The 2026 college football recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich in recent memory. As of April 2025, 28 players have earned the coveted 5-star rating from major recruiting services.
Each of these prospects brings something special to the table—whether it’s raw athleticism, polished technique, or sky-high potential. But which ones have already picked their next destination, and who’s still undecided? Let’s break it all down.
Top 5-Star Recruits in the 2026 Class
- Jackson Cantwell, OT, Nixa (MO) – Uncommitted
A towering presence at 6’8”, Cantwell is widely considered the top overall player in the class. His footwork and power make him a franchise left tackle in the making. - Jared Curtis, QB, Nashville Christian (TN) – Uncommitted
After decommitting from Georgia in 2024, Curtis has fielded interest from Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, and others. His cannon arm and mobility put him in the elite QB tier. - Tristen Keys, WR, Hattiesburg (MS) – Uncommitted
Keys has electrified scouts with his playmaking ability. He’s fast, agile, and known for making defenders miss in open space. - Immanuel Iheanacho, OT, Georgetown Prep (MD) – Uncommitted
Iheanacho’s strength and balance make him a dominant force in the trenches. Programs from the Big Ten and SEC are in hot pursuit. - Faizon Brandon, QB, Grimsley (NC) – Committed to Tennessee
Brandon is a dual-threat quarterback with elite arm strength. He became the Volunteers’ first 5-star commit in this class. - Zion Elee, DL, Great Mills (MD) – Uncommitted
Known for his violent hands and quick first step, Elee is a menace on the defensive front.
- Felix Ojo, CB, IMG Academy (FL) – Uncommitted
Ojo’s length and instincts make him one of the most coveted defensive backs in the country. - Tyler Atkinson, EDGE, Grayson (GA) – Uncommitted
A freak athlete, Atkinson was once ranked No. 1 in the class as an 8th grader. He continues to live up to that hype. - Brandon Arrington, WR, St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) – Uncommitted
Arrington has track speed and exceptional hands, making him a deep threat on every play. - Chris Henry Jr., WR, Withrow (OH) – Committed to Ohio State
The son of former NFL WR Chris Henry, he brings elite bloodlines and size to the Buckeyes’ wide receiver room. - Lamar Brown, LB, Mater Dei (CA) – Uncommitted
Brown is a natural leader and sideline-to-sideline linebacker, drawing interest from West Coast powers.
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- Dia Bell, QB, American Heritage (FL) – Uncommitted
Bell has shown high-level pocket presence and intelligence at an early age. - Kendre Harrison, TE, Reidsville (NC) – Uncommitted
At 6’7”, Harrison is a nightmare matchup at tight end, with basketball-like body control. - Mark Bowman, OT, Westlake (TX) – Uncommitted
Bowman’s fundamentals and toughness make him a top-tier blindside protector. - Anthony Jones, RB, Bishop Gorman (NV) – Uncommitted
Jones is an every-down back with elite vision and burst. He’s already on several Heisman watchlists—for the future, of course. - Ryder Lyons, QB, Mater Dei (CA) – Uncommitted
Mater Dei’s quarterback factory has produced another gem. Lyons has all the tools—accuracy, leadership, and poise.
- Savion Hiter, S, IMG Academy (FL) – Uncommitted
Hiter hits like a truck and reads offenses like a coach. He’s a tone-setter in the secondary. - Keisean Henderson, QB, Legacy School of Sport Sciences (TX) – Uncommitted
A dual-threat quarterback with game-breaking speed, Henderson is a modern offense’s dream. - Richard Wesley, DL, St. John Bosco (CA) – Uncommitted
Wesley thrives on power and leverage. He’s been nearly unblockable against elite competition. - Cederian Morgan, WR, Central (AL) – Uncommitted
Morgan has sticky hands and elite separation skills, often torching top corners. - Bralan Womack, CB, Thompson (AL) – Uncommitted
Womack is physical at the line and confident in man coverage. Think lockdown corner.
- Kodi Greene, LB, St. Frances Academy (MD) – Uncommitted
Greene is explosive and a natural at diagnosing plays. He’s a future leader of any defense. - Jorden Edmonds, CB, Hoover (AL) – Committed to Alabama
Edmonds is one of Nick Saban’s prized gets, known for his athleticism and elite ball skills. - Xavier Griffin, DL, Cedar Grove (GA) – Uncommitted
Griffin brings brute strength and great hands, constantly collapsing pockets. - Blaine Bradford, S, Catholic (LA) – Uncommitted
Bradford is rangy, instinctive, and excellent in zone coverage. - Kaiden Prothro, OT, Thompson (AL) – Uncommitted
A strong run-blocker with nimble feet, Prothro projects as an early starter at the next level. - Jett Washington, WR, North Shore (TX) – Uncommitted
Washington is a smooth route-runner with electric speed. He’s a playmaker with star power. - Darius Gray, RB, Duncanville (TX) – Uncommitted
Gray is compact, shifty, and explosive. He’s a one-cut back with real juice.
What to Watch Going Forward
As the summer approaches, expect many of these uncommitted players to start narrowing down their choices. With the new NIL era in full swing, schools are offering more than just tradition—they’re pitching brand-building, exposure, and immediate impact. The 2026 class will play a huge role in shaping college football’s landscape for years to come.
This crop of 5-star recruits is as deep and dynamic as any class in recent memory. Whether it’s elite quarterbacks like Curtis and Brandon, dominant linemen like Cantwell and Iheanacho, or explosive skill players like Henry Jr. and Keys, these athletes represent the future of college football.
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And while many remain uncommitted for now, the recruiting trail is heating up, and fans can expect fireworks as decisions start rolling in over the coming months.
Keep your eye on these names—they’re not just top prospects. They’re potential game-changers, Heisman contenders, and future NFL stars. The 2026 class is going to be fun to watch.
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