Notre Dame Overtakes USC for No. 1 Spot in 2026 Recruiting Rankings as Top Expert Outlet Updates Latest National Projections

The recruiting battle for the 2026 college football class has taken an intriguing turn, as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have officially overtaken the USC Trojans for the No. 1 spot in the latest national recruiting rankings, according to a leading expert outlet.

For much of the past year, Lincoln Riley’s USC program had been the frontrunner, riding high off several early blue-chip commitments and their growing reputation as an offensive powerhouse under Riley’s leadership. However, recent weeks have seen a surge from Notre Dame, with Marcus Freeman and his coaching staff orchestrating a recruiting stretch that has vaulted the Irish to the top of the rankings for the first time in the 2026 cycle.

The updated rankings, released this week by respected outlet 247Sports, reflect a combination of star power, depth, and positional balance in Notre Dame’s class. With several five-star commitments locked in and a deep crop of highly-rated four-star prospects spanning both sides of the ball, Freeman’s class is being hailed by analysts as arguably the most complete in the country.

The news marks a significant milestone for Freeman, who has made recruiting excellence a pillar of his vision for Notre Dame since taking over as head coach in 2021. The Fighting Irish have been perennial top-10 finishers in recent recruiting cycles, but overtaking a program like USC, known for its flashy skill-position talent and West Coast pull, signals Notre Dame’s evolution into an even more formidable national power.

Notre Dame’s rise to No. 1 has been fueled by several critical factors. First, their ability to dominate the Midwest and East Coast recruiting territories has paid massive dividends. Secondly, the Irish have expanded their national footprint, landing elite prospects from talent-rich regions such as Texas, Florida, and California — areas traditionally dominated by SEC and Pac-12 schools.

The crown jewel of Notre Dame’s 2026 class to date is five-star quarterback Caleb Jackson, a dynamic dual-threat playmaker from Dallas, Texas, ranked as the No. 2 overall player nationally by most outlets. Jackson’s commitment in early June sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, not only because of his immense talent but because of the message it sent about Notre Dame’s growing national appeal.

Experts describe Jackson as a program-changing prospect with rare arm talent, mobility, and poise under pressure. His decision to spurn SEC powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia, as well as in-state Texas and Texas A&M, to play for Notre Dame was seen as a significant statement about Freeman’s vision and Notre Dame’s recruiting momentum.

Beyond Jackson, the Irish have built a class filled with impact players at critical positions. Five-star offensive tackle Bryce Douglas from Ohio, five-star defensive end Mason Whitmore from Florida, and five-star cornerback Javon Matthews from New Jersey headline an impressive list of additions. Matthews, in particular, is widely viewed as one of the best defensive backs in the country, with elite size, instincts, and coverage skills that project well to the next level.

Recruiting insiders have praised Notre Dame’s holistic approach, blending elite national prospects with highly-regarded regional recruits known for their work ethic, academic commitment, and cultural fit within the program. It’s a strategy Freeman has emphasized, striving to balance raw talent with the type of character and buy-in that has historically defined Notre Dame’s most successful teams.

Meanwhile, USC’s drop to No. 2 in the rankings isn’t necessarily cause for alarm in Los Angeles, but it reflects the tightening competition at the top of the recruiting landscape. Riley’s Trojans still boast a formidable class, highlighted by standout offensive prospects and a renewed emphasis on defensive talent, which has been a priority for the program.

However, USC has faced challenges in closing on some of their top remaining targets, with several high-profile defensive players opting for SEC or Big Ten programs. Notre Dame’s surge, coupled with strong recruiting from schools like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia, has applied additional pressure on the Trojans to maintain their momentum.

The Notre Dame vs. USC recruiting rivalry has intensified in recent years, mirroring the historical significance of their on-field clashes. With both programs now set to be members of the Big Ten starting in 2024, the stakes have risen considerably. Top-tier recruiting classes are essential for competing in a conference landscape that features national powers such as Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State.

For Notre Dame fans, overtaking USC in the 2026 rankings represents more than just bragging rights — it’s a tangible sign of Freeman’s progress in building a sustainable, elite-level roster capable of contending for national championships. Since Freeman’s appointment, the Irish have improved their athleticism, depth, and versatility across the board, attributes essential for navigating the expanded College Football Playoff era.

Analysts also point to Notre Dame’s improved NIL strategy and enhanced player development resources as critical factors in their recruiting success. While historically operating with certain academic and institutional limitations, the Irish have adapted to modern recruiting realities without sacrificing their core values, a balance that resonates with many top prospects and their families.

Freeman’s ability to connect with recruits on a personal level has also been highlighted as a differentiator. His relatability, energy, and defensive expertise have made him one of the most respected young coaches in the nation. Players like Caleb Jackson have cited Freeman’s vision for both personal and team success as a major factor in their decisions.

Looking ahead, the battle for the No. 1 recruiting class is far from over. Both Notre Dame and USC, along with other elite programs, are still heavily engaged in the pursuit of uncommitted five-star prospects who could swing the final rankings. However, with momentum firmly in their corner, the Irish have positioned themselves as the team to beat.

The coming months will be crucial as Notre Dame works to secure the remaining pieces of their 2026 class while fending off late pushes from rival programs. Official visits, fall performances, and the early signing period in December will all play pivotal roles in determining the final hierarchy.

For now, though, the Fighting Irish have earned the distinction of being the top-ranked recruiting class in the nation, a reflection of their resurgence under Freeman and a potential preview of even greater success on the horizon.

Notre Dame fans have reason to be optimistic, and the college football world is paying attention. With talent acquisition at an all-time high and a coach who has embraced both tradition and innovation, Notre Dame’s future appears brighter than ever — and the rest of the nation’s elite programs are on notice.