College football's 2026 recruiting class features a record 25 five-star prospects in the latest ESPN 300. Following a busy summer of activity, 12 five-star pledges -- headlined by No. 1 overall prospect Lamar Brown (LSU) and capped by defensive end Jake Kreul's move into Oklahoma's class -- came off the board. More recently, QB Jared Curtis, the top pocket passer in the class, flipped his commitment again. On the eve of the early signing period he jumped from Georgia to Vanderbilt.
For each commitment, recruiting reporter Eli Lederman and scouts Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill will look at how recruits landed at their school and what we can expect in college:
Lamar Brown, DT
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 1
Committed to: LSU Tigers
Background: Brown, the versatile, 6-foot-5, 285-pound defender from Erwinville, Louisiana, has held firm on LSU pledge since coach Brian Kelly's late-October firing and is set to join the Tigers as the program's first No. 1 overall signee since Leonard Fournette in the 2014 cycle.
LSU initially beat out Miami and Texas A&M for Brown's pledge in July. Both the Hurricanes and Aggies circled back upon Kelly's exit, but Brown remains committed to the Tigers and is the linch-pin to a 2026 recruiting class that has remained almost entirely intact despite the coaching change. As things stand, Brown will arrive on campus as the headline addition in a defensive class that includes five top-100 defenders in the 2026 ESPN 300, alongside defensive tackles Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson, defensive end Trenton Henderson and cornerback Havon Finney Jr.
Scout's take: Brown is the No. 1 overall recruit and a legitimate prospect on either side of the line of scrimmage.
Focused on the defensive side of the ball, Brown is arguably even a better offensive lineman and that ability to contribute on either side of the ball in trenches further increases his value to the Tigers roster. Brown is a natural knee bender who can consistently play with leverage, balance and maximize power. In camp settings, he has tested well. On the field, he displays good agility and range for a big man at around 290 pounds. He also carries that weight well, and with time and further physical development, he can easily play at over 300-pounds and still move efficiently.
In addition to excellent physical tools, Brown also takes coaching well and quickly applies what he has learned. Those are traits that should help him work his way into the mix quickly, which will be expected from the hometown prospect with his ranking.
The Tigers might be tempted to play Brown on the offensive side of the ball, but the plan at least in the immediate future is to play on defense. He looks poised to join a unit with some emerging talent in former five-star Dominick McKinley and Ahmad Breaux, who played well above his three-star ranking as a freshman. If they can continue to develop, Brown could enter an ideal situation where he can gain some early experience rotating in with proven players. -- Haubert
Zion Elee, DE
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 2
Committed to: Maryland Terrapins
Background: Elee will have spent nearly a full year committed to the Terps when he signs with Maryland as the highest-ranked recruit in program history, an honor previously held by former All-Big Ten and eventually four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs in the 2012 class.
In the age of modern recruiting, Elee maintained a remarkably quiet process after giving the Terps his pledge on Dec. 7, 2024. Still, Auburn, South Carolina and Texas have remained involved in his recruitment to the very final stages, and as late as early November, Elee appeared primed for a flip before Maryland announced its decision to retain coach Mike Locksley and his staff for the 2026 season. A long, explosive edge defender capable of Day 1 production at the next level, Elee will join a Terps defensive line that already features two of the nation's top freshman defensive ends this fall between Zahir Mathis and Sidney Stewart.
Scout's take: Good recruiting starts at home. With the addition of Elee he is the first No. 1 prospect from the area to reach Maryland in the ESPN 300 era, and the first time in five cycles the Terps landed the top in-state prospect. At roughly 6-foot-4 with an 80-inch wingspan, Elee is a lean, lengthy and disruptive edge rusher. That length blended with an excellent first step and a strong motor can allow him to wreak havoc off the edge. Maryland ranked last in sacks (14) in the Big Ten in 2024 but have made progress in this area in 2025 thanks to the impact of freshmen Zahir Mathis and Sidney Stewart. Adding Elee to the mix could allow Maryland to turn a one-time weakness into one of the conference's most formidable pass-rushes. -- Haubert
Jackson Cantwell, OT
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 3
Committed to: Miami Hurricanes
Background: Cantwell -- the son of two Olympic shot putters -- is Miami's No. 1 commit in 2026 and is set to become the program's top-ranked signee since Mario Cristobal took over in 2021.
A towering, yet mobile lineman at 6-foot-8, 315 pounds, Cantwell picked the Hurricanes over Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon in May as Cristobal's latest high-profile offensive line addition. He's the lone offensive tackle among 13 ESPN 300 pledges in Miami's incoming class, a group that includes No. 5 dual-threat quarterback Dereon Coleman, running back Javian Mallory and wide receivers Vance Spafford, Somourian Wingo and Milan Parris. A two-time state champion shot putter who holds multiple national high school throwing records, Cantwell intends to continue his track and field career alongside football in college.
