Which schools are off to a fast start for 2026?

• Craig Haubert, ESPN

  • Personnel WriterJul 10, 2024, 07:00 AM ET Close National hiring expert and expert for ESPNU
  • More than a years of college and professional coaching experience.
  • Graduated from Indiana and Nebraska-Omaha

As the calendar turns to July, college and high schools programs throughout the country are closing in on preseason camps. And while college programs devote a lot of attention and resources towards solidifying their 2025 classes, they’re actively building out solid foundations for their 2026 classes as well.We’re taking an early look at the 10 strongest 2026 classes and the leading names to understand in each class. Amongst the highlights: three programs from Florida, a prospective follower to Arch Manning at Texas, Oklahoma’s uncommon path (by its current standards) to a five-star quarterback, plus why Syracuse and Mississippi State look like programs growing.

protection: ESPN 300 rankings for 2025 CFB’s future power rankings
Previewing every conference