Rivals Ranking Week: Who is No. 1 in every state?
The latest state rankings for the Class of 2026 have been released. Let’s see who ranks number 1 in each state.
New release: Updated state rankings for 2026
Note: Rivals currently has rankings for 34 states and Washington, DC. More states will be added later in the recruiting cycle for the 2026 class.
Alabama: Anthony Jones
After a statement junior campaign at Mobile (Ala.) St. Pauls, Jones further cemented his spot atop the Alabama rankings. The top 10 prospect is one of the best positioned this cycle.
Arizona: Tate Reynolds
Reynolds is a multi-sport star who attended Clemson University early on and also plays baseball. He has great two-way ability and tightens up the passing game.
Arkansas: Danny Beal
Beer is the front-runner. He holds the top spot in the state, ahead of talented QBs Cain Archer and RBTJ Hodges.
California: Ryder Lyons
The Lions have all the tools to not only be the No. 1 player in the 2026 class, but a superstar at the position for years to come. The five-star quarterback once again put up huge numbers in the air and on the ground.
Colorado: Camden Jensen
Jensen is a huge tight end prospect at 6-foot-7 who can move well to create space or stay and block when needed. If he continues to grow physically, perhaps he could become a star offensive tackle, but his athleticism allows him to remain a tight end for now.
Connecticut: Kayden Bennett
Bennett is a phenomenal player on the defensive end. He is explosive, powerful, and has a high level of understanding of pass rush techniques. Bennett has a strong wrestling background and has the athleticism to be an effective running back.
Florida: Derek Cooper
The nation’s top-ranked ATH prospect is fresh off leading Chaminade Madonna of Hollywood (Fla.) to another state championship, making key plays in all three phases of the game. Cooper is a strong downhill running back, three-down linebacker and Friday night return man, and the jury is still out on his status in college.
Georgia: Tyler Atkinson
Atkinson had an outstanding performance as a junior leading Loganville (Ga.) Grayson, recording more than 150 tackles, including 29 TFLs, 11 sacks, 42 quarterback grabs, and one INT. Atkinson shined as a second-level defender. But Peach State’s elite prospects Jordan Carter, Deuce Gerards, Aaron Gregory and Camron Brooks are right behind him at the premium position.
Hawaii: Malachi Lee
Over the past few years, Lee has made a name for himself in Hawaii as a huge offensive tackle who is light on his feet and mobile, but also has the physical will to take control at the line of scrimmage. He should get better as he gets older.
Illinois: Braden Jones
Jones will be the next big defensive lineman out of Illinois as a prototypical base defensive end. He was very good against the run thanks to his excellent physical strength and committed to USC early on.
Indiana: Jerquaden Guilford
Penn State’s recent efforts could continue to move it up the rankings. He has room to grow at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, with a proven 4.5 40-yard dash speed.
Iowa State: Dreshawn Ross
Ross missed his junior season with a shoulder injury, but shows promise as a dynamic linebacker when healthy. He is also an elite wrestler and may play both sports in college.
Kansas: Ian Premer
Premar is next up for Kansas after producing Dasaan Brahm and Rincon Cure in the 2025 cycle. He has a great combination of size (6-5, 211) and athleticism that is perfect for a modern-day tight end.
Kentucky: Cameron O’Hara
The signal caller set school records with 3,617 passing yards and 52 touchdowns as a junior. He’s a very accurate passer and his recruitment will begin soon.
Louisiana: Blaine Bradford
There’s a reason Bradford is the Rivals’ No. 1 safety. The physical defender is the enforcer on the back end of the secondary and is equally dynamic in coverage. Elite DL Richard Anderson has also been playing at an incredibly high level, putting together a convincing junior campaign to boost Bradford.
Maryland: Immanuel Iheanacho
Iheanacho is a rare offensive line prospect with incredible size (6-7, 345), quickness, and power. He has the ability to completely overwhelm opposing defensive linemen and neutralize speed rushers off the edge.
