Rivals Rankings Week for the 2026 class kicked off Monday and three new five-star prospects were unveiled. Take a closer look at each of the players that was elevated to elite status.
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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK
Sunday: Who should be No. 1?
Monday: Five-Star Countdown | Meet the new five-stars
Tuesday: New Rivals250 unveiled | Gorney goes position-by-position | Biggest risers
Wednesday: New offensive position rankings released | QB rankings breakdown | RB rankings breakdown | WR/TE rankings breakdown | OL rankings breakdown
Thursday: New defensive position rankings released | DL rankings breakdown | LB rankings breakdown | DB rankings breakdown | ATH rankings breakdown
Friday: New state rankings released | Who is No. 1 in each state?
Saturday: Roundtable on the new Rivals250 rankings
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QB FAIZON BRANDON
"Brandon took the country by storm after his sophomore season at Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley. As a first-year starter, Brandon completed almost 70 percent of his passes for 3,000-plus yards and 36 touchdowns with just three interceptions.
"On film, Brandon brings big playmaking ability to the offense with the arm as well as mobility to extend plays and also take off and run. Brandon has been a notable standout this offseason, shining with his ball placement, ability to see the field and make smart decisions, as well as delivering on-point throws on the move or off-balance." - Sam Spiegelman, national recruiting analyst
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ATH DERREK COOPER
"Cooper has had one of the fastest rises of the 2026 cycle. His combination of size, speed and versatility allowed him to blossom into one of the nation’s most coveted recruits. Most initially projected the multi-sport star as a back-seven defender at the next level, but Cooper’s continued improvement as a big running back has many thinking he could become the next big thing on offense in college.
"Regardless of his final position, Cooper has the frame and truly untapped game to become a focal point on either side of the ball once he fully develops and commits. We’ll see him line up all over the field this fall.“ - John Garcia Jr., national recruiting analyst
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DE ANTHONY JONES
"Jones has been causing havoc in opposing backfields since his freshman season. Ahead of his junior year, Jones checks in at 6-foot-3 and just north of 235 pounds. He is long and bendy and plays downhill. Jones is a high-motor defender that can apply pressure with his hand in the dirt or from a two-point stance. He can win with speed or power and excellent short-area quickness.” - Spiegelman
