UCLA's 2026 football recruiting class is ranked high amongst fellow Big Ten teams.
According to 247 Sports, UCLA is the sixth-highest-ranked Big Ten football team in the recruiting rankings. The B1G teams ranked ahead of them are #1 USC, #3 Ohio State, #7 Penn State, #10 Illinois, and #11 Rutgers.
According to On3, UCLA ranks #5 among Big Ten teams for 2026 recruiting. USC, Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State are the only B1G teams ranked ahead of the Bruins.
According to Rivals, the Bruins rank #6 among the 18 B1G teams. However, Rivals ranks them #14 overall due to the presence of numerous Big Ten teams in their top 25.
According to ESPN, UCLA ranks #6 among the various Big Ten teams and #20 overall for the 2026 recruiting class.
Here is a summary of the other top Big Ten teams in the various college football recruiting rankings for 2026.
USC: Since leaping to the Big Ten, USC has rapidly established itself as a premier destination for recruits. They consistently find themselves at or near the pinnacle of the national rankings, thanks to a strong recruiting class featuring multiple 4-star and 5-star commitments. Their success can be attributed to a revamped structure within the personnel department.
Ohio State: They continue to stand out as a top recruiting destination, often claiming the top spot in the Big Ten these past years. Their roster features, again, 5-star and solid 4-star commitments, consistently showcasing one of the top average prospect ratings in the game.
Penn State: James Franklin and his squad continue to tap into a wealth of opportunities from Pennsylvania and the Northeast, conveniently nearby Happy Valley. They present a formidable challenge for any top-3 Big Ten team trying to out-recruit them for five- and four-star recruits and consistently find themselves among the nation's elite, often landing in the top 10 rankings these past couple of years.
Oregon: They once again stand out as a strong contender to be in the top five Big Ten recruiting classes, especially under the leadership of Dan Lanning. In the 2026 cycle, Oregon is investing significant effort and frequently attracts notable courses.
Illinois: Their recruiting efforts have significantly improved with Bret Bielema at the helm. A solid class is taking shape, but there's still plenty of effort required to get everything in order.
Rutgers: Greg Schiano continues to bolster Rutgers' recruiting class. The coach has excelled in securing commitments from players in the 2026 class, typically featuring a solid blend of 3-star and 4-star talents.
Minnesota: P.J. Fleck's Golden Gophers consistently attract substantial recruiting classes, featuring a solid blend of 3-star and 4-star talent similar to Rutgers of late.
Washington: The Huskies have joined the ranks of the Big Ten after making it to the national championship game. With an impressive NIL, the Huskies actively engage in their recruitment efforts, showcasing an array of commitments, including some standout 4-star athletes.
Michigan State: The Spartans are on the hunt to carve out their niche in the 2026 class. They boast a solid lineup of commitments, including several impressive high-rated 3-star prospects.
Indiana: Numerous athletes have committed to joining the Hoosiers in 2026, and the recruitment efforts are ongoing.
Michigan: While some rankings might lower Michigan in the current rankings, their recruiting prowess is undeniable over the past few years. Expect them to climb the ranks as the cycle progresses, particularly with commitments predicted to come to Ann Arbor.