USA TODAY Sports has released its highly anticipated rankings, naming the top high school football player in each of the 50 states for the upcoming 2026 season. The selections draw from the graduating classes of 2027 and 2028, offering a snapshot of the nation’s most promising young talent.
The list spans every position, from quarterbacks to defensive ends, and reflects a blend of early verbal commitments and players still exploring their options. In Alabama, quarterback Gunner Rivers of St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope has pledged to NC State, while Alaska’s Ethan Yarrington remains uncommitted. Arizona’s Roye Oliver III, a wide receiver from Hamilton in Chandler, has chosen USC, and Arkansas’ Samuel Nelson, an EDGE rusher from Bryant, is headed to Oklahoma.
Emerging talent across the country
California’s secondary standout Donte Wright from Long Beach Poly is bound for Miami, whereas Colorado’s running back Elijah Cromwell from Cherry Creek in Englewood is still undecided. In Connecticut, Mekai Brown, an EDGE prospect from Greenwich Country Day, has committed to USC, rounding out a diverse set of commitments that already have college programs buzzing.
Recruiting analysts note that the early pledges underscore the growing influence of national powerhouses in shaping the next generation of college football. At the same time, the uncommitted athletes keep the market dynamic, with official signing days still months away.
The rankings not only celebrate individual achievement but also highlight the regional variations in talent distribution, from the Southeast’s quarterback‑rich landscape to the West Coast’s defensive playmakers. As the 2026 season approaches, these players are poised to become the next wave of collegiate stars.