USC, Texas A&M lead the country with most 2026 blue-chip signees

The talk of the sports world right now is the College Football Playoff, but with the early signing period out of the way, it’s time to assess to the 2026 recruiting cycle.

After a lot of late movement following coaching changes and flips to other programs, the dust settled on Friday with USC still holding onto the nation’s No. 1 class for the first time since 2006. The Trojans’ group is talented from top to bottom, but they’re not the only ones who loaded up on blue-chip prospects this cycle.

Five teams in particular stood out in that regard:

USC – 22 blue-chip signees

National Class Ranking: No. 1

The Trojans, led by Lincoln Riley and GM Chad Bowden, went all-in on their high school recruiting class in 2026 after signing 25 players and finishing No. 15 nationally last year. This time around, they signed the country’s No. 1 class and locked in 22 blue-chippers to tie for the national lead with Texas A&M. It was a pretty significant departure from Riley’s first few classes, which were more portal-heavy. But this group, led by five-star tight end Mark Bowman and four other top-40 prospects, has the opportunity to be foundational for Riley as he looks to take the next step in L.A.

Texas A&M – 22

National Class Ranking: No. 8

After inking a top-10 class in 2025 that was buoyed by two five-star flips, Mike Elko and Co. went to work this cycle and built one one of the top groups in the country. The class features six top-150 prospects and 16 more who rank as four-stars in the Rivals Industry Ranking. The Aggies went particularly hard at running back (two signees), defensive back (six), wide receiver (five) and along the lines (seven between OL and DL). They’re likely to be big players in the portal as well with a talented roster coming back, led by quarterback Marcel Reed.

Georgia – 20

National Class Ranking: No. 5

Kirby Smart had Georgia in position to challenge for the No. 1 class this cycle right until the end, when Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Jared Curtis flipped his pledge from the ‘Dawgs to hometown Vanderbilt. The move no doubt stung — it was the second time an elite QB left UGA’s class in three cycles. (See: Raiola, Dylan). But UGA has overcome the first loss to be the SEC champions for a second straight year, and this class has them in a position to remain there going forward. While it only features one five-star — the fewest for Georgia in more than a decade — it is incredibly deep with talent. Six signees rank among the top-100 nationally and 14 more are blue-chips.

Miami – 20

National Class Ranking: No.

Much like he did at Oregon, Mario Cristobal continues to take Miami to new highs on the recruiting trail. The ‘Canes signed a solid, yet unspectacular class in 2025 that ranked No. 14 and had only 12 blue-chip players in it. Fast forward a year, and we’re telling a different story. In addition to signing Jackson Cantwell, Rivals’ No. 1 overall recruit, Miami tied for the second-most blue-chip signees of any program. Wide receiver and defensive back were two major priorities, each with multiple four-stars in the fold. They also landed the nation’s No. 7 DL in Keshawn Stancil and three four-star edge rushers in DeAnthony Lafayette, Jordan Campbell and Asharri Charles. Cristobal and Co. have built an identity on winning at the line of scrimmage, and they’re looking for that to continue.

Notre Dame – 19

National Class Ranking: No. 2

The wounds are still raw from the Fighting Irish being snubbed for the College Football Playoff. But Marcus Freeman is recruiting and obtaining talent at a level that should have Notre Dame as a legitimate title contender for the next few years. This class was his magnum opus, signing four five-stars — something Notre Dame hasn’t done in decades. The Irish shored up their secondary with the country’s No. 1 cornerback Khary Adams and No. 3 safety Joey O’Brien, while adding five-star edge rusher Rodney Dunham and elite tight end Ian Premer. They signed six more prospects who rank in the top-150 nationally, including two — EDGE Ebenezer Ewetade and offensive tackle Grayson McKeogh — who are ranked as five-star level prospects by Rivals. The bar has been raised in South Bend.