Top 25 College Football Recruiting Classes: 2026 Rankings

Louisville Cardinal Recruiting: Key Prospects Shaping the Future

The Louisville Cardinals are building momentum in their 2026 recruiting class under head coach Jeff Brohm, who has already established a solid foundation with a 19-8 record and an ACC Championship appearance during his tenure. The current recruiting class boasts promising talent poised to keep the program on an upward trajectory.

Headlining the class is ESPN 300 defensive back Jaydin Broadnax, a Florida native who stands at an notable 6-3. His significant length, excellent balance, and body control project him as a highly effective cornerback.

On the defensive side, the Cardinals are also securing local talent. Linebacker Karsten Busch, an in-state prospect, is a welcomed addition. Possessing good size, Busch is expected to be a physical, downhill force against the run. Another in-state defensive recruit, Sam Dawson, a defensive tackle, brings active and powerful hands, making him a valuable asset for stuffing the run game.

The offensive side is bolstered by quarterback Briggs Cherry, who has impressed in person, including earning positional MVP honors at the UA New orleans camp. Cherry’s strong arm and climb in rankings mark him as a crucial January commitment. Running back Evan Hampton, a three-star recruit from Owensboro HS, is another notable offensive player. Hampton showcased his talent as a junior, rushing for 1,549 yards and 20 touchdowns.He’s an agile runner with the ability to impact the passing game and also has a baseball background, having previously committed to rival Kentucky before focusing on football.

The class also benefits from the early commitments of wide receivers Carter and Elias Coke, both long-time commits who joined before the 2024 season. Carter is recognized for his route-running prowess and strong hands,suggesting he could contribute quickly upon arrival. Coke,standing at approximately 6-2,presents a valuable target for the offense.On defense,Joey Kopec is a versatile high school player,contributing as both a running back and linebacker. His range and effectiveness in pass coverage are notable.Wydeek Collier emerged as a significant riser in rankings following the spring evaluation period; his length, agility, and potential as an edge defender are promising. Additionally,Rinaldo Callaway III,an edge defender from Georgia,offers intriguing potential. Although raw and requiring development, Callaway’s ranginess and ceiling suggest he could develop into a disruptive pass rusher. Athlete Chris Hewitt is expected to contribute in the secondary.

How does Penn State’s recruiting focus on “Big Ten toughness” translate to specific player attributes they are targeting?

The Early Contenders: A Look at 2026 Recruiting

The landscape of college football is constantly shifting,and a program’s future success is heavily influenced by its ability to attract top talent. As of July 11, 2025, the 2026 recruiting cycle is heating up. Here’s a breakdown of the top 25 college football recruiting classes, analyzing commitments, targets, and overall program trajectory.This ranking considers 247Sports Composite rankings, focusing on the quality and quantity of committed players. We’ll also touch on key position needs and coaching strategies impacting these classes.

Top 10 Recruiting Classes – July 2025

1. Ohio State: The Buckeyes are currently leading the pack, boasting a stellar class focused on defensive line and wide receiver talent. Key commits include 5-star LB Charles Littleton and 4-star WR Marvin Bolden Jr. They are aggressively pursuing top quarterbacks. Recruiting Focus: Elite athleticism, national reach.
2. Georgia: Reigning champions continue to reload. Georgia’s class is strong across the board,with a particular emphasis on defensive backs and offensive tackles. Commitments like 5-star DT Elijah Hughes solidify their front seven. Recruiting Focus: Dominant defensive identity, SEC dominance.
3. Alabama: Under Kalen DeBoer, alabama is quickly rebuilding its recruiting prowess. They’ve secured commitments from several highly-rated offensive players, including 4-star QB Julian Lewis. Recruiting Focus: Offensive firepower,national championships.
4. Texas: Steve Sarkisian is building a powerhouse in Austin. The Longhorns’ class is loaded with Texas talent, particularly at skill positions. 5-star ATH Jaden Allen is a major coup. Recruiting Focus: in-state dominance, Big 12 contention.
5. USC: Lincoln Riley continues to attract offensive stars to Southern California.USC’s class is heavily weighted towards quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive linemen. Recruiting Focus: Air Raid offense, West Coast talent.
6. Oklahoma: Brent Venables is making strides in recruiting, focusing on defensive playmakers. Oklahoma’s class is strong at linebacker and defensive end. Recruiting Focus: Defensive improvement, Big 12 competitiveness.
7. LSU: Brian Kelly is maintaining a high level of recruiting success in Louisiana and beyond. LSU’s class is balanced, with commitments at all positions. Recruiting Focus: Bayou State dominance, SEC West contenders.
8. Florida State: Mike Norvell has the Seminoles trending upwards. Their class is strong on both sides of the ball, with a focus on speed and athleticism.Recruiting Focus: ACC championship contention, national relevance.
9. Miami: Mario Cristobal is leveraging Miami’s location and tradition to attract top talent.The Hurricanes’ class is strong at wide receiver and defensive back. Recruiting Focus: South Florida dominance, ACC competitiveness.
10. Penn State: James Franklin consistently builds strong recruiting classes. Penn state’s class is focused on defensive line and linebackers. Recruiting Focus: Big Ten toughness,defensive excellence.

Classes 11-25: Rising Programs and Key Targets (July 2025)

1. Clemson: (Focus: Rebuilding defensive line)
2. Notre Dame: (Focus: Quarterback and offensive line)
3. Oregon: (Focus: Speed and athleticism on offense)
4. Washington: (Focus: Maintaining momentum after recent success)
5. Texas A&M: (Focus: Offensive firepower in the SEC)
6. Michigan: (focus: Sustaining championship-level recruiting)
7. Auburn: (Focus: Rebuilding the defensive front seven)
8. Wisconsin: (Focus: Offensive line and running back depth)
9. Ole Miss: (Focus: Transfer portal and high school recruiting blend)
10. Tennessee: (Focus: Explosive offensive playmakers)
11. North Carolina: (Focus: ACC competitiveness,skill position talent)
12. Arizona: (Focus: Building on recent success in the Big 12)
13. Iowa: (Focus: Defensive consistency and special teams)
14. Kansas state: (Focus: Developing talent in the Big 12)

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