play1:34Kevin Brown celebrates WVU commitment on McAfee by setting couch on fireOffensive line recruit Kevin Brown announces his commitment to West Virginia on “The Pat McAfee Show” and celebrates by lighting a couch on fire.
Five-star WR Chris Henry Jr. remains committed to Ohio State (2:11)Chris Henry Jr. joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to reaffirm his commitment to Ohio State as well as discuss the keys to his success. (2:11)
Kevin Brown celebrates WVU commitment on McAfee by setting couch on fireOffensive line recruit Kevin Brown announces his commitment to West Virginia on “The Pat McAfee Show” and celebrates by lighting a couch on fire.
Offensive line recruit Kevin Brown announces his commitment to West Virginia on “The Pat McAfee Show” and celebrates by lighting a couch on fire.
Craig Haubert, Eli Lederman and Tom LuginbillDec 16, 2025, 07:10 AM ET
Two weeks after the early signing period for 2026, nearly all of the cycle’s top prospects are signed and settled. As of Tuesday morning, all but four of the recruits ranked inside the 2026 ESPN 300 are committed or have already signed with national signing day still to come Feb. 4.
That being the case, it’s time to flip the conversation on the 2026 class. We know where the nation’s top recruits will be playing next fall. The question now: Which among them are most likely to emerge as day one starters, early playmakers or Year 1 rotation contributors in 2026?
With fresh signees set to land on campuses across the country next month, we broke down the classes for every Power 4 program to identify the 2026 newcomer who could have the biggest impact on their respective program next fall.
The list features five-star signees, including Jackson Cantwell (Miami), Jared Curtis (Vanderbilt) and Chris Henry Jr. (Ohio State). But it’s filled with potential difference-makers with paths to playing time next fall, under-the-radar additions and prospects who might fill key roster holes as college football’s latest crop of impact freshmen arrive on the scene for the 2026 season.
The Eagles currently lose two starters in the offensive line and one of them is the right guard. Jin is a mauler at the point of attack with power and agility. He’s strong, athletic, and while young, might be an upgrade over much of BC’s depth up front.
New Cal coach Tosh Lupoi has his quarterback in Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele but loses depth at tight end. Mason Mini returns and he’ll be a junior, which should open the door for Purcell to get on the field. Purcell brings great size to the position but will be more of a contributor in the passing game at this stage.
In 2026, Clemson will be replacing starting tackles Tristan Leigh and Blake Miller, and their two reserves are a redshirt freshman and redshirt sophomore, respectively, so there should be a window of opportunity for Delaney. If Delaney can gain 20-25 pounds to add additional strength and bulk, his length and athleticism are ready for the Power 4 level.
The Blue Devils are losing right guard Justin Pickett and though there will be other veteran starters on the line in 2026, most of the reserves are redshirt freshmen and it should be an open competition for backup roles. Stover is a technician who can also play center.
The Seminoles have to start getting more out of their high school classes and the defensive secondary. FSU has a lot of unproven depth that could open the door for Kennon to compete for a role. FSU loses Jerry Wilson on the outside and the depth at both corner spots consists of mostly redshirt freshmen. Kennon is long and smooth and can run. He also has positional versatility.
The Yellow Jackets probably will hit the portal hard for receivers as they lose Eric Rivers, Malik Rutherford and Dean Patterson. Hewitt could quickly battle for a role in the rotation. Hewitt is a thickly built, athletic pass catcher who is really good at high-pointing the ball in contested one-on-one matchups.
The Cardinals lose three senior safeties and should hit the portal hard, but Broadnax should at the very least be in the rotation by the end of fall camp. He has length, range and athleticism while being physically ready to make the leap.
The Hurricanes are going to see a lot of departures on the offensive line through graduation and the NFL draft. Tackles Francis Mauigoa, expected to enter the draft, and Markel Bell, a senior, will be gone. The Canes will also lose starters at center and guard. Cantwell has a chance to not only crack the lineup, but also fit in at multiple spots. He must get stronger and bulk up over the next six months to compete at a high level.
Receiver Jordan Shipp was expected to be the go-to pass catcher for the Tar Heels, and though he made his fair share of plays, the rest of the receiving corps struggled to make big plays consistently. Chapman is big and long and has posted a 21.3 mph playing speed, which is flying for a 6-foot-4, 190-pounder. He can help UNC with explosive run-and-catch downfield plays on jump balls, using his wide catch radius and height.
