The latest Rivals250 for the 2026 class has been unveiled, shedding light on the top prospects to watch out for in the upcoming recruiting cycle. One position that has garnered significant attention is the offensive linemen, with several standout players making waves early on. Let’s delve into the key storylines surrounding the offensive linemen in the 2026 class.
**A Trio of Tackles in the Top 10:**
Offensive tackle has always been regarded as a vital position in football, and the 2026 class is proving this notion true with three tackle prospects cracking the top 10 of the Rivals250. Jackson Cantwell leads the pack as the top tackle projection and the second-ranked overall prospect in the class, making him a coveted recruit for top college programs. Keenyi Pepe from IMG Academy and Maxwell Riley from Ohio also find themselves among the top-ranked tackles, showcasing their talents and attracting attention from various schools.
Cantwell, a standout from Missouri, has garnered national interest, with schools like Georgia, Missouri, and Notre Dame vying for his commitment. Pepe, originally from the West Coast, is considering schools in the South like Georgia, Miami, and Ohio State. Riley, an in-state star from Ohio, has caught the eye of programs like Ohio State, Clemson, and Florida State.
**Tackles Filling Out the Ranks:**
Beyond the top trio, there is a depth of talent at the tackle position in the 2026 class. Several tackles have secured spots in the national top 50 and top 100 rankings, highlighting the abundance of quality players at the position. Despite the talent pool, none of the offensive tackle prospects in the Rivals250 have committed yet, keeping the recruitment process exciting and unpredictable.
Players like Drew Evers from Texas and Kevin Brown from Pennsylvania are making waves as top offensive tackle prospects in their respective states. Evers, a sophomore standout from Texas, is drawing interest from schools like Texas A&M and Oklahoma. Brown, a West Virginia legacy, has caught the attention of Penn State and Notre Dame, among others, as he weighs his college options.
**Guards Scarce but Strong:**
Guard prospects are fewer in number compared to tackles, with only six guards making the initial Rivals250 list. The trio of guards from Florida, including Grant Wise, Chancellor Barclay, and Jakobe Green, are showcasing their skills and attracting offers from top programs. Darius Gray from Virginia leads the guard projections, with a long list of scholarship offers and a diverse range of schools showing interest in him.
Tyler Merrill from Pennsylvania and Camron Thompson from Georgia round out the guard prospects in the Rivals250, adding to the mix of talented players at the position. The guard position may be scarce in numbers, but the quality of talent is strong, with each prospect poised to make an impact at the next level.
**Drama With the Top-Ranked Center:**
Three centers made the cut for the first Rivals250 for the 2026 class, with Zykie Helton grabbing headlines for his recruitment journey. After backing off a commitment to Alabama, Helton is now exploring his options with SEC and ACC schools actively pursuing him. Georgia and Auburn are in close contention for his commitment, with Helton facing a tough decision amidst the recruiting buzz.
The drama surrounding Helton’s recruitment adds an intriguing layer to the 2026 class, showcasing the competitiveness and unpredictability of the recruiting process. With top programs vying for his services, Helton’s decision could have a significant impact on the landscape of college football in the coming years.
As the 2026 recruiting cycle unfolds, the offensive linemen in the class are poised to make a mark on the collegiate level, with top prospects like Cantwell, Pepe, and Helton leading the way. Stay tuned for more updates as these talented players navigate their recruitment journeys and make decisions that will shape their future in the sport.
