The most exciting recruit on each top-40 team

Top 2026 recruits are already shifting team outlooks — e.g., USC's Tomuhini Topui could immediately strengthen the interior defense, making USC a safer bet vs. run-heavy opponents; bettors might favor under on opponents' rushing yards or adjust defensive props. Monitor which programs land immediate-impact OL, DL and QBs — those additions can move futures lines and player props for the 2026 season.

2026 Recruiting: Impact Commits That Could Shape Next Season

Overview

College football programs are balancing short-term wins with long-term roster building. Early returns from the 2026 cycle highlight recruits who could fill immediate needs — particularly on the trenches and at quarterback — and influence team performance and betting markets next season.

1. USC Trojans — Tomuhini Topui, DT (Class rank: 74)

Topui projects as a massive, disruptive interior presence who addresses USC’s run-defense needs. A local product with size and quickness, he could push USC’s defensive front into elite territory once on campus.

2. Georgia Bulldogs — Kaiden Prothro, TE (Class rank: 19)

A 6-foot-6, versatile pass-catcher, Prothro can line up as a tight end or receiver and replace upcoming production losses. His receiving upside makes him a potential go-to target in the Bulldogs’ scheme.

3. Texas A&M Aggies — K.J. Edwards, RB (Class rank: 51)

Edwards is a low-center-of-gravity runner with contact balance and speed who projects to add depth and playmaking to a backfield that will lose production soon.

4. Texas Longhorns — Tyler Atkinson, OLB (Class rank: 14)

A tackling machine with pursuit speed and instincts, Atkinson can step into a role replacing top linebacker production and provide immediate defensive stability.

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish — Elijah Golden, DE (Class rank: 85)

Golden brings versatility to the defensive line, capable of playing end or inside. He’s projected to develop into a strong interior defender with disruptive burst and hand usage.

6. Oregon Ducks — Immanuel Iheanacho, OT (Class rank: 13)

A 6-6, 350-pound blocker with power and length who projects to start inside at guard but has potential at tackle with refined footwork — a likely early contributor on the line.

7. Tennessee Volunteers — Faizon Brandon, QB (Class rank: 8)

A polished passer with deep-ball accuracy and mobility, Brandon fits a vertical, high-tempo offense and could compete for the starting QB job when the position opens.

8. Alabama Crimson Tide — Jireh Edwards, S (Class rank: 23)

A versatile safety with size and range, Edwards can play multiple roles in coverage or nearer the line. He projects as an immediate impact rotational piece in a secondary that’s still finding consistency.

9. Ohio State Buckeyes — Blaine Bradford, S (Class rank: 34)

A physical, ball-hawking safety who brings range and second-level tackling ability — an ideal profile to replace high-end production in the back end.

10. Michigan Wolverines — Zion Robinson, WR (Class rank: 116)

A tall, fast receiver with a big catch radius and after-catch ability who provides a vertical threat and complements the current QB’s arsenal.

11. Florida Gators — JaReylan McCoy, DE (Class rank: 9)

A high-motor edge rusher with length and pass-rush tools who could become a premier SEC defender and help replenish the Gators’ front.

12. LSU Tigers — Lamar Brown, DT (Class rank: 1)

The nation’s top-ranked lineman by class metrics, Brown has rare traits for both sides of the ball and arrives with immediate need at the position locally — a potential difference-maker inside.

13. Miami Hurricanes — Jackson Cantwell, OT (Class rank: 3)

A 6-7, 320-pound lineman with power and agility who can step into early starting duties to replace first-round talent and stabilize Miami’s line.

14. Florida State Seminoles — Jasen Lopez, WR (Unranked)

A two-sport athlete with explosive separation skills and production, Lopez is a sleeper who could become a breakout target if he focuses on football.

15. North Carolina Tar Heels — Travis Burgess, QB (Class rank: 256)

A 6-5 dual-threat with improving passing polish who provides intriguing upside as the program looks to solidify the QB position in the post-overhaul era.

16. Clemson Tigers — Naeem Burroughs, WR (Class rank: 102)

A route-running, high-IQ receiver who can produce early; Clemson targeted receiver help to offset an offense that has struggled.

17. Penn State Nittany Lions — Messiah Mickens, RB (Class rank: 135)

A bigger in-state back with vision and balance who could eventually share carries and help replace top-tier rushers down the line.

18. Washington Huskies — Brian Bonner Jr., RB (Class rank: 91)

A fast, downhill runner with big-play speed who could become an every-down option as the Huskies look for backfield continuity.

