Big Ten Live: Recruiting this week

Rival National Recruiting Analyst greg smith All the news, notes and analysis on this week’s Big Ten recruiting trends.

related: ACC Live | Big 12 Live | SEC Live

More Big Ten Live: News and analysis about last weekend’s visit

Inside Nebraska’s Tim Varghese had a good experience. summary of thoughts Inside Nebraska after checking out 4-star linebacker Christian Jones’ playoff game.

there are many Blue-chip prospects headed to Penn State. In preparation for Saturday’s whiteout game. One of those prospects is 2026 Ohio State four-star inside linebacker Cynthia Johnson. Supporters from sideline to sideline told me what they’re looking forward to at Happy Valley.

“It’s about being a part of that atmosphere and experiencing the culture of Penn State. And seeing what a whiteout is all about,” Johnson said.

It’s a big weekend for Penn State following a blowout loss to Ohio State. Expect a lot of visitor responses around the Rivals network.

Michigan fans are going all out to support the team in its pursuit of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood.

Several coaches were in Illinois last night to check out the talent at Mount Zion High School. Illini coach Bret Bielema was there, as was Auburn’s tight ends coach. Both were there to watch 2026 four-star TE JC Anderson.

Bielema was also there to watch Illini wide receiver commit Brayden Trimble.

Ohio State 2026 offensive lineman Sam Grier has received double-digit scholarship offers from all over the country. Mr. Greer told me he plans to go to Missouri for an unofficial visit this weekend.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back on campus, reuniting with my coaches and watching the game against Columbia on game day,” Greer said.

The University of Missouri is definitely a team to watch for the four-star prospect and should be considered one of his top schools.

Four-star tight end Rincon Cure will not make an important Big Ten visit this weekend. The Goodland (Kan.) star is committed to Kansas State but was considering a visit to Oregon State. The visit was scheduled to take place this weekend, but plans changed due to a snowstorm. His schedule may not suit him now for the game in Oregon.

Indiana is in the midst of its best season in program history. We continue to bring in talent that will help us expand on this track record and build on it even further. One of the players visiting this weekend is Illinois three-star defensive lineman King Riggins.

“I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to be there for the first time and see a great program,” Riggins said.

The Hoosiers have another big weekend and will be covering some of the top recruits coming to campus.

Elite 2026 cornerback Elbert Hill is scheduled to visit Oregon State this weekend.

The Ducks are trying to make this fight interesting, as there is a strong belief that Hill is the lock. ohio Every time he announces his decision.

Tight ends are popping up all the time around the Midwest. One of the names to be known for the Class of 2027 is Luke Brewer from Iowa State. The Norwalk (Iowa) High School standout already has double-digit offers from all over the country. But this week, he added a big piece when Ohio State took the field.

“I think it was pretty cool and it was definitely a good thing to get because when I think about them, it always reminds me that we’re going for a championship,” Brewer said.

Brewer has not yet decided on camp. ohio This spring. But he knows he’s planning a few more visits this season. he wants to work on it georgia In preparation for the match with tennessee And perhaps it could work for some other visits as well, which are not yet confirmed.

Things are getting interesting for Michigan State and the rookie at the top of its offensive line. The University of Alabama offered top three-star running back Jace Clarizio on Wednesday. Due to his long-time commitment to Sparta, he was immediately told he would consider a visit to Tuscaloosa. Our own Adam Gorney has reported when that visit will take place. Spartan illustration.

Jared Curtis is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation regardless of class, and one of the top uncommitted players in the entire 2026 cycle.

Curtis, the No. 13 overall player in the Rivals 250 in the 2026 recruiting class out of Nashville (Tenn.) Christian School, resumed recruiting last month after a brief stint at Georgia.

Curtis headed to Auburn for the first time last weekend and plans to return to Oregon this weekend. Here’s a closer look at the Ducks’ pursuit of one of the best QBs in the 2026 class.