The Wolfpack lose three senior tight ends from their 2025 squad and will need to retool quickly. Vaughn can help them in the passing game as he continues to add bulk and strength as an inline blocker. The one-time two-way player in high school is athletic and is a good route runner. Expect NC State to bring in at least one veteran through the portal.
The Panthers lose all-purpose back Desmond Reid, and Ferguson is a very similar player, only maybe more of a natural slot/receiver in the passing game. He’s a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands and has the speed to get vertical. Pitt returns a lot of production, but Ferguson has the versatility to contribute in a lot of ways.
Utu could not have arrived at a better time for the Mustangs as SMU loses their starters and reserves on the left side of the offensive line. Utu is an elite-level talent with supreme size and agility. He could start off at guard if he’s not quite ready to man the left tackle spot.
The Cardinal lose two senior receivers to graduation, and with new head coach Tavita Pritchard, every position will be open competition. Pollard is a utility weapon who will be great in the slot as a jet sweep, bubble screen target. Despite a lack of ideal height, he also has the speed to be a vertical threat.
This was a huge signing for Fran Brown who should get his QB Steve Angeli back from injury in 2026. Russell is another version of former Orange WR Oronde Gadsden II, only faster. He’s a big, long, smooth target who is a multisport athlete and plays receiver like a power forward.
Carter projects as a receiver, but could play cornerback as well. Virginia loses Cam Ross and Jahmal Edrine at receiver with younger, more inexperienced depth. Carter has great speed and is dangerous with the ball in his hands, giving him a chance to crack the rotation. He also could be a contender as a return specialist.
Unless the Hokies come up with an option in the transfer portal, the QB competition will be wide open in Blacksburg. Troy Huhn was James Franklin’s top target at Penn State and he flipped him late to Virginia Tech. Huhn is a tall, strong-armed pocket passer with live feet and is very competitive. He has the temperament to be ready when he steps on campus.
If Sackey can gain 20 pounds or more before fall camp he could be a handful for a Wake front seven that is losing a lot of production, including defensive end Langston Hardy. Sackey has rare height and length, but is lean and built like a basketball player. His first step off the ball is explosive and he gains so much ground with his stride.
In an offense that regularly utilizes multiple tight end sets and will lose top producer Chamon Metayer, Arizona State must reload at the position. Vercher, from California, can help replace some of the receiving production from Metayer after he finished second on the team in receptions.
Over his final two high school seasons, Vercher caught over 120 passes for over 1,700 yards. He has excellent length, good speed and notable agility, along with advanced route-running ability. Though adding some bulk would help, he has the receiving tools to play a role as a freshman. His development as a blocker will determine how quickly his role grows, but if the Sun Devils continue to utilize tight ends the way they have in recent years, Vercher will have a place in the offense in 2026.
Arizona’s defensive line has an enviable mix of senior leadership and solid youth this season, so there aren’t glaring holes to fill. Still, Williams should carve out a role in Year 1, even if it’s part of a rotation and not starting. Though he’s ranked as a defensive end, he’s versatile and has experience playing inside, which is probably his best long-term fit as he adds bulk.
At 6-foot-2 and 255 pounds, Williams doesn’t have elite height or size, but he’s a tough player. He’s also strong, uses his hands well, bends effectively, plays with leverage and has a relentless motor. Williams is also coachable with the aptitude to apply it quickly in games.
Signing quarterback Ryder Lyons was a major recruiting win for the Cougars, but his arrival will be delayed while he serves an LDS mission. Pula can make an immediate impact in 2026. BYU’s top receiving target, Parker Kingston, is expected to return next season, but the Cougars will lose their next two top receivers who combined for more than 80 receptions and 1,200 yards. Pula, a late flip from rival Utah, can step right in and replace some of the lost production.
At 6-foot-3, Pula is a lengthy target who runs well. He was the top option at his high school this season alongside his twin brother Kennan Pula, who also signed, hauling in 57 receptions with 11 touchdowns. Beyond size, Pula has a good catch radius, body control and hands. He needs to continue to add strength, but Pula has the tools to capitalize on immediate opportunities in BYU’s receiving room.
With Conner Weigman set to return after throwing for over 2,400 yards and rushing for 600 more, selecting a quarterback here might be counterintuitive. But Henderson’s playmaking is hard to ignore. He’s an excellent athlete with flexibility, speed, quickness and good ball skills.