Gorney predictions: Michigan, Auburn, 2026 QB.
Rivals National Recruiting Director Adam Gorney has three predictions for who will end up being No. 1 in the 2026 class, Bryce Underwood, and what Auburn’s next season will be like.
1. Quarterback will be No. 1 in 2026.
Jackson Cantwell means no harm. Because he’s a great offensive tackle with all the elite skills to be an NFL superstar — and he also has the pedigree of Olympian parents — but the 2026 quarterback class is just too good. No. 1st place overall for one of them.
And the history of the NFL Draft is that when you have an elite quarterback, they are far more likely to be taken off the board first, so they should almost always be No. 1.
We think Folsom, California standout Ryder Lyons has a slight advantage due to his two-way ability and incredible playmaking ability, but he also received a Mormon mission out of high school. The question is how he will come back and how that will affect him. He’s been dominant at the collegiate level and beyond.
Right behind the Lions is Faison Brandon from Tennessee. He’s also a big-time playmaker who could definitely move up to No. 1 after a great season at Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley.
Fourth overall in the class is Nashville (Tenn.) Christian QB Jared Curtis. georgia Although I withdrew that promise early on, I wanted to keep an open mind for other visits. Curtis is a phenomenal playmaker, can throw from all arm angles, and has a gunslinger’s mind, but he has below-average competitiveness.
It’s not completely locked in, but the projection is that a quarterback will take over the No. 1 spot at the end of this cycle, or maybe even before that.
2. Bryce Underwood will be a Heisman candidate next year.
I recently wrote an article about 10 players to watch in the 2025 Heisman race, but I left out players who might have the talent to not only enter the discussion, but win it. Michigan State didn’t make a huge bid, so he’ll definitely have a chance – and get the Oracle billionaire. rally ellison Because Bryce Underwood will be standing on the sideline.
One of the biggest stories surrounding National Signing Day was that the five-star quarterback from Belleville, Michigan, reversed his previous commitment. LSU To Michigan. The Wolverines are in dire need of quarterback help after trying multiple times this season without success and falling from national champions to 7-5 (despite their wins). ohio (4 consecutive years).
Not only does Underwood have all the tools to be a special college quarterback and first-round pick, he’s also an accurate passer and an excellent runner. His dual-threat stats, and platform as the University of Michigan’s quarterback will propel him to the Heisman Talk.
perhaps oklahomalike John Mattia texasArch Manning ran away with the prize money, but Underwood was talented enough to not only be in the conversation, but win it all as a freshman.
3. Auburn will win at least nine games next season
Auburn hasn’t won nine games since 2019, and the Tigers are on a four-game losing streak, so I might jump here, but I actually think Auburn will not only be even better next season; Coach believes getting an elite quarterback will make things even better. Hugh Freeze‘s offensive vision can finally be realized.
former coach brian Harsin He was fired after posting an 11-14 record over two years. What do you think Freeze’s record will be in two years? Yes, 11-14.
But Auburn has been recruiting very well under Freeze, the team has a lot of playmakers at receiver, the defense couldn’t be more solid, and now quarterback Jackson-Arnold, to some extent Ashton Daniels and top four star Deuce Knight are coming to town.
Arnold was dealt a bad trade while waiting to play at Oklahoma and was pulled early in the season, but was reinstated as a starter due to the Sooners’ lack of healthy receivers. He should shine in Freeze’s offense.
The SEC schedule is by no means easy, but it is manageable. beat baylorBall State and South Alabama begin the season. beat missouri, arkansas, kentucky, Vanderbilt and Mercer later in the season. This is 8 wins, remaining games are oklahoma, Texas A&M, georgia and Alabama Plus bowl games. It’s not easy, but it’s doable and it’s a big step in the right direction.
