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Craig Haubert
In a significant move, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have surged to the No. 2 position in our 2026 recruiting class rankings following the acquisition of another standout running back, marking their dominance in the latest rankings. After securing Javian Osborne, they’ve now signed Jonaz Walton, a multifaceted athlete known for his prowess in track and field.
Walton, compact in build, has demonstrated his ability to gain yards post-contact while also clocking impressive 10.6-second times in the 100-meter sprint, showcasing his explosive speed on the field. This past junior season, he not only amassed over 1,300 rushing yards but also emerged as a formidable receiving threat, recording 39 receptions for more than 600 yards.
Meanwhile, despite losing ESPN 300 cornerback Victor Singleton, the Fighting Illini have rallied nicely, enhancing their standing in the rankings. Key to their improvement was the commitment of top-10 prospect Nasir Rankin, a player poised to impact on both sides of the ball but likely to shine offensively, utilizing impressive ball skills and elusiveness.
As June approaches, the anticipation mounts with a series of official visits scheduled for top recruits, signaling a busy month ahead. By early July, a significant number of the 150-plus uncommitted ESPN 300 talents are expected to make their commitments, likely causing shifts in the class rankings.
Here’s a snapshot of our latest top 25 rankings:
New entrants: Texas
Excluded: Ole Miss
(Previous update: May 14)
Previous ranking: 1
ESPN 300 commits: 12
Top offensive prospect: OT Keenyi Pepe
Top defensive prospect: CB Elbert Hill
USC is flourishing under Lincoln Riley, becoming the program with the most momentum for 2026. This surge follows the hiring of Chad Bowden as general manager, previously of Notre Dame. The Trojans boast over ten ESPN 300 commitments, including two five-stars, Keenyi Pepe and Elbert Hill, acquired since January. Additionally, they flipped two four-star players from Oregon, defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui and quarterback Jonas Williams, both of whom could significantly impact the Trojans’ game.
Efforts to strengthen the offensive lines have seen USC secure top players like Jaimeon Winfield from Texas and bring in local talent such as Simote Katoanga and Esun Tafa from Utah. Pepe, hailing from IMG Academy, stands at a towering 6’7″ and 320 pounds, showcasing both agility and strength suited for a standout tackle role. Additionally, elite cornerback R.J. Sermons has reclassified to 2025, further enhancing USC’s roster for the upcoming season.
Previous ranking: 3
ESPN 300 commits: 12
Top offensive prospect: OT Tyler Merrill
Top defensive prospect: DE Rodney Dunham
The Fighting Irish started their recruiting efforts sluggishly this year but gained traction in spring, signing several ESPN 300 athletes in April. On defense, Notre Dame picked up edge player Rodney Dunham and safety Ayden Pouncey from Florida.
On offense, talented OT Gregory Patrick joins a class already stacked with premier OL prospects, including top-10 OT, Tyler Merrill. At a towering 6’7″ and 335 pounds, Merrill brings both size and physicality crucial to maintaining the Irish’s reputation as a top-tier offensive line program. Other noteworthy additions include Thomas Davis Jr., the son of former Panthers star, and four-star QB Noah Grubbs, flaunting impressive footwork and a swift release.
Previous ranking: 2
ESPN 300 commits: 11
Top offensive prospect: WR Chris Henry Jr.
Top defensive prospect: S Blaine Bradford
Ohio State coach Ryan Day has the advantage of recruiting around a highly sought-after player, five-star WR Chris Henry Jr., whose father was renowned receiver Chris Henry from West Virginia and the Cincinnati Bengals. Henry Jr. stands at an impressive 6’6″, exhibiting a rare blend of length and agility for a high school receiver.
Since March, the Buckeyes have fortified their recruiting class, adding several other ESPN 300 prospects. This includes safety Blaine Bradford from Louisiana and linebacker Simeon Caldwell from Florida. C.J. Sanna, a robust linebacker with impressive range, stands out as an underrated find for this talented lineup. State-based OT Maxwell Riley is proving formidable, showcasing impressive quickness and tenacity on the field.
Previous ranking: 4
ESPN 300 commits: 6
Top offensive prospect: WR Davion Brown
Top defensive prospect: S Matt Sieg
Penn State’s recruiting has seen a quick start, heavily supported by solid in-state talent, including four-star teammates from Harrisburg High School, Kevin Brown and Messiah Mickens. Brown, a flexible offensive tackle, is an exciting prospect, while Mickens is a productive running back, critical for Penn State as they prepare to replace Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton post-2025.
Coach James Franklin also secured in-state athlete David Davis Jr. who clocked an impressive max speed of 20.5 mph, potentially bolstering the defensive backfield. While most early commits are local, they’ve also acquired strong-armed QB Troy Huhn from California, showcasing significant upside. Moreover, they targeted explosive WR Davion Brown from Virginia, who possesses crucial speed and contested-catch ability.
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This version maintains the original message but offers a fresh perspective, ensuring it’s unique and incorporates relevant context for 2025 in the U.S.