Alabama Leads 2026 Recruiting Class Despite Star Rating Shifts

The 2026 college football recruiting cycle is shaping up with notable developments across several programs. Alabama leads with the most five-star recruits, though highly touted running back Ezavier Crowell remains a four-star despite an improved ranking, showcasing his impressive sophomore season and potential impact for the Crimson Tide. Utah lost in-state linebacker Adam Bywater, a three-star recruit, to rival BYU, leaving Utah's class ranked No. 50 nationally and No. 10 in the Big 12. Texas is vying for five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson, who plans to announce his commitment on July 15, with Georgia and Texas emerging as the leading contenders. LSU experienced a ranking drop for defensive tackle Richard Anderson, who lost his four-star status after Rivals' updated rankings but remains a top-30 recruit and a key part of LSU's highly ranked class, which includes another five-star defensive tackle, Lamar Brown. These updates highlight the ongoing dynamic competition among top programs to secure elite talent for the 2026 season.