As the 2025 NCAAF season unfolds, the focus is already shifting towards the future, with top programs across the country securing commitments from some of the most exciting recruits in the 2026 class. These young talents are poised to address key weaknesses and elevate their respective teams to new heights. Here’s a closer look at the standout recruits set to make an impact:

1. USC Trojans: Tomuhini Topui, DT

Ranked 74th in the ESPN 300, Topui is a massive, quick, and powerful defensive tackle from Mater Dei. His addition will bolster USC’s defensive line, bringing them on par with other Big Ten powerhouses.

2. Georgia Bulldogs: Kaiden Prothro, TE

Prothro, ranked 19th, is a versatile pass-catcher with outstanding size, speed, and agility. He’s expected to fill the void left by Oscar Delp and become a key playmaker in Georgia’s offense.

3. Texas A&M Aggies: K.J. Edwards, RB

Edwards, ranked 51st, brings impressive speed and contact balance to the Aggies’ backfield. With Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels graduating, Edwards will provide much-needed firepower.

4. Texas Longhorns: Tyler Atkinson, OLB

Atkinson, ranked 14th, is a tackling machine with great instincts and pursuit speed. He’s expected to step in and replace Anthony Hill Jr., one of the top linebackers in college football.

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Elijah Golden, DE

Golden, ranked 85th, is a disruptive force on the defensive line. With his size and burst, he’s projected to develop into a true interior defender for the Irish.

6. Oregon Ducks: Immanuel Iheanacho, OT

Iheanacho, ranked 13th, is a massive offensive tackle with the size and power to dominate in the trenches. He’s expected to replace NFL-bound talents like Josh Conerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius.

7. Tennessee Volunteers: Faizon Brandon, QB

Brandon, ranked 8th, is a polished passer with exceptional arm strength and decision-making. He’s set to take over the quarterback position in Knoxville, bringing a dual-threat dynamic to the offense.

8. Alabama Crimson Tide: Jireh Edwards, S

Edwards, ranked 23rd, is a versatile defender with excellent range and closing speed. He’s expected to make an immediate impact in Alabama’s secondary.

9. Ohio State Buckeyes: Blaine Bradford, S

Bradford, ranked 34th, is a ball-hawking safety with great physicality and pursuit skills. He’s poised to step into the role vacated by Caleb Downs.

10. Michigan Wolverines: Zion Robinson, WR

Robinson, ranked 116th, is a versatile receiver with size and speed. He’s expected to become a key target for young quarterback Bryce Underwood.

11. Florida Gators: JaReylan McCoy, DE

McCoy, ranked 9th, is an explosive pass rusher with an alpha presence. He’s expected to bolster Florida’s defensive line and become a top SEC defender.

12. LSU Tigers: Lamar Brown, DT

Brown, ranked 1st, is the top recruit in the country. With his flexibility and mobility, he’s expected to make an immediate impact on LSU’s defensive line.

13. Miami Hurricanes: Jackson Cantwell, OT

Cantwell, ranked 3rd, is a massive and powerful offensive tackle. He’s expected to step in as a Year 1 starter, replacing NFL-bound Francis Mauigoa.

14. Florida State Seminoles: Jasen Lopez, WR

Lopez, unranked, is a sleeper with explosive athleticism. He’s expected to become a breakout target in Florida State’s passing attack.

15. North Carolina Tar Heels: Travis Burgess, QB

Burgess, ranked 256th, is a dual-threat quarterback with intriguing upside. He’s expected to address a key need in North Carolina’s offense.

16. Clemson Tigers: Naeem Burroughs, WR

Burroughs, ranked 102nd, is a speedy and agile receiver with a high football IQ. He’s expected to become a big-play target for Clemson.

17. Penn State Nittany Lions: Messiah Mickens, RB

Mickens, ranked 135th, is a bigger back with good vision and balance. He’s expected to absorb some of the production left by Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton.

18. Washington Huskies: Brian Bonner Jr., RB

Bonner, ranked 91st, is a well-rounded back with speed and production. He’s expected to make an immediate impact in Washington’s backfield.