Cantwell is a massive presence at roughly 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds and is powerful and tenacious in his play. Beyond his size, Cantwell is a flexible big body with good feet. He could have some growing pains early in his college career in pass protection, but should be expected to come in and play right away. His arrival could time well with the potential departure of 2023 five-star OL Francis Mauigoa who is projected as a 2026 first-round NFL pick. Cantwell could have a similar trajectory as Mauigoa in that he is a plug-and-play addition that experiences some early challenges but continues to develop into a key piece of the unit and an eventual NFL prospect. -- Haubert
Keisean Henderson, ATH
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 4
Committed to: Houston Cougars
Background: Initially viewed as an ultra-athletic but raw passer prospect, Henderson solidified his remarkable rise to status as ESPN's No. 1 overall quarterback this fall when he completed 75% of his passes for 3,741 yards and 44 touchdowns, adding 591 yards and another 10 scores on the ground.
The converted wide receiver from outside of Houston has been committed to the hometown Cougars since May 2024. Henderson rebuffed flip efforts from a long list of programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon, in the spring. He remains the gem atop Houston coach Willie Fritz's second recruiting class with the program, arriving in 2026 as a potential future star for the Cougars, perhaps as soon as next fall.
Scout's take: It's unclear whether Henderson pans out at quarterback or another position. His fundamentals are raw, but he's very competitive and productive. Henderson is similar to Duke transfer quarterback Darian Mensah, who was recruited by coach Willie Fritz to Tulane before Fritz took the Houston job. Landing Henderson is a significant pickup for the Cougars, even if he's not polished enough to make an immediate impact. He's a developmental player who needs more consistency in the passing game and more downfield arm strength. Henderson builds toward his top-end speed as opposed to being initially explosive. He has hit 20.6 mph on tape, which is a great time for a quarterback. Henderson has a high ceiling regardless of his position. -- Luginbill
Jared Curtis, QB
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 5
Committed to: Vanderbilt Commodores
Background: After spending nearly six months as Georgia's top-ranked pledge, Curtis flipped his commitment to Vanderbilt on Dec. 2, sealing a seismic late move atop the 2026 class.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound passer from Nashville is ESPN's No. 1 pocket passer in 2026 and will join the hometown Commodores in 2026 as the highest-ranked recruit in program history. Vanderbilt escalated its late-cycle pursuit of Curtis in October, hosting Curtis on Oct. 25, and continued its efforts to secure the program's first-ever five-star commit in the month leading into the early signing period. Curtis' pledge marks a monumental recruiting win at the end of a historic 2025 campaign for coach Clark Lea and the Commodores. With Diego Pavia out of eligibility after this season, Cutis has a legitimate shot to start from Day 1 next fall.
Scout's take: This in-state addition thrusts Curtis directly into the QB competition to replace Diego Pavia in 2026. Curtis' biggest adjustment will be the steep curve in level of competition which is why enrolling early is critical for him to get a head start. While Curtis wouldn't be considered a dynamic dual threat, he is a productive runner as a quarterback, and if you've watched Vanderbilt, the quarterback's legs are going to be an integral part of the offense. Curtis has ideal size at 6-3, 222 pounds and has tracked at 18.5 MPH Max Speed which is impressive for someone his size. His measurable standard in every category tested meets or exceeds every measure you'd like to have in a QB prospect.
He has natural arm power, which is his best trait, and he makes throws from a lot of different arm angles. He has been clocked at a 4.8 40. He can be a crafty runner and use his athleticism, smarts and arm talent to make throws in and out of the pocket. -- Luginbill
Dia Bell, QB
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 6
Committed to: Texas Longhorns
Background: Bell, the son of 12-year NBA veteran Raja Bell, is the longest-tenured member of the Longhorns' 2026 class. Despite flip interest from other schools over the past year, led by Alabama, Georgia and LSU, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound passer from Plantation, Florida, has been locked in with Texas since Bell committed in June 2024 after a series of visits last spring.
A three-year starter at American Heritage, Bell threw for 2,597 yards and 29 touchdowns with a 70.6% completion percentage as a junior last fall before suffering a season-ending leg injury. The injury has kept Bell from the majority of his senior campaign this fall, as well. He underwent a minor procedure in September, a move ultimately aimed at having Bell ready to compete when he joins the Longhorns in 2026 as a potential long-term successor to Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
Scout's take: Hopefully Bell takes a page out of Arch Manning's development blueprint when it comes to patience and focus. He's going to only get bigger, stronger and more mature without being thrown into the fire right away. Bell's fit is quite similar to what Manning brought to the Longhorns. He's a naturally gifted passer who is a better athlete and runner than Quinn Ewers and gives the Longhorns another player they can develop. Bell has continually performed at a high level against top high school competition and should be ready to make the leap to the next level. -- Tom Luginbill
Chris Henry Jr., WR
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 7
Committed to: Ohio State Buckeyes
Background: The son of late Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, Chris Henry Jr. has been committed since July 2023, longer than any other prospect within the 2026 ESPN 300.
