Elijah Golden, a standout defensive lineman from Cardinal Mooney in Sarasota, Florida, is definitely making waves in the class of 2026. Standing tall at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 260 pounds, he’s captured attention far and wide. According to 247Sports, he’s currently slotted as the 40th top player nationwide, holds the title of the top defensive lineman across the country, and is the seventh most sought-after recruit in Florida.
When it comes to his college prospects, Golden is in an enviable position. As a Navy All-American, he’s got a staggering collection of over 40 offers to mull over, which gives him the luxury of choosing pretty much any school he desires.
Though he’s not rushing to settle on where he’ll play next, Golden is planning a series of unofficial visits. These preliminary visits are crucial stepping stones toward the official ones that will eventually guide him to make his final decision about where he’ll take his talents.