Recruiting Upsets: 5 Programs Doing More With Less
- As commitment season heats up, significant shifts are expected in the 2026 team rankings.
- Here's a look at five college football programs that are currently "punching above their weight" in recruiting, making significant strides in attracting top talent.
- Head coach Kenny Dillingham's efforts have "activated the valley," positioning Arizona State's recruiting class at No.
Several college football programs are exceeding recruiting expectations, and this article spotlights five teams defying historical trends. Arizona State, Illinois, and Louisville are surging, each making notable strides in attracting top talent, while Rutgers aims to sustain its momentum. See how USC is experiencing a recruiting renaissance. Explore these programs,analyzing their strategies for success in the competitive landscape,and discover how coaches are reshaping their teams through strategic commitment acquisitions. News Directory 3 offers insights into these recruiting upsets. Discover what’s next for these rising programs as they navigate the critical weeks ahead and strive to finalize their 2026 recruiting class rankings.
Collage Football Teams Exceeding Recruiting Expectations
Updated June 05, 2025
As commitment season heats up, significant shifts are expected in the 2026 team rankings. Several programs are currently outperforming historical recruiting trends, securing commitments that defy recent performance.
Here’s a look at five college football programs that are currently “punching above their weight” in recruiting, making significant strides in attracting top talent.
Arizona State Sun devils
Head coach Kenny Dillingham’s efforts have “activated the valley,” positioning Arizona State’s recruiting class at No. 15 nationally. A top-20 finish would mark the program’s best in over a decade. The Sun Devils boast three four-star commitments, exceeding their total since the 2021 cycle, signaling a resurgence in their recruiting prowess.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Bret Bielema’s Illinois squad is making waves, currently holding a top-10 recruiting class—a program first.Their previous high was No. 20 in 2007. With five four-star prospects committed, Illinois is poised for a historic recruiting cycle. A College Football Playoff appearance could further elevate their recruiting status.
Louisville Cardinals
After prioritizing the transfer portal, Jeff Brohm and Louisville are now focusing on high school talent. with 17 commitments, including two Rivals250 and another four-star prospect, the Cardinals are on track for their highest-ranked recruiting class since 2023.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
greg Schiano’s Rutgers team, despite past early surges that faded, currently boasts a strong recruiting class with five four-star prospects, placing them in the top 10. Aiming for their first top-25 finish, the Scarlet Knights seek to sustain momentum and secure key commitments.
USC Trojans
Lincoln Riley and Chad Bowden have revitalized USC’s recruiting efforts. The Trojans currently rank No. 1 with 27 commitments, including two five-star and three top-100 prospects. Maintaining this position requires continued success in attracting elite talent, with the goal of securing a top-10 finish—a feat achieved only twice in the last seven cycles.
What’s next
The coming weeks will be crucial for these programs as they work to solidify their gains and fend off challenges from other schools vying for top talent in the 2026 recruiting cycle.