A gifted route-runner at 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, Henry projects as the next star in Ohio State's vaunted wide receiver pipeline. Oregon has been most prominent among the program's working to flip Henry over the past year. But with his long-term pledge to the Buckeyes and a tight relationship with offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, Henry remains locked with Ohio State.
Scout's take: To best maximize his traits, the Buckeyes will need to deploy Henry on the outside. He's a one-on-one matchup problem on 50-50 balls whom Ohio State can maximize -- particularly in the red zone. Even when covered, he isn't really covered. Few wide receivers 6-foot-5 or taller can move, shake and produce after the catch like Henry. He shows an amazing run-and-catch aspect in the vertical passing game. Henry's long arms and ability to elevate in traffic create distinct advantages on jump balls. His twitchiness is very similar to that of Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and sets him apart from other receivers at this size. -- Tom Luginbill
Richard Wesley, DE
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 8
Committed to: Texas Longhorns
Background: Briefly committed to Oregon in May, Wesley found a new home when he committed to the Longhorns shortly after wrapping an official visit with the program in June.
Wesley, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound pass rusher from Chatsworth, California, logged 18.5 sacks across his first two varsity seasons and entered the ESPN 300 as a five-star prospect upon reclassifying from the 2027 class in March. One of four five-star commits in a star-studded Longhorns recruiting class, he now stands as the nation's third-ranked defensive prospect in 2026.
Scout's take: Wesley has the most impact potential of any defensive line prospect coming out of the Southern California area since Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2019. He will join a talented D-line group in Texas' 2026 class. Headed to the SEC, he reminds us of a former disruptive defender in that conference -- former Ole Miss standout Robert Nkemdiche.
Wesley has more ideal length but is a well put-together prospect with a nice blend of height and bulk. He can bring versatility in how he's used, with the ability to play on the edge and also produce inside and exploit favorable matchups with his blend of power and quickness.
He reclassified from 2027 class to 2026 and when you see him in-person, it is clear he is able physically to make that jump and be ready to move onto college. He could be a quick contributor as well. He can continue to further improve flexibility, but he is an explosive defender with active and heavy hands who can attack with speed and power as a pass rusher and be able to set the edge.
With national championship aspirations, the Longhorns turned to the transfer portal to restock their defensive line for 2025, but the future of this unit will be driven by youth with players like Wesley.
His arrival is set to overlap with current standout edge defender Colin Simmons, whose presence could help Wesley ease into a role while still contributing and having an impact like Simmons did as a freshman in 2024. He could also pair nicely with 2025 signee five-star Justus Terry, who is in a similar mold to Wesley and the two could form a formidable pair for a defensive line unit that is adding the pieces to become one of the most talented in all of college football over the next few years. -- Haubert
Faizon Brandon, QB
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 9
Committed to: Tennessee Volunteers
Background: Brandon has been committed to the Vols since Aug. 2024 and remains one of the most complete quarterback prospects in the 2026 class as he prepares to sign with Tennessee.
The 6-foot-4, 195-pound passer has remained in near-daily contact with the Tennessee staff and has not engaged with other programs in 2025. He'll join the Vols in 2026 alongside one of the nation's most talented wide receiver classes, led by five-star Tristen Keys and four-stars Salesi Moa and Tyreek King, three of ESPN's top 10 wide receivers in the cycle.
Scout's take: The departure of Nico Iamaleava made headlines but while Tennessee rebounded well landing Joey Aguilar, he is a grad transfer and his performance further bolstered Josh Heupel's ability to get production out of his QBs. All this could allow Brandon to battle for the starting job sooner rather than later in a very quarterback-friendly system.
Several recent Volunteers quarterbacks have similar stature, athleticism and arm strength. Brandon is more advanced than Hendon Hooker at the same stage and the pair share several traits. Brandon is also much more accurate than Joe Milton. While he lacks Iamaleava's polish at this stage, Brandon throws an exceptional deep ball, which is a requirement in this scheme that loves to attack vertically. -- Luginbill
Tristen Keys, WR
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 10
Committed to: Tennessee Volunteers
Background: Keys dealt a major blow to LSU's 2026 class when flipped to SEC rivals Tennessee on Aug. 28.
Initially committed to the Tigers in March, the 6-foot-3 pass catcher from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, maintained an open recruitment across summer visits to Auburn, Miami, Tennessee and Texas A&M before landing with the Vols days before the start of the 2025 season. Keys has held on with Tennessee ever since this fall and he's set to sign with the Vols during the early signing period as the elite headliner to a standout wide receiver class.