Massachusetts: Carter Gooden
Gooden is a tight, strong defensive end who can get into the backfield with ease. At this stage of development, he relies on strength and athleticism, but shows an understanding of proper hand technique.
Michigan: Corey Sadler
Sadler had a great junior season on both sides of the ball, but his future lies as a slot receiver. His ability to get in and out of the break quickly and change direction makes him a dangerous weapon on offense.
Minnesota: Roman Voss
Voss is a big, tall athlete who could play on either side of the ball in college. He still has time to figure it out, but he could be an impact tight end or linebacker.
Mississippi: Tristen Keyes
Keys is one of the best wide receivers in the country, regardless of classification. The elite playmaker from Southern Mississippi recently overtook Bralan Womack for the top spot at Magnolia State. Womack was exceptional last year, and his playmaking ability on both sides of the ball and positional versatility make him a fun race to watch.
Missouri: Jackson Cantwell
Cantwell remains at the top of Rivals250 and has all the tools to one day be a top pick in the NFL Draft. The only box he needs to check is to compete against elite competition in a camp environment.
Nebraska: Isaac Jensen
The tight end had a huge junior season, making 36 catches for 593 yards and nine touchdowns on the state championship team. He is rapidly rising through the ranks of recruiting committees across the country.
Nevada: Jett Washington
cousin of the deceased Kobe bryantWashington flirted with playing receiver early in his career, but he has found a safe home and that is where he is a star. Washington has length, athleticism, and incredible instincts to play on the back end.
New Jersey: Luke Waffle
The waffle has a very high ceiling and continues to physically age. He has the frame and skill versatility to play multiple positions on the defense, but where he plays in the future will depend on how big he becomes at the next level.
North Carolina: Faison Brandon
Brandon took another big leap forward when the five-star QB earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors at North Carolina State and led Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley to a state championship. The Tennessee contributor surgically orchestrates the offense with outstanding arm talent making throws all over the field and the ability to extend plays and improvise outside of the pocket.
Ohio: Elbert Hill
A hill is a small corner, different from the top of the board normally seen in leaderboards. However, his athletic ability sets him apart from other players in the country. He is a game changer on defense, offense and special teams.
Oklahoma State: Taj Overton
Overton is the top interior draft prospect from the Sooner State since Chris McClellan. He holds the top spot over EDGE Colton Yarbrough from Arkansas.
Pennsylvania: Kevin Brown
Brown missed some time this season, but he was still as strong and dominant as he was then. rival five stars Last summer. He committed to Penn State in July.
South Carolina: Desmond Green
Green is the newly appointed top candidate in the Palmetto State. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound interior OL is a front-line hitter coming off a strong junior campaign.
Tennessee: Jared Curtis
The newly selected five-star passer completed 72 percent of his throws for 2,830 yards and 40 touchdowns against three interceptions. Curtis also gained 637 yards and scored 18 touchdowns. His junior season ended with him earning a state championship and Gatorade Player of the Year honors.
Texas: Kayshawn Henderson
Henderson remains the No. 1 player in the Lone Star State after a stellar junior season as a center for the Houston Legacy. Elite OT John Turntine, dynamic RB Tradarian Ball from Oregon State, 4-star WR London Smith, talented EDGE Koshi Okpara, and do-it-all ATH Davian Groce will follow Henderson. .
Utah: Brock Harris
A big target in the passing game, Harris has emerged as one of the best tight ends in the class due to his pass-catching ability. The four-star can split and create mismatches and stretch the field with his excellent speed.
Virginia: Savion Heiter
Heiter was transferred to his hometown of Mineral (Va.) Louisa County and was as productive as ever. The No. 2 running back in the nation ran for 1,698 yards and 29 total touchdowns this season.
Washington: David Schwazel.
Schwerzel is an aggressive and energetic defensive end who troubles offensive tackles throughout the fourth quarter. He was very impressive at last year’s national combine with great hands and impressive burst off the edge.
Washington DC: Carter Meadows.
Meadows raised his stock this season, and the two-sport standout continued to progress on the field. So far, the University of Michigan and Penn State have emerged as the leading candidates for his recruitment.