2026 NCAA Football Recruiting: Top Programs to Watch and Key Spring Prospects

The spring recruiting period is heating up in college football, with several programs already making significant strides in building their 2026 classes. Here’s a breakdown of the top schools and the key prospects to watch as the recruiting cycle intensifies.

Programs with Early Momentum

Oregon Ducks

Commitments: 9 (7 from ESPN Junior 300)

• Top Offensive Commit: TE Kendre' Harrison (No. 8 overall)
• Top Defensive Commit: DT Tomuhini Topui (No. 72 overall) Oregon’s emphasis on defensive tackles has yielded four commits from ESPN’s top 15 prospects at the position, including Tomuhini Topui. Harrison, the nation’s top tight end, has solidified his commitment to the Ducks.

USC Trojans

Commitments: 11 (6 from ESPN Junior 300)

• Top Offensive Pledge: RB Shahn Alston II (No. 93 overall)
• Top Defensive Pledge: CB R.J. Sermons (No. 26 overall) USC’s defensive class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the nation, with key commits like Sermons and top linebacker Xavier Griffin.

Texas A&M Aggies

Commitments: 9 (6 from ESPN Junior 300)

• Top Offensive Pledge: WR Aaron Gregory (No. 53 overall)
• Top Defensive Pledge: DE Jordan Carter (No. 30 overall) The Aggies have focused early on defensive talent, with Jordan Carter leading the charge. Aaron Gregory adds a potent weapon to their offensive arsenal.

Auburn Tigers

Commitments: 6 (5 from ESPN Junior 300)

• Top Offensive Pledge: WR Devin Carter (No. 40 overall)
• Top Defensive Pledge: DE Hezekiah Harris (No. 91 overall) Auburn’s impressive wide receiver haul continues with Devin Carter, while Hezekiah Harris anchors their defense.

LSU Tigers

Commitments: 6 (5 from ESPN Junior 300)

• Top Offensive Pledge: OT Brysten Martinez (No. 33 overall)
• Top Defensive Pledge: S Aiden Hall (No. 119 overall) LSU is dominating in-state recruiting, with Brysten Martinez leading their offensive line and Aiden Hall adding depth to the secondary.

10 Programs with Big Springs Ahead

Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia is eyeing top prospects like QB Jared Curtis and OT Jackson Cantwell to strengthen their class.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama will host key defensive backs and running back Derrek Cooper in June, aiming to bolster their 2026 class.

Ohio State Buckeyes

With WR Chris Henry Jr. already committed, Ohio State is targeting top defensive backs and linemen to round out their class.

Texas Longhorns

Texas is focusing on elite skill position talent, including wide receiver Boobie Feaster, to build on their No. 1 ranked 2025 class.

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan is emerging as a leader for top running backs and is targeting QB Brady Smigiel to solidify their class.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame is pushing to flip top defensive prospects and will host key offensive line recruits this spring.

Florida Gators

The Gators are targeting elite defenders like safety Bralan Womack to strengthen their defense.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State is in the mix for five-star prospects like athlete Brandon Arrington to make a statement in 2026.

Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee is focusing on key in-state prospects and aims to land top linebacker Tyler Atkinson.

Florida State Seminoles

Florida State is targeting QB Landon Duckworth to address their recent struggles in recruiting quarterbacks.

As the recruiting season progresses, these programs will look to secure commitments from the nation’s top prospects to build their future rosters.