Scout's take: Even if he's not an elite runner, Keys' combination of size, range and ball skills is unmatched. Wide receiver was a major need in this class and Tennessee secured the commitment of one the best at the position. Keys is the highest-rated receiver prospect in this recruiting era for the Vols. Tennessee has seen former SC Next 300 receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley from the 2024 class step into bigger roles as a second-year and Keys can further bolster that group.
The dynamic Keys teams up with No. 3 ranked pocket passer Faizon Brandon to provide Tennessee with a prolific passing connection of the future. Keys has length, long arms and physicality to create matchup headaches for defenses either inside or outside. He has great body control and coordination on jump balls, making him a dangerous threat even when covered. He won't win a lot of open-field foot races, but Keys could develop into a go-to option if utilized in the slot against zone coverages or on the outside for deep balls. -- Luginbill
Derrek Cooper, RB
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 11
Committed to: Texas Longhorns
Background: Cooper, ESPN's No. 1 running back in the 2026 cycle, became the third-ranked of four five-star pledges in Texas' 2026 class when he committed to the Longhorns over Georgia, Miami, Florida State and Ohio State on July 20.
A versatile, pass-catching running back out of Florida's Chaminade-Madonna Preparatory School, Cooper was ultimately swayed to Texas by running backs coach Chad Scott and the all-purpose role Steve Sarkisian's coaching staff presented him within the program's offense. He'll join the Longhorns as the program's top skill position addition in 2026 with potential to contribute from Day 1 next fall.
Scout's take: Cooper is the most complete running back in this class. He has an outstanding blend of speed, power, agility and versatility. He is a big back at a little over 6-foot-1 and roughly 200 pounds with a powerful stride. Cooper is reminiscent of a former Longhorns rival, Adrian Peterson. With Cooper's build, he can run downhill and create yards after contact but also has the agility to make defenders miss with the proven speed to pull away when he gets in the open.
His measurables make him an impressive back but it's other attributes that elevated him to five-star status. Cooper has impressed with his ball skill and route running ability and can be a weapon in the passing game, bringing versatility in how he can be aligned to attack defenses. Those attributes are accentuated by a competitive drive and his ability to quickly process coaching and apply it.
Texas has a back in Quintrevion Wisner who has good size and is also a productive pass catcher who led Texas in rushing in 2024 and again leads them while also being an active receiving target. With Cooper, the Horns will bring in a runner in this mold but bigger and with better speed. There could be some overlap if Wisner returns in 2026, but either way the Longhorns have set themselves to replace an excellent and productive back with a player who can step into that role and impressively could have an even greater impact. -- Haubert
JaReylan McCoy, DE
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 12
Committed to: Florida Gators
Background: The 6-foot-7, 260-pound edge rusher logged 18.5 sacks and more than 140 total tackles across his first three varsity seasons. When he signs with the Gators this month, he'll represent Florida's highest-ranked defensive addition in more than a decade.
McCoy initially committed to LSU earlier this year before reopening his recruitment in February. A pair of visits with the Gators between May 30 and June 14 sealed McCoy's spring commitment, and he's remained locked in with Florida in the month-plus since the program fired coach Billy Napier.
Scout's take: The optimism following the way the Gators finished in 2024 has long since faded and they're embarking on a new era. Billy Napier did leave behind a strong class to build upon including McCoy. The new staff will need to boost a defense that is amongst the bottom half of the conference but the five-star could help to elevate that unit. A breakout performer during the 2025 Under Armour All-America week, in that setting he showcased his impact ability. He has elite length with a big frame and has demonstrated a competitive "alpha dog" nature and plays with a motor. He has also shown good practice habits and all those traits are accentuated with his excellent physical tools. He moves well with good flexibility and has excelled in combine testing situations. He can develop into a disruptive, top pass rusher but can also play the run and be a factor in pursuit with his mobility. McCoy has shown all the tools, that with continued positive progress, would align with past top SEC defenders. With his build, size and competitiveness, he can offer versatility as he can occupy the Edge spot but could also play inside at DT.
LaDamion Guyton, OLB
2026 ESPN 300 rankings: 13
Committed to: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Background: Previously ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2027 class, Guyton reclassified in October, two months after he initially committed to Texas Tech.
Guyton, an instinctive edge rusher from Savannah, Georgia, tallied 134 total tackles and 16.5 sacks across his first two varsity seasons in 2023 and 2024. Despite late-cycle interest from in-state Georgia, he remains on track to land with the Red Raiders as the highest-ranked signee in program history and one of two five-stars in Texas Tech's 2026 class this month.
Scout's take:The Red Raiders are known for throwing the ball around the yard, but this 2025 crew is also flexing its passing rushing muscles and is among the leaders not only in the Big 12 but also nationally in team sacks at this stage. Guyton, from Georgia, spurned Southeast suitors to commit to Texas Tech. He naturally, will not arrive with the the same experience, having reclassified, but this is a prospect who can blend a good burst with power, bend, violent hands and a motor to attack quarterbacks much as Stanford transfer David Bailey has done on his way to double-digit sacks this season. -- Haubert
Kendre' Harrison, TE
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 14
Committed to: Oregon Ducks
Background: Harrison picked the Ducks over Tennessee, North Carolina, Miami, Penn State and Florida State last November and has maintained a low-profile recruitment ever since.
