5 Star Recruits 2026 Football Rankings Update

The college football landscape is being reshaped as the 2026 recruiting class takes center stage following the conclusion of the 2025 signing period. The 247Sports national scouting team has unveiled their updated five star recruits 2026 rankings featuring twelve elite prospects who are positioned to become the next generation of college football stars. This comprehensive evaluation comes after extensive analysis of game film, all-star performances, and early showcases on the camp circuit.

This latest ranking provides crucial insights into which blue-chip prospects possess the raw talent and technical refinement to transform collegiate programs upon arrival. The battle for these coveted athletes mirrors the fierce recruiting wars we documented in our Top College Football Recruiters of 2025 breakdown.

Elite Quarterback Talent Leads the 2026 Class

Faizon Brandon, QB, Tennessee Volunteers commit (No. 1 overall):

• Maintains his position as the premier elite prospect since April 2024
• Led Grimsley High to the 2023 North Carolina 4A quarterfinals with surgical precision
• Accumulated 3,026 passing yards and 36 touchdowns as a sophomore, showcasing exceptional arm talent
• Tennessee’s quarterback pipeline, featuring Nico Iamaleava and George MacIntyre, proved decisive in securing his commitment

Keisean Henderson, QB, Houston Cougars commit (No. 5 overall):

• Catapulted into the top-tier conversation after dominating the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl
• Stands 6’3″ with a versatile dual-threat skillset at approximately 195-205 pounds
• Represents a transformational acquisition for Houston’s emerging program
• His remarkable evolution from wide receiver to quarterback underscores his exceptional athletic versatility

Ryder Lyons, QB, Uncommitted (No. 6 overall):

• Stands at 6’3″, 215 pounds with explosive athletic attributes that define elite prospects
• Produced 49 total touchdowns (41 passing, 8 rushing) during his junior campaign
• USC Trojans, Oregon Ducks, and BYU have emerged as frontrunners
• Decision timeline potentially affected by plans for a Mormon mission

Dominant Linemen Command Attention in 2026 Rankings

Jackson Cantwell, OT, Uncommitted (No. 3 overall):

• Verified at an imposing 6’7.5″ and 330 pounds with elite technical prowess and Olympic-level shot put potential
• Michigan Wolverines considered a “darkhorse” among midwestern powerhouses pursuing the top-ranked tackle
• Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes also mounting aggressive recruitment campaigns
• As explored in our Michigan’s All-Out Pursuit of Jackson Cantwell analysis

Felix Ojo, OT, Uncommitted (No. 7 overall):

• Measures 6’7″, 275 pounds with remarkable flexibility and lateral agility coveted at left tackle
• Considered “college-ready” despite being just 16 years old, setting him apart from other elite prospects
• Texas viewed as the presumptive leader despite persistent interest from Michigan and Notre Dame
• Has displayed extraordinary technical refinement since his initial evaluation

Keenyi Pepe, OT, Uncommitted (No. 9 overall):

• IMG Academy standout measuring 6’7.5″, 325 pounds with prototype tackle dimensions
• Showcased elite potential at both the Under Armour All-America Game and 2025 Polynesian Bowl
• Possesses rare bend and flexibility for his imposing frame, critical attributes for premier tackles
• Projects as a legitimate blind-side protector with immediate impact potential

Immanuel Iheanacho, OT, Uncommitted (No. 11 overall):

• Power-based lineman at 6’6.5″, 350 pounds from North Bethesda (Md.) Georgetown Prep
• Penn State Nittany Lions, Georgia Bulldogs, and Maryland Terrapins battling intensely for his commitment
• Maryland considered the current frontrunner in securing the blue-chip prospect
• Recently visited multiple programs as detailed in our Oregon Ducks Making Strong Push for 5-Star OT Immanuel Iheanacho examination

Five Star Recruits 2026: Defensive Standouts

Zion Elee, EDGE, Maryland Terrapins commit (No. 2 overall):

• Baltimore St. Frances Academy standout standing at 6’3″, 225 pounds with exceptional wingspan
• Combines elite bend and advanced hand technique with relentless motor that elevates him among premier edge rushers
• Dominated the competition at the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game
• Represents a cornerstone recruitment victory for Maryland’s ascending program

Xavier Griffin, LB, USC Trojans commit (No. 8 overall):

• Versatile front-seven defender with sophisticated pass-rush repertoire and coverage instincts
• Draws professional comparisons to former Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell
• Demonstrates exceptional diagnostic skills and closing burst that defines elite defenders
• Pivotal addition to fortify USC’s defensive front

Jorden Edmonds, CB, Uncommitted (No. 10 overall):

• Made the most dramatic ascension among top prospects, climbing 43 positions to secure CB1 status
• Prototypical dimensions at 6’2.5″ with the fluidity and pattern-matching skills scouts covet
• Showcased lockdown coverage at the Navy All-American Bowl and Under Armour Atlanta camp
• Leverages NFL bloodlines (father played professionally) that enhance his technical foundation

Bralan Womack, Safety, Uncommitted (No. 12 overall):

• Ball-hawking defensive back with verified 15 interceptions over two seasons at Mississippi’s Hartfield Academy
• Secured Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year honors through dominant performances
• Drawing legitimate comparisons to Alabama and Ohio State standout Caleb Downs
• Displays advanced positional versatility that separates the elite defensive prospects

Wide Receiver Sensation in 2026 Rankings

Tristen Keys, WR, Uncommitted (No. 4 overall):

• Dynamic pass catcher from Hattiesburg (Miss.) High who dominates every competition setting
• Averaged 21 yards per reception during his junior campaign, demonstrating explosive playmaking ability
• Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide positioned as frontrunners for the elite Mississippi talent
• Possesses the prototype X-receiver skillset with contested catch prowess and route-running sophistication
• Currently at the center of intense SEC recruiting battles, as explored in our LSU Inches Closer to Landing 5-Star WR Tristen Keys investigation

The competition for these coveted blue-chip prospects will only intensify as programs refine their recruiting strategies and deploy resources to secure the transformative talent necessary for championship contention in College Football. For comprehensive coverage of these developing recruitment sagas involving the nation’s top 2026 prospects, continue following Prospect-Radar.com.