Top 10 College Football Recruiting Classes Announced for 2026

The early signing period for college football recruiting has officially opened, allowing high school prospects to finalize their commitments for the 2026 season. Running from November 29 to December 1, this crucial window allows thousands of recruits to sign their national letters of intent. The announcement of the top recruiting classes has generated significant interest, particularly as programs prepare for conference championships and navigate coaching changes.

The most dramatic moment prior to early signing day occurred when Vanderbilt University secured a commitment from Jared Curtis, the top-ranked quarterback in the 2026 class, who flipped from Georgia Bulldogs just one day before signing day. Despite this notable addition, Vanderbilt did not rank among the top ten recruiting classes.

Top Recruiting Classes for 2026

According to 247 Sports, the following programs have emerged as the top 10 recruiting classes for 2026:

1. **University of Miami**
– **Top signings/commits**: Offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, wide receivers Somourian Wingo and Milan Parris
– **5 stars**: 14 | **4 stars**: 20
– **Total signees**: 30 | **Number of commits**: 0
– Cantwell, who reportedly signed a $2 million NIL deal, will provide valuable support to whoever replaces Carson Beck at quarterback.

2. **Texas A&M University**
– **Top signings/commits**: Edge rusher Tristian Givens, running back KJ Edwards, athlete Brandon Arrington
– **5 stars**: 14 | **4 stars**: 22
– **Total signees**: 26 | **Number of commits**: 0
– Givens represents a significant addition to a defensive line that has strengthened under head coach Mike Elko.

3. **University of Tennessee**
– **Top signings/commits**: Athlete Jermaine Bishop, quarterback Dia Bell, linebacker Tyler Atkinson
– **5 stars**: 3 | **4 stars**: 12
– **Total signees**: 23 | **Number of commits**: 4
– Bell, the Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida, is anticipated to be a key player for the Volunteers moving forward.

4. **Ohio State University**
– **Top signings/commits**: Wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., linebacker Cincere Johnson, cornerback Jay Timmons
– **5 stars**: 14 | **4 stars**: 17
– **Total signees**: 25 | **Number of commits**: 2
– Ohio State’s ranking is uncertain, as Henry has not yet signed and could shift to other programs including Oregon and USC if he decides against joining the Buckeyes.

5. **University of Georgia**
– **Top signings/commits**: Defensive lineman Valdin Stone, tight end Kaiden Protho, offensive tackle Ekene Ogboko
– **5 stars**: 14 | **4 stars**: 22
– **Total signees**: 26 | **Number of commits**: 4
– Despite the loss of Curtis, Kirby Smart continues to recruit well, especially in the trenches.

6. **University of Alabama**
– **Top signings/commits**: Edge rusher Xavier Griffin, cornerback Jorden Edmonds, running back Ezavier Crowell
– **5 stars**: 4 | **4 stars**: 9
– **Total signees**: 20 | **Number of commits**: 2
– Coach Kalen DeBoer has successfully bolstered Alabama’s recruiting efforts, bringing in multiple five-star prospects.

7. **University of Notre Dame**
– **Top signings/commits**: Edge rusher Anthony Jones, safety Jett Washington, interior offensive lineman Immanuel Iheanacho
– **5 stars**: 4 | **4 stars**: 12
– **Total signees**: 15 | **Number of commits**: 6
– The Irish had a successful signing day, with all 27 commits signing on the dotted line.

8. **University of Oregon**
– **Top signings/commits**: Offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe, tight end Mark Bowman, wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt
– **5 stars**: 4 | **4 stars**: 19
– **Total signees**: 34 | **Number of commits**: 1
– Under coach Dan Lanning, Oregon has become a formidable force in recruiting, aided by strong financial backing.

9. **University of Southern California (USC)**
– **Top signings/commits**: Edge rusher Rodney Dunham, tight end Ian Premer, safety Joey O’Brien
– **5 stars**: 4 | **4 stars**: 19
– **Total signees**: 27 | **Number of commits**: 0
– USC has rebounded from a few down years and is on track to have its highest-ranked class since 2008, already securing 20 four- or five-star recruits.

10. **Penn State University**
– **Top signings/commits**: Defensive tackle Jalen McMillan, quarterback Tyler Quinn, linebacker David O’Neill
– **5 stars**: 4 | **4 stars**: 15
– **Total signees**: 22 | **Number of commits**: 3
– The Nittany Lions are looking to enhance their competitive edge with a solid recruiting class.

As the early signing period continues, the landscape of college football is poised for significant changes. Programs will look to solidify their future with these new commitments, while recruits will take their first steps toward their college careers.