A two-sport star who is committed to play basketball with the Ducks, Harrison is one of three five-star pledges in Oregon's 2026 class alongside offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho and safety Jett Washington. Harrison's elite blocking ability and downfield talent at 6-foot-6, 250 pounds will make him a challenge proposition for opposing defenses at the next level, and he has the potential to contribute from the very jump in 2026.
Scout's take: The tight end position played a pivotal role in Oregon fielding one of college football's best passing attacks in 2024, with Terrance Ferguson hauling in 43 catches. In 2025 the pairing of Kenyon Sadiq and Jamari Johnson have helped fill that void, but the former is a candidate to jump early to the NFL.
An excellent basketball player, the 6-foot-6 Harrison has elite height, length and a massive catch radius. Much like former basketball-to-football standouts Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates and Julius Thomas, Harrison can high-point the ball and box out defenders in contested situations, giving Oregon another dangerous playmaker in the passing game, especially in the red zone.
If Sadiq returns, the Ducks will have one of the most talented TE rooms in the country and Harrison will benefit from being able to ease into in the mix and further develop, especially as a blocker, where Sadiq is stronger. If he does declare for the draft, Harrison will help the Ducks quickly reload at that spot and while there may be a little more growing pains then with a fellow five-star like Dakorien Moore, this is still a player that can step in offer big-play ability. -- Haubert
Immanuel Iheanacho, OT
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: No. 15
Committed to: Oregon Ducks
Background: Iheanacho, the 6-foot-7, 350-pound prospect from North Bethesda, Maryland, trails only Cantwell as ESPN's second-ranked offensive tackle in 2026.
He took visits to each of Auburn, LSU, Oregon and Penn State this spring before solidifying his place as the second-ranked pledge in Oregon's incoming class. After losing four-star pledge Kodi Greene and missing on Miami commit Cantwell this spring, Ihenacho provides coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks a much-needed cornerstone on the offensive line this cycle.
Scout's take: The five-star is a huge addition for the Ducks, literally, as Iheanacho is a massive physical presence consistently measuring in at roughly 6-foot-6 and around 350 pounds. At this past January's Under Armour All-America game, mixed with many of the nations top juniors and seniors, Iheanacho physically stood out among that offensive line group. His large frame also comes with elite arm length and he uses it well with violent hands.
His ranking though goes beyond just physical measurables as he also possesses good flexibility and not surprisingly is a powerful player. He is listed at tackle, but during that UA All-America week he worked at left tackle and left guard and could find a home, at least initially, at guard. At that spot, his size and power can be utilized while he further refines his footwork, but in the long run, he has exhibited to the tools to develop into an NFL-caliber lineman.
The Ducks are utilizing the portal to build their O-Line for 2025 with several notable transfers added to that unit. Youth will play a role in the future though. In the 2025 class, the Ducks signed five-star OT Douglas Utu and now have Iheanacho and ESPN 300 guard, and former Cal commit, Tommy Tofi. -- Haubert
Jireh Edwards, S
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: No. 16
Committed to: Alabama Crimson Tide
Background: A playmaking defensive back on one of the nation's top high school defenses, Edwards became the top-ranked member of the Crimson Tide's incoming class with his July 5 commitment to Alabama.
Edwards picked Alabama over Auburn and Georgia in July, helping fuel the program's late June/early July summer recruiting surge. He now anchors a talented defensive class bound for the Crimson Tide in 2026 that includes five ESPN 300 defenders alongside cornerbacks Jorden Edmonds and Zyan Gibson, defensive ends Nolan Wilson and Jamarion Matthews and outside linebacker Xavier Griffin.
Scout's take: One of the more recent additions among the five-stars, Edwards has built a consistent resume to earn that ranking. He jumps out with elite size at 6-foot-2 and roughly 210 pounds and he accentuates those measurables with outstanding speed, having consistently posted 40 times at the 4.5 mark. With that, he has excellent range to quickly cover ground and uses his length to defend jump balls and also showcases good ball skills to make a play when opportunity is there. He also puts his size to use being a physical presence supporting the run. Edwards has excellent physical tools, but his rise was also spurred by demonstrating leadership qualities amongst his teammates when we have evaluated him, as well as a consistently focused competitive demeanor.
Edwards brings excellent versatility to Alabama's defense. He can cover ground at safety, match up in coverage as well as come down and be a factor in the box. In a pinch he can line up at corner against bigger receivers, but he best projects at safety or at at Bama's Husky position -- a hybrid safety, linebacker position. -- Haubert
Tyler Atkinson, OLB
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 17
Committed to: Texas Longhorns
Background: Sarkisian and the Longhorns landed one of the nation's most productive high school defenders when Atkinson, ESPN's top-ranked outside linebacker in 2026, announced his commitment to Texas over Georgia, Clemson and Oregon on July 15.