19. BYU Cougars: Ryder Lyons, QB

Lyons, ranked 49th, is a highly-touted quarterback with a chance to add to BYU’s quarterback history. He’s expected to become a program-changing signal-caller.

20. SMU Mustangs: Hudson Woods, DE

Woods, unranked, is a savvy pass rusher with double-digit sacks in high school. He’s expected to add key depth to SMU’s defense.

21. UCLA Bruins: Kenneth Moore, WR

Moore, unranked, is a quick and smooth route-runner. He’s expected to inject a much-needed boost to UCLA’s receiving corps.

22. South Carolina Gamecocks: Darius Gray, OT

Gray, ranked 73rd, is a versatile offensive lineman with good power and agility. He’s expected to add depth to South Carolina’s offensive line.

23. Oklahoma Sooners: Jake Kreul, DE

Kreul, ranked 22nd, is an explosive pass rusher with a relentless motor. He’s expected to fortify Oklahoma’s defensive line.

24. Illinois Fighting Illini: Nasir Rankin, ATH

Rankin, ranked 173rd, is a versatile playmaker with impressive ball skills. He’s expected to become a key contributor in Illinois’ offense.

25. Syracuse Orange: Kamron Wilson, DE

Wilson, ranked 287th, is a productive pass rusher with quickness and bend. He’s expected to help Syracuse’s pass rush.

26. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Felix Ojo, OT

Ojo, ranked 20th, is an elite offensive tackle with impressive physical traits. He’s expected to become a cornerstone for Texas Tech’s offensive line.

27. Baylor Bears: Jaelin Battle, DT

Battle, unranked, is a versatile defensive lineman with mobility and agility. He’s expected to become a disruptive force in Baylor’s defensive front.

28. Louisville Cardinals: Briggs Cherry, QB

Cherry, ranked 276th, is a polished passer with good arm strength and poise. He’s expected to develop into a key contributor for Louisville.

29. Stanford Cardinal: Blaise Thomassie, OG

Thomassie, unranked, is a strong and undervalued interior lineman. He’s expected to become a key piece in Stanford’s offensive line.

30. Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Dyzier Carter, WR

Carter, ranked 118th, is a speedy receiver with crisp route-running skills. He’s expected to become a key contributor in Rutgers’ passing game.

31. Indiana Hoosiers: Kevontay Hugan, DE

Hugan, unranked, is a productive pass rusher with a relentless motor. He’s expected to become a valuable piece in Indiana’s defensive front.

32. Michigan State Spartans: Tyren Wortham, WR

Wortham, ranked 282nd, is a polished receiver with strong hands and toughness. He’s expected to add depth to Michigan State’s receiving corps.

33. Arkansas Razorbacks: Bryce Gilmore, OT

Gilmore, unranked, is a big and balanced offensive lineman. He’s expected to develop into a top-tier SEC tackle or guard.

34. Boston College Eagles: Femi Babalola, QB

Babalola, unranked, is a high-upside quarterback with size and arm strength. He’s expected to develop into a top ACC signal-caller.

35. Minnesota Golden Gophers: Roman Voss, ATH

Voss, unranked, is a versatile tight end with natural ball skills. He’s expected to bring real value to Minnesota’s roster.

36. Ole Miss Rebels: Damarius Yates, RB

Yates, ranked 113th, is a sturdy and explosive running back. He’s expected to add depth to Ole Miss’ backfield.

37. Pittsburgh Panthers: Reston Lehman, OLB

Lehman, ranked 193th, is a versatile edge with quickness and body control. He’s expected to become a key contributor in Pittsburgh’s defense.

38. Kansas Jayhawks: Kaden Snyder, OT

Snyder, unranked, is a potential cornerstone offensive tackle. He’s expected to protect Kansas’ new quarterback in 2026.

39. California Golden Bears: Taimane Purcell, TE-H

Purcell, unranked, is an athletic tight end with size and speed. He’s expected to become a key target in California’s offense.

40. Arizona Wildcats: Oscar Rios, QB

Rios, ranked 201st, is a strong-armed pocket passer with leadership skills. He’s expected to develop into a key contributor for Arizona.