Notre Dame Surpasses USC to Claim Top Spot in 2026 Recruiting Rankings After Stunning Recruiting Surge
The landscape of college football recruiting is ever-changing, with powerhouse programs constantly jockeying for position in the race to secure the nation’s top high school talent. In a stunning development, Notre Dame has overtaken USC to claim the No. 1 spot in the 2026 recruiting rankings, according to a leading expert outlet. The Fighting Irish’s relentless pursuit of elite prospects has paid off, catapulting them ahead of the Trojans in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for supremacy in the coming years.
Notre Dame’s rise to the top of the 2026 recruiting rankings is no accident. The program has been methodically building momentum under head coach Marcus Freeman, whose reputation as a relentless recruiter has only grown stronger since taking over the helm. Freeman’s ability to connect with high school standouts and his emphasis on building long-term relationships have been instrumental in Notre Dame’s surge.
The Fighting Irish have secured commitments from several five-star prospects, including quarterback Brady Hart, a dynamic playmaker with elite arm talent and mobility, and defensive end Ethan Long, a disruptive force off the edge. These marquee additions, combined with a deep class of four-star talents, have solidified Notre Dame’s standing as the premier recruiting force in this cycle.
USC, which had held the top spot for much of the early recruiting period, has seen a slight dip in its ranking following Notre Dame’s surge. However, the Trojans remain a formidable force under head coach Lincoln Riley, whose offensive prowess and track record of developing quarterbacks continue to attract elite skill players.
Despite losing the No. 1 ranking, USC’s class is still stacked with blue-chip talent, including five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., who is expected to be an immediate impact player in Riley’s high-powered offense. The battle between Notre Dame and USC for recruiting supremacy is far from over, as both programs are expected to continue adding elite prospects in the coming months.
While Notre Dame currently holds the edge, USC is far from out of the race. Lincoln Riley’s offensive system remains a major draw for skill-position players, and the Trojans’ move to the Big Ten will provide additional exposure and recruiting opportunities in new markets.
USC is expected to make a strong push for several uncommitted five-star recruits, including running back Jordon Davison and offensive tackle Jackson Lloyd, both of whom have the Trojans high on their lists. If Riley can secure these commitments, USC could quickly reclaim the top spot.
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities continue to play a significant role in recruiting, with programs like Notre Dame and USC leveraging their brand power to attract top talent. Additionally, the promise of early playing time has become a critical factor, as elite prospects seek programs where they can make an immediate impact.
Notre Dame’s ability to balance NIL opportunities with its academic prestige has given it an edge, while USC’s Los Angeles location provides unmatched exposure for recruits looking to build their personal brands.
The 2026 recruiting cycle is still in its early stages, and while Notre Dame currently sits atop the rankings, there is plenty of time for shifts to occur. USC, Alabama, Georgia, and others will continue to push hard for elite commitments, making this one of the most unpredictable and exciting recruiting battles in recent memory.
For now, Notre Dame fans have reason to celebrate as their program has reclaimed its place as the nation’s top recruiting force. But in the ever-evolving world of college football, maintaining that position will require relentless effort, strategic recruiting wins, and, ultimately, success on the field.
The battle for 2026 supremacy is just heating up—and it’s going to be a thrilling ride.