Atkinson, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect from Loganville, Georgia, was credited with a staggering 483 total tackles with 31.5 sacks across his first three seasons at Grayson (Georgia) High School, where he led the program to a 6A state title in 2024. Atkinson's commitment marked the second time Texas beat Georgia for a prominent local talent in the last 12 months after Sarkisian and Co. pulled 2025 five-star defensive tackle Justus Terry -- another longtime in-state target for the Bulldogs -- to Austin last December.
Scout's take: Atkinson lacks ideal height and that kept him off the initial list of five-stars. However, he has assembled a body of work that proved he was deserving of a fifth star. He has adequate height and reach, and his physical upside is likely limited, but he has consistently shown what he can do with the physical tools he has.
He has been a highly productive player posting over 150 tackles each of the last two seasons and over 50 TFLs. He has a powerful lower body and it shows in his play. He possesses an explosive burst with elite closing speed, and when he arrives at the ball, he can deliver a punishing pop as a tackler. With very good body control and explosiveness he can also be a disruptive pass rusher and moves well in space to be effective in zone coverage. We have seen Atkinson display a competitive nature and versatile skill set during in-person evaluation with his ability to work with the defensive line unit as well as with the linebackers in the course of one camp.
Atkinson might not possess some of the same upside as others ranked as five-stars, but he looks poised to arrive at Texas and immediately jump into the mix. His ability to contribute quickly could nicely mirror another former five-star addition and the player he could likely end up replacing -- 2023 five-star Anthony Hill Jr. who made an impact as a true freshman. While Texas has a talented linebacker corps and will have options to replace Hill, Atkinson seems to be an ideal remedy at middle linebacker for the Longhorns when that spot calls for the next man up.
Brandon Arrington, ATH
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 18
Committed to: Texas A&M Aggies
Background: Considered one the fastest prospects in the 2026 cycle, Arrington landed as the cornerstone pledge to a deep Texas A&M recruiting class in June.
Arrington, a 6-foot-1 sprinter from outside of San Diego, visited Penn State, Washington, Texas A&M, Alabama and Oregon before narrowing his recruitment to the Aggies and Ducks. With a combination of height, length and speed that Texas A&M coaches have compared to the build of former All-SEC cornerback Will Lee, Arrington carries the potential to develop into a first-round caliber defensive back at the next level. He'll join the Aggies as the program's highest-ranked signee under coach Mike Elko and its top-ranked addition since defensive tackle David Hicks (No. 8) in the 2023 class.
Scout's take: Arrington brings a lot of the same traits that Jaylen Mbakwe brought to Alabama last fall. He's a dynamic athlete who could play multiple positions but projects best on defense because of his length and elite level speed. Texas A&M is getting a smooth, fluid playmaker with excellent ball skills that should be able to find him a spot in the rotation sooner rather than later given his mature skill set and the fact he plays at a premium position that every program in America covets.
Outside of Dezz Ricks, the majority of the depth, including starters at corner, are all upperclassman. Arrington is going to have to fight and scrap to prove that he's mature enough to make the jump because he's more than ready from a talent perspective. -- Luginbill
Keenyi Pepe, OT
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 19
Committed to: USC Trojans
Background: Originally from Long Beach California, the 6-foot-7, 325-pound offensive tackle from Florida's IMG Academy is set for a return to Southern California as the top-ranked pledge in coach Lincoln Riley's 2026 class at USC.
Pepe is one of four offensive tackles among ESPN's five-star prospects in 2026. He took over as the starting left tackle at IMG Academy during his junior season last fall and stiff-armed the likes of Florida, Georgia, Miami and Texas to join the Trojans' incoming class, where he projects as a potentially foundational piece for the future on the offensive line.
Scout's take: Now a member of the Big Ten, USC is working to strengthen its roster in the trenches. The Trojans' 2026 class already has double-digit commitments along the offensive and defensive lines. Now, Pepe becomes the highest-ranked player in the class. There will be some turnover of the offensive line heading into the 2025 season with redshirt sophomore Elijah Paige returning at left tackle. Aaron Dunn and Alex Payne, both 2025 linemen ranked in the ESPN 300, come in with the 2025 class to provide young depth at least. Combine them with Pepe in the 2026 class, and USC has retooled its offensive line with some impactful recruits.
