Editor’s Note: Originally published on Rivals.com, the leading source for college football and basketball recruiting insights. Stay ahead of the game by signing up here.
With the camp and 7-on-7 season in full swing, top talents nationwide are gearing up to face off against equally formidable opponents. While there are still 10 ranking updates pending for the class of 2026, there are a number of players we’re keenly keeping an eye on over the coming month.
Here’s a roundup of 10 prospects who are in the spotlight right now.
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Akih hasn’t yet made it into the latest Rivals250, but it seems like just a matter of time. Following a strong junior year and a burst of activity on the recruiting scene, it’s crucial to get some firsthand evaluations to gauge his quickness and pass-catching capabilities.
After recovering from a significant ankle injury, Bell is back in action. He’s working hard at various camps and in the 7-on-7 circuit. While nothing compares to live gameplay, his performance this offseason will heavily influence discussions around his future ranking.
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Coming off consecutive state titles in both football and basketball, Duckworth stands as one of the class’s most athletic quarterbacks. Besides his undeniable talent as a passer, there’s room for growth in his consistency. His potential as a five-star prospect hinges on honing his skills as a precise passer.
Elee showcases outstanding potential as a pass rusher, boasting what it takes to reach five-star status—assuming he continues refining his technique. While he’s improved greatly over the past year and a half, relying solely on his speed rush won’t be enough as he moves to higher competition levels.
The excitement builds for Henry’s comeback from a knee injury later this month. The Ohio State commit is a prospect with combinations of size and skill, arguably unmatched in this class. We’re eager to observe whether he’s more aligned with his ceiling or floor as a player.
Hill, now a five-star player, solidified his status after an impressive junior year. This offseason, he’s faced ups and downs, and the race among cornerbacks is tightening. His performance against top-tier prospects this summer will be telling to see if he can maintain his edge in man coverage.
Kansas spotlights another remarkable tight end talent this year. Premer, known for playing multiple sports, holds all the desired traits for a standout tight end. Although he’s already highly ranked, watching him match up with other elite defenders will lend further insight.
Prothro is packing on some muscle, yet still bears more resemblance to a larger receiver than a tight end. As he fills out more, it will influence how he’s utilized on his future college team. Despite not being physically overpowering on the field, he remains a prominent pass-catching force. Time will tell if this will endure.
In this cycle, Russell’s natural abilities shine brightly. It’s thrilling to see him demonstrate his skills whenever possible. His ranking could take a significant leap if he advances his physical capabilities and overall consistency.
Washington, with his impressive frame for a safety, showcases advanced instincts on the field. Yet, assessing his speed and ability to keep up with top-tier receivers will be intriguing. While his wingspan aids in covering any shortcomings, this won’t suffice forever. Observing him closely again this offseason should clarify these queries.