Simeon Caldwell: Florida linebacker, brings size and a physical edge.
- Maxwell Riley: In-state offensive tackle, known for a mean streak.
Michigan Wolverines: Adding Depth
Michigan’s 2026 class features ESPN 300 quarterback Brady Smigiel and running back Savion Hiter. They’ve also shored up the defensive line with some high-upside defensive ends.
Noteworthy Recruits
Here’s who’s coming to Ann Arbor:
- Brady Smigiel: Quarterback, accurate and doesn’t lack confidence.
- Savion Hiter: No. 2 running back in the class, has size and speed.
- Titan Davis and McHale Blade: Defensive ends, both ESPN 300 guys.
- Matt Ludwig: Tight end from Montana, has reliable hands and versatility.
Florida Gators: Early Success
Florida jumped up the 2026 recruiting rankings with some early wins. The Gators have landed explosive pass catchers and reloaded both lines with high-upside prospects.
Key Additions
Florida’s top recruits include:
- JaReylan McCoy: Five-star defensive end, long and explosive.
- Marquez Daniel and Justin Williams: Receivers who add depth and playmaking to the offense.
- Carsyn Baker: Georgia running back, brings size and speed.
- Will Griffin: Big quarterback with a strong arm and good touch.
LSU Tigers: In-State Dominance
LSU’s 2026 class leans heavily on top in-state talent. The Tigers have added playmakers on both sides, like defensive tackle Lamar Brown and receiver Jabari Mack.
Noteworthy Recruits
LSU’s class brings in several key players.
- Lamar Brown: He’s a top-ranked defensive tackle with impressive agility and flexibility.
- Jabari Mack: This in-state wide receiver really stands out for his route-running skills.
- Brysten Martinez: He joins as an offensive tackle and adds some needed depth to the line.
- Havon Finney Jr.: A reclassified cornerback, Finney Jr. brings excellent speed and a physical edge.
Curious about the 2026 college football recruiting class rankings and which teams are making waves? Check out the full article on ESPN.
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