Coming out of IMG, Pepe is a prospect who has faced strong competition in practice and games. He gives the Trojans a big man who can play a key role early in his career much like Paige, who stepped in as a starter as a redshirt freshman last season. Pepe is a massive presence at roughly 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds with excellent arm length. He is more than just a big body as he is also light on his feet for his size and has good flexibility. He can continue to work on and be more consistent in some technical areas but demonstrated as a junior at the Under Armour All-America game that he is competitive, wants to learn and get better and can match up and battle against elite edge rushers. Pepe has the tools to be a starter and anchor the Trojans OL and could end up being a nice replacement for Paige at left tackle in the future. -- Haubert
Kaiden Prothro, TE
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 20
Committed to: Georgia Bulldogs
Background: Prothro was a priority in-state target for Georgia this spring, and ESPN's second-ranked tight end prospect followed quarterback Jared Curtis as the program's second five-star pledge in 2026 when he committed to the Bulldogs over Florida and Texas on July 12.
Prothro is viewed as one of the nation's most versatile pass-catching prospects in the 2026 class. The 6-foot-7, 210-pound recruit from Bowdon, Georgia, recorded 89 receptions for 2,034 yards and 35 touchdowns across his sophomore and junior seasons at Bowdon High School, where Prothro is also a standout baseball and basketball talent. He'll sign with Georgia as the next big name in the Bulldogs' vaunted tight end pipeline alongside fellow tight end pledges Brayden Fogle and Lincoln Keyes. Capable of filling multiple roles across the offense, Prothro will be a candidate to earn early snaps when he lands on campus in 2026.
Scout's take: Ranked as a five-star at the tight end position, we're not completely sure how Prothro will be labeled on the Bulldogs roster -- and ultimately it doesn't matter. With his blend of size, speed, agility and body control, he can contribute in many ways, including having the tools to develop into a disruptive edge defender.
But he'll be on offense, where he can be a big-play target either as a wide receiver or tight end. He possesses elite size, measuring in at little over 6-foot-6 and around 210 pounds with a broad frame that can support some additional mass. In addition to his size and length, he also presents a wide catch radius due to his body control and ability to adjust to the ball. But Prothro is more than just a big body, as he elevates to a five-star in part because of his fluidity and impressive speed; he has been measured hitting better than 21 mph in game play. All those assets make for a receiver who can align in multiple ways and present some form of a mismatch wherever he is.
You have to go back to 2021 and George Pickens for the last time the Bulldogs had a receiver with these types of measurables. If they utilize Prothro more as a tight end, he could be a player in the Brock Browers mold as a receiving threat. Based on those comparisons, Prothro can be an impactful part of Georgia's offense. -- Craig Haubert
Jett Washington, S
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: No. 21
Committed to: Oregon Ducks
Background: ESPN's No. 1 safety in the 2026 class, Washington committed to the Ducks over Alabama and USC on June 19, landing as the top-ranked defender in the program's 2026 class.
Washington is the nephew of the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and a two-sport star at Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School. He recorded 38 tackles and five interceptions during his junior season last fall before leading Bishop Gorman's basketball program to its second consecutive Nevada Class 5A state basketball title earlier this year.
Scout's take: The Ducks have production voids to fill in the backend and are reloading with the likes of Kingston Lopa, one of the longest, rangiest safeties in college football. The Ducks will have another in Washington. Washington might not have elite level speed, but his ability to cover ground because of his length makes him one of the most dangerous high point safeties in this class. Like Lopa he has great skills and ballhawk instincts. He will deliver a blow as a hitter as well. He's just a darn good football player with the ability to play multiple positions. -- Luginbill
Elbert Hill, CB
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: 22
Committed to: USC Trojans
Background: Hill, one of the nation's top-ranked defensive backs, followed five-star offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe as the second five-star pledge in Trojans coach Lincoln Riley's star-studded 2026 class.
Hill grew up two hours northeast of Ohio State and visited the in-state Buckeyes along with Alabama, Oregon and USC earlier this year. But no program pushed harder to land Hill than the Trojans, who secured his pledge after a second spring visit to Southern California over the last weekend of April. Hill approaches the early signing period as the highest-ranked defender in the nation's No. 1 recruiting class and projects to become a versatile weapon in USC's secondary.
Scout's take: Hill is a total football player and very dynamic. He has grown almost two inches over the last few years, and is now 5-11, which has greatly enhanced his value on the perimeter. He's a leaper as well allowing him to mask some height deficiencies. He plays on both sides of the ball with tremendous ball and playmaker skills. Hill also has elite speed, posting a 4.4 laser 40 and 21.3 mph max speed. He reminds us of former USC standout Adoree Jackson, another smooth and quick footed shutdown corner. He could even be an option on offense. He's a premier player at a premium position and USC is continuing to make strides on defense. -- Luginbill
Carter Meadows, DE
2026 ESPN 300 rankings: No. 23
Committed to: Michigan Wolverines
Background: The 6-foot-6, 220-pound edge rusher comes from a basketball family and has been a standout on the East Coast AAU circuit. But Meadows' future lies on the football field at Michigan, which landed his commitment in late June over finalists Ohio State, Penn State and South Carolina.
