2026 4-star EDGE Anthony Jones names top five schools

After whittling his list of schools down to nine last month, Irvine (Calif.) Crean Lutheran junior four-star EDGE Anthony Jones announced on Monday that he’s now down to his final five.

Michigan, Tennessee, Arizona State, Washington and UCLA have made the cut for the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder.

Jones is the No. 211 overall prospect and No. 19 EDGE in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 24 player in California.

When speaking with On3’s Chad Simmons last month, Jones dove in on what was standing out to him about his recruiting process thus far and why certain schools were emerging amongst others. California, Georgia, Ohio State and Penn State are the four programs that did not transition from Jones’ top nine to his top five.

“Visits are one of the biggest things for me. Seeing the campus in person, getting face-to-face time with the coaches and seeing what the vibe is like is important to me,” Jones told On3.

“I was at a game at Arizona State last season and it was great. We talk a lot. UCLA is the hometown team, it is right here, so it is cool to get over there.”

The plan this summer for Jones was to continue to work through his process, get out to campuses more next year and eventually come to a decision. UCLA currently has the slight edge for his pledge, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

“I will take some official visits next spring and summer, then commit,” Jones said. “On those visits, my mom will see everything and it will be big in my decision. Academics are first and foremost for me when I commit and I am looking at relationships and who can develop me as a player and as a man.”

As a sophomore, Jones collected 46 total tackles and seven sacks. He has an interception early on in his junior campaign.