The Busiest Recruiting Season Yet

The summer of 2025 has been one of the most active periods in college football recruiting history. With the 2026 class shaping up, top programs have already secured the majority of their commitments. According to ESPN Research, 155 prospects from the ESPN 300 made their commitments between June 1 and July 31, leaving only 16 uncommitted players as of August 2. Among these, nine are top-100 recruits, including five-star defensive end Jake Kreul and No. 2 running back Savion Hiter.

Revenue Sharing: A Game Changer

The House settlement, which allows schools to pay athletes directly, took effect on July 1. This has significantly influenced the recruiting landscape. Schools have been able to present firmer financial figures, leading to a flurry of early commitments. "In the past, collectives would always say we're only going to offer what we know we can pay you," a player agent told ESPN. "Now programs know what the budget will be, and harder numbers were discussed earlier than usual."

Five-Star Commitments

The 2026 class has seen a record number of five-star commitments. As of August 2, 95.6% of the five-star recruits have committed, the highest rate since at least 2020. LSU secured the top overall recruit, Lamar Brown, while Texas landed four five-star players, including No. 3 defensive end Richard Wesley.

Quarterback Market Dynamics

The quarterback market for the 2026 class is effectively closed, with the last major commitment coming from four-star Landon Duckworth to South Carolina on July 18. Notable moves include Ryder Lyons to BYU, Bowe Bentley to Oklahoma, and Jaden O'Neal to Florida State.

Top Programs and Their Strategies

1. USC Trojans: USC leads with the most ESPN 300 pledges, adding five more over the summer. The Trojans are targeting tight end and safety positions to solidify their top-ranked class.
2. Georgia Bulldogs: Georgia collected 19 commitments, including 12 from the ESPN 300, building around five-star quarterback Jared Curtis.
3. Texas A&M Aggies: Texas A&M focused on defense, landing five-star athlete Brandon Arrington and several top-150 defenders.
4. Texas Longhorns: Texas secured four five-star players, including Richard Wesley and Derrek Cooper, and remains in the mix for Jake Kreul.
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Notre Dame added five ESPN 300 pledges, including top defensive backs and tight ends, aiming for a strong finish.

What's Next?

As the recruiting trail takes a back seat to fall camp practices, the focus will shift to the December early signing period. Programs will aim to hold onto their commitments while navigating the new era of revenue sharing and NIL deals.