Four-Star Friday is back with six players who recently joined the elite ranks of four-star prospects. The national analyst team highlighted some recruits who were given a four-star rating just a little while back.
RUMOR MILL: Final July recruiting weekend on deck
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CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker
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“Jones is starting to put together a case for being the top prospect in the state of Oklahoma in the 2026 cycle. A dynamic playmaker, Jones is the go-to weapon for his Jenks squad, for which he attacks defense on the ground, through the air (receiving) and even through the return game.
"Standing at 5-foot-11 and just over 170 pounds, Jones has ideal size with some room to add a bit more mass to with time. Speed and agility is the primary skillet for Jones, who plays much faster than a previous 4.7 forty yard dash. Typically a patient runner, Jones will wait for a lane to open before slicing through the middle of a defense, but will take the liberty to bounce outside to find open grass, where he typically turns up-field down the sideline.
“A major weapon in the passing game, Jones can line up both in the backfield as well as out wide as a receiver. As a sophomore, he had 2,205 all purpose yards with 19 touchdowns. Contact balance is also a big attribute for Jones despite weighing just over 170 pounds. He routinely fights for extra yards and will escape tackles to break off big gains. As he gets bigger and undoubtedly faster, his skill set will grow. Currently just inside the Rivals250, he has the potential to see a rise in the future.” - Marshall Levenson, national recruiting analyst
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“McLendon, the little brother of former Florida State and Colorado edge defender Derrick McLendon II, caught the eyes of college coaches this summer at various camps.
“McLendon, who plays multiple positions in the secondary at Tucker (Ga.) High School in Georgia is long and flashed in multiple camp settings this summer, including at LSU and Georgia. McLendon thrives in off-coverage, consistently adjusts to make plays on the ball and is explosive closing in on the football. He’s making a name for himself as one of the best in coverage in the Peach State for 2026
“The in-state Bulldogs wasted no time offering McLendon, and programs around the South are paying close attention. The group includes North Carolina, LSU and naturally, the Seminoles.” - Sam Spiegelman, national recruiting analyst
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“A physically-imposing 6-foot-4, 200-pounder, Petit has the frame and game to press defensive backs in the red zone and along the sidelines -- but in plenty other areas as well. The rising-junior possesses elite ball skills and body control, ideal for contested catches at all three levels. A fairly polished route-runner at this stage of his development, Petit works best off the line with his natural power. Also a double-double type of player on the basketball court, Petit looks like the type of boundary wideout who could blossom into a national recruit before all is said and done.” - John Garcia Jr., national recruiting analyst
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"Powell is not the tallest receiver in the world but he's physically built so the 2026 four-star from Northern California can line up in the slot and create problems there or line up outside and not get jammed by receivers at the line of scrimmage.
"He plays with five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons at Folsom, Calif., which is known for its fast-paced offense and ability to score at all times so that pads the stat line but Powell is still highly skilled and he's shined at numerous events this offseason.
"Right now his recruitment seems wide open as LSU and UCLA have shown interest, Oregon has offered and many others are in the mix but it wouldn't be a surprise if he attaches himself to wherever Lyons goes so they can keep that tandem together." - Adam Gorney, national recruiting director
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“In his first year as a receiver, Salmon racked up 53 receptions for 1,107 yards and 16 touchdowns but, big stats and average competition aside, the 2026 standout from Virginia boasts a 10.4-second 100m.
"College coaches around the country are excited to learn more about Salmin and rightfully so. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound receiver is a constant deep threat who does a good job high-pointing the ball and catching the ball away from his body. Salmin can take short passes the distance if he finds any creases in the defense, too. He hasn’t needed to rely on sharp route running skills because he is just so much faster than anybody who lines up across from him but he does show the necessary tools to run crisp, clean routes.
"It will also be interesting to see how Salmin performs if and when he really challenges himself against legitimate Power Four defensive backs.” - Adam Friedman, rankings director and transfer portal analyst
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“Until recently, we had Vitti rated as an athlete because he does star on both sides of the ball at Divine Child High School in Detroit. But the more you watch his tape and talk to college coaches, safety is his future college position. He changes direction well and does a good job reading plays. However, it’s his ability and willingness to make hits that really catches your attention.
“Many programs like him as a hybrid safety/linebacker type to help slow down modern offenses.
“Vitti was a busy prospect on the road this winter. The 2026 four-star safety took trips to many programs and told Rivals that he’s focusing on Wisconsin, Iowa, Purdue, Kansas, Michigan, Wake Forest, Tennessee, Boston College, Northwestern and Pittsburgh.
“His recruitment is pretty open right now with several schools looking to show they are the right fit for the Michigan native.” - Greg Smith, national recruiting analyst
