Must-get recruiting targets for each Big Ten program
Nick Lucero/Rivals.com
Commitments have started to pick up steam in the 2026 cycle and as a result, programs are getting a better idea of which targets are the most important moving into the spring portion of the cycle.
Here are the must-get targets for each Big Ten program in the 2026 class.
BIG TEN RECRUITING RANKINGS: 2025 | 2026
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CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker
The Illini are the surprise of the conference so far with their 2026 recruiting class. But it will fall flat if it doesn't land the four-star in-state tight end.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ILLINOIS FANS AT ORANGEANDBLUENEWS.COM
After a magical season in 2025 the Hoosiers need to lock down more four-star talent. The in-state defensive lineman would give a major boost to recruiting efforts.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH INDIANA FANS AT THEHOOSIER.COM
The Hawkeyes already hold a verbal from the California signal-caller. But keeping him committed is huge since he was the top quarterback target of offensive coordinator Tim Lester.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH IOWA FANS AT HAWKEYEBEACON.COM
When the Terps landed an early commitment from Elee it shocked everyone. Holding onto him and getting him to sign would be a signature recruiting win for the program.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MARYLAND FANS AT TERRAPINSPORTSREPORT.COM
Sadler is the perfect fit for making the Wolverines' offensive attack more dynamic. Keeping him home would send a message about what skill recruits think about the direction of the program.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MICHIGAN FANS AT MAIZEANDBLUEREVIEW.COM
The four-star offensive lineman has ties to the program and coach Jonathan Smith has been recruiting him hard for a long time. Landing the in-state lineman over Michigan, Penn State and Notre Dame would be massive.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MICHIGAN STATE FANS AT SPARTANSILLUSTRATED.COM
It feels like the four-star safety is destined to play in the Big Ten. So keeping him away from rivals and landing a talented defensive back would be huge for the Gophers.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MINNESOTA FANS AT THEGOPHERREPORT.COM
The talented running back has game-breaking ability but is also from a familiar high school to Nebraska fans. The Huskers also need to continue expanding the pipeline in Missouri.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NEBRASKA FANS AT INSIDENEBRASKA.COM
Jackson is a two-way standout that could play receiver or safety in college. Pulling him out of Nebraska would be a major coup for the Wildcats.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NORTHWESTERN FANS AT WILDCATREPORT.COM
The one nitpick about the Buckeyes' recruiting efforts is they don't land enough game-changing defensive linemen. Geralds is a contender to join the class and he'd fit the bill.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT DOTTINGTHEEYES.COM
The Ducks are in the hunt with several elite offensive linemen this cycle. But the one who would make the biggest splash on and off the field is Cantwell.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OREGON FANS AT DUCKSPORTSAUTHORITY.COM
Penn State already has a few receiver commits but needs the cherry on top of a good potential haul. Snagging Brown over Georgia and Michigan would be huge.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH PENN STATE FANS AT HAPPYVALLEYINSIDER.COM
Bardo is one of the top prospects in Indiana this cycle and has a lot of potential upside when he gets to college.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH PURDUE FANS AT BOILERUPLOAD.COM
It's been since the 2012 recruiting cycle since Rutgers landed the top prospect in New Jersey. Wafle would buck that staggering trend.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH RUTGERS FANS AT THEKNIGHTREPORT.COM
It's going to be hard for the Bruins to pass Oregon or Ohio State for the defender but he's exactly what the Bruins need to change perceptions in-state.
The Trojans have been the perceived leader for Lyons for much of his recruitment. Getting him in the class before his religious mission would be massive.
Washington doesn't get a ton of four-stars in the state so the Huskies need to make them count. Colman-Brusa could be a cornerstone of the 2026 class.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH WASHINGTON FANS AT DAWGREPORT.COM
The Badgers have made the four-star from Ohio a major priority. Landing him over Ohio State, Michigan and others would show a positive trajectory for the program.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH WISCONSIN FANS AT BADGERBLITZ.COM
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