The 2026 college football recruiting cycle is firing up as programs prepare to secure the best talent for next year’s season. With the early signing period approaching in December 2025, the competition among big programs for a deep pool of elite talent is on, including a record 21 five-star prospects in the ESPN 300.
As of May 2025, only 15 of the top 50 recruits have committed, leaving plenty of drama for programs like Oregon, LSU, and USC. Let’s take a look at the 10 best recruits and where they stand in the recruiting process.
Where Are 2026’s Top 10 Recruits Playing College Football?
The 2026 recruiting cycle is shaping up as one of the most competitive in recent memory, with offensive linemen dominating the top ranks for the first time in two decades.
Below, we rank the top 10 recruits based on reports by our in-house team, top analysts, and news outlets covering college football.
1) OT Jackson Cantwell, Nixa HS (MO)
Status: Committed to Miami
Stats: 6’8″, 315 lbs; 2024: Allowed zero sacks in 12 games, 78 pancake blocks
A dominant tackle with rare agility for his size, Cantwell’s versatility allows him to play guard or tackle. His commitment to Miami was influenced by a reported $2M NIL deal and visits to Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon.
2) DT Lamar Brown, University Lab HS (LA)
Status: Uncommitted; Scheduled to commit on July 4, 2025
Top schools: LSU, Texas A&M, Alabama
Stats: 6’4″, 295 lbs; 2024: 62 tackles, 15 TFL, 8 sacks
A disruptive force with quick hands, Brown is a Louisiana native drawing heavy interest from LSU, where he’s considered the frontrunner. His power and agility make him a three-down defender.
3) QB Faizon Brandon, Grimsley HS (NC)
Status: Committed to Tennessee
Stats: 6’4″, 225 lbs; 2024: 2,837 pass yds, 32 TDs, 5 INTs, 65% completion
The top-ranked QB in the class, Faizon Brandon’s deep-ball accuracy draws comparisons to Hendon Hooker. Committed to Tennessee since August 2024, he’s a firm commitment despite interest from Alabama and LSU.
4) WR Tristen Keys, Hattiesburg HS (MS)
Status: Committed to LSU
Stats: 6’3″, 190 lbs; 2024: 68 receptions, 1,204 yds, 14 TDs
A long-striding five-star receiver with elite ball skills, Keys committed to LSU, strengthening their 2026 class. He’s a coach’s favorite for his playmaking ability.
5) WR Chris Henry Jr., Mater Dei HS (CA)
Status: Committed to Ohio State
Stats: 6’5″, 195 lbs; 2023: 71 receptions, 1,127 yds, 10 TDs
Son of late NFL star Chris Henry, he’s a red-zone nightmare with an impressive catch radius. Committed to Ohio State since July 2023, he’s shut down visits to Oregon and USC.
6) QB Jared Curtis, Nashville Christian (TN)
Status: Committed to Georgia
Stats: 6’4″, 225 lbs; 2024: 2,612 pass yds, 28 TDs, 7 INTs, 412 rush yds
The No. 6 overall prospect is a five-star quarterback. Curtis is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm. He committed to Georgia on May 5, 2025, after considering Oregon.
7) EDGE Zion Elee, St. Frances Academy (MD)
Status: Committed to Maryland
Stats: 6’4″, 225 lbs; 2024: 55 tackles, 18 TFL, 12 sacks
RELATED: Top 2026 Recruit OT Jackson Cantwell Details Why He Chose Miami Over Georgia in Candid Column
Elee, is an explosive edge rusher. His commitment to Maryland is a coup for coach Mike Locksley. His speed and length make him a pass-rushing menace.
8) EDGE Richard Wesley, Sierra Canyon HS (CA)
Status: Committed to Oregon
Stats: 6-5, 245 lbs; 2024: 48 tackles, 14 TFL, 9 sacks (per MaxPreps)
A power-speed defender, Wesley committed to Oregon but faced pressure from USC and Ohio State.
9) OT Immanuel Iheanacho, Georgetown Prep. (MD)
Status: Uncommitted; Scheduled to commit on August 5, 2025
Top schools: Oregon, LSU, Penn State, Auburn
Stats: 6-7, 350 lbs; 2024: 65 pancake blocks, 2 sacks allowed in 11 games (per Hudl)
Iheanacho is a towering tackle with quick feet and a top target for Oregon, LSU, Penn State, and Auburn. On3 predicts a 72.5% chance he commits to Oregon by August 5. His size and technique show that he has NFL potential.
10) DT Tony Cumberland, Desert Mountain HS (AZ)
Status: Committed to Oregon
Stats: 6-4, 295 lbs; 2024: 60 tackles, 16 TFL, 7 sacks (per MaxPreps)
Cumberland is a lineman with a quick first step. He committed to Oregon, strengthening their top-ranked class. He’s a disruptor in the trenches.
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