The collegiate football landscape has once again seen a significant shift with the recent closure of the 2026 recruiting cycle. This period saw 32 elite high school athletes commit to university programs, marking a crucial time for team building. An in-depth analysis of the last four recruitment cycles (2023-2026), utilizing the comprehensive Rivals Industry Ranking, reveals which institutions have been most effective in attracting top-tier, five-star talent. While some lesser-known programs surprisingly landed highly-rated prospects, established powerhouses consistently demonstrated their recruitment prowess.
Over these four cycles, a total of 128 five-star prospects have committed to 27 distinct college football programs. Among these, 19 schools successfully signed multiple five-star recruits, underscoring their consistent appeal to top athletes. Seven programs notably secured at least one five-star player in each of the four cycles: Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Texas A&M. This consistency highlights their sustained efforts and success in attracting elite talent year after year.
Alabama, as anticipated, leads this competitive field, having secured 17 five-star prospects. Their recruitment dominance, a hallmark under the previous coaching staff, has seamlessly transitioned with the new leadership. The Crimson Tide is unique in having signed multiple five-stars in every one of the last four cycles, a testament to their enduring appeal. Their 2023 class, in particular, was exceptional, featuring seven five-star athletes who were among the top four players in their respective positions nationally.
Following closely, Georgia has recruited 14 five-star athletes, demonstrating a similar level of recruiting excellence. Under their current coach, the Bulldogs have consistently brought in top talent, especially from the southeastern region. They are one of only three schools to sign five or more five-stars in a single cycle during this period. Their 2024 class stood out, featuring nine top-100 prospects, including five five-stars, securing them the top national recruiting class that year.
Texas has also re-emerged as a significant force in college football recruitment, securing 13 five-star players. Their recent success on the field is mirrored by their effectiveness in attracting high-profile high school prospects. Over the last two cycles, the Longhorns have brought in eight five-star recruits. Their 2025 class was particularly strong, topping national rankings with standout commitments like the No. 1 safety and several other top-10 prospects from their home state.
Oregon has also made a name for itself with nine five-star signees, largely due to its coach's strategic recruitment approach, often flipping commitments from other major programs. The Ducks' ability to consistently land top-tier recruits has regularly placed their classes among the nation's top five. Their 2026 class, for example, secured four five-star commitments, including the top-ranked tight end and No. 2 offensive tackle nationally. The 2025 cycle saw them successfully recruit the No. 1 wide receiver and a highly-touted cornerback after competitive battles with other elite universities.
Beyond these top four programs, other notable schools have also secured significant five-star talent over the past four cycles. LSU, Ohio State, and Tennessee each signed 7 five-star prospects. Miami and USC secured 6, while Oklahoma and Texas A&M each added 5. Clemson, Michigan, and Notre Dame brought in 4 five-stars. Florida and Texas Tech gained 3, and Auburn, Colorado, and South Carolina each signed 2. Additionally, programs like Houston, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Ole Miss, UCLA, Utah, and Vanderbilt each secured one five-star recruit, indicating a broadening reach for top talent across various collegiate football programs.