New York, November 23, 2025
Ohio State, Miami, and Iowa are among the college football programs rising in the 2026 recruiting class rankings as of late 2025, driven by elite player commitments that could shift competitive dynamics nationally and within the Big Ten.
Ohio State’s Recruiting Surge
The Ohio State Buckeyes have ascended into the national top 6 for the 2026 recruiting class, according to major outlets including 247Sports and ESPN. With 28 commitments, 18 are rated four-star or higher, underscoring OSU’s continued success in attracting premier high school talent. A notable addition is five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., son of the late NFL star Chris Henry, whose commitment signals the program’s ability to secure legacy and elite prospects.
Miami’s Steady Progress
Despite a challenging 2024 season, the Miami Hurricanes have climbed to 9th in ESPN’s 2026 recruiting rankings. Under coach Mario Cristobal, Miami maintains strong recruiting momentum, securing key players such as offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell and linebacker Jordan Campbell. This pattern supports Miami’s pursuit of a third consecutive top-15 recruiting class, indicating a rebuilding program with sustained national relevance.
Iowa’s Upward Recruiting Momentum
Iowa has not yet breached the top 10 but has been recognized across recruiting outlets for its rising stature. The Hawkeyes’ recent commitments reflect improved recruiting efforts that position them as an emerging competitor within the Big Ten landscape, reflecting a broader competitive balance shift in the conference.
National Recruiting Context
Leading the 2026 recruiting class rankings are traditional powerhouses USC, Georgia, and Notre Dame, with Alabama and Oregon rounding out the top five. These programs have secured classes fortified by top defensive and offensive talents, setting a high competitive benchmark nationally.
Implications for College Football
The 2026 recruiting cycle highlights intense competition among elite and ascending programs. Ohio State’s acquisition of high-caliber recruits like Chris Henry Jr. hints at continued Big Ten dominance. Miami’s resilience in recruiting despite on-field setbacks suggests growing program stability. Iowa’s recruitment gains emphasize increasing parity and strategic talent acquisition in the Big Ten. These shifts in player commitments carry long-term consequences for competitive dynamics on and off the field, influencing coaching strategies, program investments, and conference power structures in coming years.
The evolving landscape of college football recruiting underscores the critical role of talent acquisition in shaping program trajectories and conference alignments at a national scale.