Huge Ten Highlight: 5 growing recruiting storylines
Rivals nationwide recruiting analyst Greg Smith examines 5 growing recruiting storylines within the Huge Ten as June visits loom.
THIS SERIES: 5 growing recruiting storylines within the SEC | ACC storylines
Can USC maintain on to its early lead?
The efforts of USC on the recruiting path have been one of many tales of the 2026 cycle. Coach Lincoln Riley revamped the recruiting division and it paid off instantly. The Trojans presently have the No. 1 class within the nation with a whopping 27 commitments. However will it final?
In what’s changing into a yearly custom (no matter employees) the Trojans secured an early dedication from a Georgia native. Now summer season has hit and that participant – Xavier Griffin – has decommitted from this system.
Is that this the beginning of the slide for the Trojans
I truly don’t assume so. This time round USC has constructed its class largely on protecting in-state stars house. Seventeen of its commitments are from California, which is a successful formulation for the Trojans. Particularly as recruits look forward to the wins to pile up on the sphere.
Will Oregon rebound?
Coach Dan Lanning has discovered himself ready he isn’t used to throughout this recruiting cycle. The shedding facet of a number of high-profile recruitments. Just lately, five-star quarterback Jared Curtis recommitted to Georgia over Oregon. Earlier than that, excessive four-star receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt shocked and picked Ohio State over the Geese.
Then Oregon struck again when it landed a giant shock of its personal. 5-star defensive lineman Richard Wesley dedicated to Oregon in a shocker. It wasn’t shocking that he dedicated however the timing of it shocked many, together with his household. The Geese now have a top-10 class, but it surely speaks to the present expectations that we expect they need to be even increased.
We’ve discovered to not rely out Lanning on the recruiting path, however for the primary time shortly we’re seeing the Geese’ recruiting machine decelerate.
Can Penn State beat out Ohio State for Cincere Johnson?
The thought course of round elite linebacker prospect Cincere Johnson’s recruitment all alongside has been that Ohio State is the clear group to beat. That’s doubtless true. He’s an Ohio native that the Buckeyes have prioritized closely and his highschool has a robust pipeline to Columbus.
However there’s one other Huge Ten group lurking.
Penn State additionally has its personal wealthy linebacker custom and this system has finished an incredible job recruiting Johnson.
After all the added wrinkle right here is that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is now in place at Penn State. He was recruiting Johnson to Ohio State so the 2 are very aware of one another.
Alabama can be a very good possibility for Johnson however this looks like a heavyweight battle between two Huge Ten powers.
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Will Michigan State preserve Kahlief Canty house?
Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith had the Spartans off to a sizzling begin within the 2026 class early on. They nabbed a dedication from their most popular quarterback Kayd Coffman, who has continued to see his inventory rise this cycle. Tight finish Eddie Whiting could also be one of the vital underrated gamers within the area, tucked away in South Dakota.
However the momentum stalled and the Spartans have simply 4 commitments.
This summer season might be big for this system and nobody is an even bigger goal than Michigan native Khalief Canty. The four-star inside lineman is a terrific prospect that performs with a imply steak and one thing to show. If the Spartans can preserve him house it could actually begin to carry the category collectively. Additionally, it’d be an incredible in-state win for a training employees that’s nonetheless getting its footing in a brand new area.
When will Nebraska’s class choose up steam?
The Huskers have recruited nicely underneath coach Matt Rhule. The roster is mainly flipped totally now between highschool and switch recruiting. Nevertheless it’s a little bit curious that the Huskers solely have 4 commitments for the 2026 class proper now. Particularly once you consider four-star defensive again CJ Bronaugh being a gentle dedication.
Nebraska is taking a look at bringing in a smaller highschool class this cycle that can doubtless have a max of 15 gamers. In order that does issue into the place the category is true now. Rhule and his employees appear content material to chase greater recruits that they should shut after the official go to season.
4-star defensive finish Titan Davis, four-star operating again Dezephen Walker and four-star extensive receiver Ryan Mosley are only a few top-of-board targets that Nebraska desires.
If the Huskers are in a position to land these guys (and others) it’ll be an enormous summer season in Lincoln.
