Ten Midwest recruits featured in the initial 2026 Rivals100

The initial Rivals100 for the 2026 class was released on Wednesday and the Midwest is well represented with 10 recruits featured. Here is a closer look at the sophomore standouts who made the list.

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The No. 1 receiver in the 2026 class Is one of two five-star recruits from the Midwest and has already established himself as one of the best pass catchers in the nation regardless of class. Henry Jr. Is the complete package with the size, athleticism and skill to be a difference maker at the college level and beyond. Ohio State wasted little time securing a commitment from the Cincinnati Winthrow standout, but expect USC, Penn State and others to continue their pursuit of the the NFL legacy.

The towering offensive lineman out of Nixa (Mo.) has all of the tools to compete for the top overall spot in the 2026 class by the time he is finished. The five-star checks all of the boxes when it comes to what you are looking for in a future high draft pick at left tackle and with two former Olympian parents he has a genetic profile you don’t often see. Cantwell’s recruitment remains open with Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Alabama and Georgia as schools that stand out early.

The Avon Lake (Ohio) standout has the physical and athletic tools to be a difference maker in the trenches at the next level. He is incredibly athletic and extremely polished for a young offensive line prospect still growing into his frame. Ohio State has made an early push to keep him home, but look for Clemson, Penn State, Florida State and others to make a strong push for the No. 17 recruit in the 2026 class.

Sadler is a jack of all trades who is capable of making a major impact in all three phases of the game. The sophomore phenom has been a difference maker since his freshman year and will likely have his choice of any school in the nation by the time he signs on the dotted line. Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Ohio State are among the schools to keep an eye on early in his recruitment.

Listed at 6-foot and 190 pounds, Walker is a big and physical back with plenty of growth still in front of him. His physical running style makes him a load to bring down, but he also has the burst, lateral movement and speed to make defenders miss in space. As good as the Raymore-Peculiar (Mo.) standout is right now, he is only scratching the surface of the player he will eventually become and college coaches have definitely taken notice. Georgia, Oregon, Kansas State, Missouri and Illinois are among the schools in pursuit of the talented young running back.

Hill may lack the prototypical size that elite schools look for in a big time defensive back recruit, but he is still growing and what he currently lacks in stature - he more than makes up for with his skill. The Akron (Ohio) Hoban standout has the speed plus coverage ability to become a lockdown corner at the next level in turn making him one of the most promising young prospects in the nation. Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State, Penn State and Pitt are among the early schools making a push for the high upside corner.

The Akron (Ohio) Hoban sophomore already has the size of a major college offensive tackle and displays flashes of greatness when you turn on the film. You can’t help but love his upside and should Greer maximize his potential, he has a chance to be downright dominant at the college level and beyond. Ohio State, Miami, Florida and Michigan are among the early contenders in his recruitment.

The lone Midwest quarterback to make the initial Rivals100 for the 2026 class has every physical tool to be one of the nation’s finest signal callers by the time he graduates. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Greer has the prototypical size, a strong arm and the athleticism to extend plays with his feet. Iowa State, Penn State and Louisville have already offered the Ohio native.

The Detroit (Mich.) Divine Child athlete can do a little bit of everything on the field and you can’t help but become a fan of his play when you turn on the film. He’s is a disruptive tackling machine on defense, dynamic with the ball in his hands on offense and his passion for the game is put on display every snap. Michigan State, Auburn, Michigan, Tennessee, Arkansas, Minnesota and Penn State are among the schools to already extend scholarship offers.

McGregory is as physically and athletically gifted as they come for his age and although he does most of his damage at quarterback - the Iowa native is an athlete in every sense of the word. The sophomore standout is a pure upside play and it could be argued that his ceiling is one of the highest in the 2026 class. Iowa State and Minnesota have already offered scholarships to McGregory who is also a standout on the hardwood.