19. BYU Cougars — Ryder Lyons, QB (Class rank: 49)

A prolific high school passer whose commitment generates long-term optimism; his mission trip delays arrival but his ceiling is high for the program’s future QB room.

20. SMU Mustangs — Hudson Woods, DE (Unranked)

A local three-star pass rusher with consistent sack production and bend off the edge who adds depth and situational pass-rush ability.

21. UCLA Bruins — Kenneth Moore, WR (Unranked)

A compact, shifty slot receiver who runs precise routes and can provide an early boost to a struggling passing game.

22. South Carolina Gamecocks — Darius Gray, OT (Class rank: 73)

A long-armed, agile tackle who can play outside or move inside, giving flexibility to a program that emphasizes in-state recruiting.

23. Oklahoma Sooners — Jake Kreul, DE (Class rank: 22)

An explosive, bendy defender with a relentless motor who strengthens a defensive front already built for pressure and disruption.

24. Illinois Fighting Illini — Nasir Rankin, ATH (Class rank: 173)

A versatile playmaker from the state who projects best at receiver with strong ball skills and elusiveness after the catch.

25. Syracuse Orange — Kamron Wilson, DE (Class rank: 287)

A high-school sack artist with a quick first step who fills a clear need for edge rush in a program that lacks early-season pressure production.

26. Texas Tech Red Raiders — Felix Ojo, OT (Class rank: 20)

A high-upside tackle with elite length and flexibility who needs to add bulk but projects as a long-term anchor on the offensive line.

27. Baylor Bears — Jaelin Battle, DT (Unranked)

A big-bodied, mobile interior piece with positional versatility who can develop into a disruptive nose or gap-plugger in the rotation.

28. Louisville Cardinals — Briggs Cherry, QB (Class rank: 276)

A polished, competitive signal-caller with good arm and poise who adds depth and a potential future starter option as QB turnover continues nationally.

29. Stanford Cardinal — Blaise Thomassie, OG (Unranked)

A bendy, quick interior lineman who projects inside and gives Stanford a developmental guard with leverage and hand technique to build on.

30. Rutgers Scarlet Knights — Dyzier Carter, WR (Class rank: 118)

A speedy, crisp-route receiver who already runs near top high-school game speed and can become a downfield threat.

31. Indiana Hoosiers — Kevontay Hugan, DE (Unranked)

A productive, high-motor edge with a quick first step and active hands who reinforces an already-strong defensive unit.

32. Michigan State Spartans — Tyren Wortham, WR (Class rank: 282)

A polished, competitive pass-catcher who excels tracking the ball and can be a reliable big-play option in the Spartans’ offense.

33. Arkansas Razorbacks — Bryce Gilmore, OT (Unranked)

A long, bendy tackle who projects as an SEC-caliber guard or tackle with time, adding depth up front for future development.

34. Boston College Eagles — Femi Babalola, QB (Unranked)

A big-framed passer with arm strength and mobility who won camp MVP honors and gives Boston College high-upside QB depth under an established developer.

35. Minnesota Golden Gophers — Roman Voss, ATH (Unranked)

A versatile in-state athlete who projects as a tight end with receiving and occasional passing ability — a multi-role weapon for the Gophers.

36. Ole Miss Rebels — Damarius Yates, RB (Class rank: 113)

A sturdy, contact-shedding back with receiving chops who adds depth to an offense that values explosive backs.

37. Pittsburgh Panthers — Reston Lehman, OLB (Class rank: 193)

A local, speedy edge with body control who fits a pursuit-heavy scheme and can develop into a reliable starter in the front seven.

38. Kansas Jayhawks — Kaden Snyder, OT (Unranked)

A long, athletic blocker with strong feet and pass-pro instincts who could protect future quarterbacks and grow into a key tackle.

39. California Golden Bears — Taimane Purcell, TE-H (Unranked)

An athletic tight end with size and speed who fits a new coordinator’s scheme and provides a reliable target for a rising QB.

40. Arizona Wildcats — Oscar Rios, QB (Class rank: 201)

A pro-style passer with leadership and a strong arm, Rios is the highest-rated recent pocket passer for Arizona and could flourish under a system tailored to his strengths.

What This Means for Teams and Bettors

Top recruits at quarterback, offensive line and the defensive front have the greatest potential to move the needle quickly. Bettors should monitor early enrollment decisions, depth-chart reports and spring camp buzz — immediate-impact commits can shift team totals, rushing/passing props and futures odds before the next season.

As we look at top teams to start the 2025 season, they've got some high-profile recruits on the way.

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