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The 2026 recruiting cycle is still in its infancy, but that hasn’t stopped some programs from racing to a hot start with several big-time commitments.
Here are the three programs in the Big Ten currently headed to the league with their 2026 classes.
ILLINOIS
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After an impressive 10-win season that included a bowl game South Carolinacoach Bret Bielema has an all-time high around its program. The team currently has five commitments for the 2026 recruiting class, including three from Florida State. Among the Floridians is a four-star QB Michael Clayton IIthe highest ranked prospect ever for the Illini.
Illinois there’s a lot of buzz in the Sunshine State right now because of the work he’s doing on the recruiting trail. But it’s back home in Illinois where the perception of the program is changing quickly. That should pay big dividends this cycle with a bumper crop in the state in 2026.
ILLINOIS SEA: To-do list for 2026
IOWA
Coach Kirk Ferentz isn’t known for overseeing hot starts in recruiting, but things are different for the 2026 cycle. The team already has four commitments for a class led by a four-star athlete Marcello Vitti.
After an impressive Junior Day, the Hawkeyes will have a big week on the recruiting trail. The program is also trending for an elite interior offensive lineman Hudson Parliament.
Iowa is cleaning the ditches this cycle. If the offensive coordinator Tim Lester can convince more skill guys to step up, the Hawkeyes will have something special in 2026.
MORE IOWAS: To-do list for 2026
PENN STATE
That’s not surprising Penn State has a good start in the 2026 recruiting class. Below James Franklin the team has recruited well and that will continue on a yearly basis. So why did the Nittany Lions make the list? Because we all know that the biggest weakness of the program was its wide reception. And the Nittany Lions are already off to a great start adding talent to the room.
Indiana four stars Jerquaden Guilliford he has real upside and is poised to make a leap in his senior year. Native of Delaware Jahsiear Rogers could end up being a steal with his athleticism out of the post. Levar Keys is another slot type that adds speed to the room.
Upgrading receivers is a big priority for Franklin’s program. So far, it’s going better than expected for the 2026 class.
MORE PENN STATE: To-do list for 2026
Editor’s note: This article first appeared on Rivals.com, the leader in college recruiting and basketball coverage. Be the first to know and follow your teams by signing up here.
