Rivals national recruiting analyst Greg Smith has three predictions on Kansas' 2026 class, a future USC decommitment and the finish to the 2025 team rankings.
MORE PREDICTIONS: NFL carousel, Ohio State-Notre Dame, Jordan Campbell
CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Top 100
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1. KANSAS WILL SIGN A TOP-25 CLASS IN 2026.
It’s very early but Kansas may be a program to watch in the 2026 recruiting rankings. The highest the program has ever finished since Rivals began ranking recruiting classes 23 years ago was the 2009 cycle when KU ranked 31st. For comparison sake, the 2025 class currently sits at No. 70 before any final adjustments.
My reasoning for the bold prediction is simple. The Jayhawks are in good position with a lot of in-state talent which could help propel the class. The team holds an early pledge from defensive back James Dunningan, Jr. He was impressive during the Under Armour All-America Bowl week. The program is also in strong position with four-star defensive end Hunter Higgins.
One of the best tight ends in the country resides in Kansas for the 2026 class, too. Ian Premer has the Jayhawks high on his list, and the same goes for outside linebackers JohnMichael Fountain and Joshua Galbreath and offensive lineman Maxwell Robinson. All are from Kansas.
If the Jayhawks can get the best prospects in the state to come to Lawrence and pluck some other regional players they’ll have a great class. I think they’ll get it done.
2. BRAEDEN JONES WILL NOT SIGN WITH USC.
Back in October when the Illinois four-star verbally committed to USC it was a shocker. Braeden Jones fell in love with the Trojans during the visit to Los Angeles as many prospects do. He likes the defensive staff there and the off-the-field opportunities at USC are always tough to beat.
However, the Trojans aren't the only program with an NIL operation. Notre Dame was the perceived leader in the early stages of his recruitment. I expect the Irish to get another look. Michigan will also be a strong contender in his recruitment as it continues to recruit at a high level since the end of the season.
There are lots of programs closer to home that I can see catching his eye as we move farther away from his initial verbal commitment.
3. OHIO STATE WILL WIN 2025 TEAM RANKING CHAMPION.
Don’t look now but we’ve had some real movement with the 2025 team recruiting rankings since the Early Signing Period. The Oregon Ducks entered the holidays with the No. 1 class in the country but the loss of four-star quarterback Jaron Sagapolutele slid the Ducks down the rankings.
Texas has since moved into the No. 1 spot with Georgia and Ohio State right on its heels. But right now we are close enough that ratings bumps/changes or one more late commitment could make any of Texas, Georgia or Ohio State the team champion in the 2025 cycle.
Give me the Buckeyes to not only win the national title, but also take home the 2025 team recruiting championship.