Alongside Guyton, Meadows was one of two fresh five-stars in ESPN's latest rankings for the 2026 class. He'll sign as the top-ranked member of the Wolverines' incoming class and will arrive to Michigan as the program's highest-ranked addition on defense since defensive end Derrick Moore joined as the No. 20 overall recruit in the 2022 class.
Scout's take: Meadows has always stood out with his elite length but is getting more comfortable in his rangy frame as a senior. He is still a lean prospect but uses his long reach well and displays deceptive and wiry strength to press blockers and be much tougher at setting the edge than his build might suggest.
With his length he has the look of a menacing edge rusher and is also showing impressive bend to be able to get upfield, turn the corner and get after the QB. A talented prospect at this stage, he still possesses upside with his room for physical growth and for a Michigan team whose lead pass rusher, Derrick Moore, is a senior, Meadows is an excellent as well as timely addition. -- Haubert
Felix Ojo, OT
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: No. 24
Committed to: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Background: The Red Raiders' monster offseason of recruiting/transfer portal additions continued on July 4th when Ojo, ESPN's No. 4 offensive tackle prospect, announced his pledge to Texas Tech.
After naming Florida, Michigan, Ohio State and Texas as his finalists, Ojo came back around to coach Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders. The 6-foot-7, 285-pounder did take an official visit to Lubbock in April, and he's set to join Texas Tech on a fully guaranteed three-year, $5.1 million dollar revenue contract, believed to be one of the largest guaranteed deals in college football history.
Scout's take: Of the four offensive tackles ranked within the five-star range, Ojo is the least likely to be a plug-and-play candidate when he steps onto campus. He is ranked highly because he has excellent raw tools and arguably the highest ceiling for development.
He has elite length, consistently measuring in at 6-foot-6 with over an 80-inch wingspan and has shown he can use that length to his advantage. He is also a big man that has tested well and shows good flexibility. However, he is lean -- at least 30 pounds lighter than the rest of the five-star tackles and needs to pack on more mass once he gets into the Red Raiders' strength program. He can bend but needs to develop his footwork and be more consistent with his pad level and add the size to help counter power rushers.
Joey McGuire created a buzz when he signed in-state five-star receiver Micah Hudson in 2024, and, while that big signing has not met expectations, Hudson is back in the program and there is time and a wealth of ability to utilize. McGuire now has done it again by landing another five-star prospect from within the state in Ojo. While it might take time for Ojo's impact to be felt, it is still a statement win on the recruiting trail. On the field, Ojo won't face the same immediate expectations that Hudson arrived with and that is good for Ojo and his development.
The Red Raiders have worked the transfer portal well and their tackle spots will likely be manned by transfers backed up by a deep pool of freshmen within that unit. A larger spotlight will shine of Ojo at Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders still look likely to be in a position to give him some time to grow before needing to push him into action. If he develops, Ojo has the tools to be an all-conference, NFL-caliber tackle and anchor on the offensive line. -- Haubert
Jake Kreul, DE
2026 ESPN 300 ranking: No. 25
Committed to: Oklahoma Sooners
Background: The polished edge rusher from Florida's IMG Academy became the top-ranked member of the Sooners' 2026 class when he chose Oklahoma over Ole Miss and Texas on Aug. 12.
Kruel, who logged 39 tackles, 11 hurries and six sacks as a junior last fall, marked a massive addition for Sooners head coach Brent Venables and defensive assistants Todd Bates and Miguel Chavis. He leads a group of four ESPN 300 commits in Oklahoma's 2026 class alongside running back Jonathan Hatton Jr., quarterback Bowe Bentley and wide receiver Daniel Odom. With Kreul's signature, the Sooners will have their fourth consecutive cycle with at least one five-star addition dating to the 2023 class.
Scout's take: Kreul is a perfect example of preparation meeting opportunity. A last-minute injury replacement to the 2025 Under Armour All-America game, the Florida native hit the ground running and established himself as a top performer throughout that week. With an anywhere, anytime competitive demeanor and excellent camp performances, he earned his five-star ranking this spring.
He wont' wow you with physical measurables (6-2.5, 235 pounds) but has nice arm length for his height and blends good explosiveness with sound technique and a relentless motor. He can be a disruptive pass rusher, flashing speed-to-power ability, also demonstrates good bend and active hands and can attack with a well-rounded pass rush arsenal for a player at this stage. He also can be productive versus the run and set the edge.
This is a big boost for the Sooners' 2026 class and is their highest-ranked defensive commitment. While 2024 presented its challenges for Oklahoma, the Sooners' defensive line unit was a strength and has been again this year. With several key contributors set to depart after this season, bringing a player like Kreul can help reload the unit where he can contribute in Year 1. With former IMG defenders, DT Jayden Jackson and former five-star DT David Stone playing roles within that unit, they could pair well with this Sooners' new addition out of IMG and keep Oklahoma's D-Line a real team strength. -- Haubert