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Updated SEC classes in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings

Updated SEC Recruiting Classes: Rivals and Industry Team Rankings for the 2026 Cycle

In the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to dominate the landscape, particularly as we delve deeper into the 2026 cycle. With high school prospects across the nation making early commitments and programs ramping up their efforts, the latest updates from Rivals and the broader industry recruiting rankings provide a fascinating snapshot of where things stand. These rankings, which aggregate data from multiple sources including Rivals, On3, 247Sports, and ESPN, offer a comprehensive view of team classes based on commit quality, quantity, and potential. As of the most recent refresh, several SEC powerhouses are surging ahead, while others are playing catch-up in what promises to be another banner year for the conference. This extensive overview breaks down the current standings, highlighting key commitments, emerging trends, and strategic insights for each program.

Leading the pack is the University of Georgia, which sits atop both the Rivals and industry composite rankings for the 2026 class. Under head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have assembled an impressive early haul, boasting a mix of elite defensive talents and offensive playmakers. Georgia's class is headlined by five-star quarterback prospect Jared Curtis from Nashville, Tennessee, whose arm strength and decision-making have drawn comparisons to some of the SEC's all-time greats. Curtis, ranked as the No. 2 overall quarterback in the cycle by Rivals, committed early and has been instrumental in peer recruiting. Complementing him are defensive standouts like edge rusher Isaiah Gibson from Warner Robins, Georgia, and cornerback Shamari Earls, both of whom bring speed and physicality to a unit that's already loaded. Georgia's recruiting prowess is evident in their average commit rating of 94.2 on the industry scale, with seven four-star or higher pledges already in the fold. Smart's staff has focused on in-state dominance, securing top talents from the Peach State while dipping into Florida and Texas for additional firepower. This class not only positions Georgia as a national title contender but also underscores their ability to reload annually, even after back-to-back championships.

Close behind Georgia is LSU, which has climbed to No. 2 in the SEC-specific rankings and holds a strong position nationally. Head coach Brian Kelly has emphasized versatility in this cycle, landing commitments from multifaceted athletes who can contribute on both sides of the ball. A standout is five-star wide receiver Derek Meadows from Las Vegas, Nevada, whose 6-foot-6 frame and exceptional ball skills make him a nightmare matchup for defenses. Meadows chose LSU over offers from Alabama and Notre Dame, citing the Tigers' offensive scheme as a perfect fit. On defense, LSU has bolstered its line with four-star defensive tackle Xavier Ukponu from Denton, Texas, known for his explosive first step and run-stopping ability. The Tigers' class features an average rating of 93.8, with a heavy emphasis on the trenches—four of their top commits are linemen. Kelly's recruiting strategy has shifted toward national outreach, pulling in prospects from the West Coast and Midwest, which diversifies their talent pool and mitigates any in-state competition from rivals like Alabama.

Alabama, under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, is experiencing a transitional phase but remains formidable at No. 3 in the SEC rankings. The Crimson Tide's class is anchored by five-star offensive tackle Jackson Lloyd from Carmel, California, a massive 6-foot-7, 290-pound prospect who excels in pass protection. Lloyd's commitment came amid a flurry of activity following Nick Saban's retirement, signaling stability in Tuscaloosa. Defensively, Alabama has secured four-star linebacker JaMichael Garrett from Gulf Shores, Alabama, whose sideline-to-sideline speed has scouts buzzing. With an average commit rating of 93.5, the Tide have eight pledges, focusing on rebuilding the offensive line after recent departures. DeBoer's West Coast ties have helped in landing out-of-region talents, but the program is still working to reclaim its top spot, facing stiff competition from Georgia and Texas for in-state blue-chippers.

Texas, newly minted in the SEC, is making waves at No. 4, leveraging their massive resources and NIL opportunities to build a powerhouse class. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has prioritized skill positions, with five-star wideout Chris Henry Jr. from Santa Ana, California, headlining the group. Henry, the son of former NFL star Chris Henry, brings elite route-running and hands to an offense that's already dynamic. Paired with four-star quarterback Dia Bell from Plantation, Florida, the Longhorns are set for explosive plays. Defensively, they've added edge rusher Kiotti Armstrong from Jasper, Texas, a 6-foot-5 athlete with pass-rush potential. Texas's class averages 93.7, with a strong Texas footprint—six commits hail from the Lone Star State. This recruiting surge reflects Sarkisian's vision of blending speed with physicality, positioning Texas as a legitimate threat in their inaugural SEC season.

Auburn rounds out the top five, showing significant improvement under Hugh Freeze. The Tigers have focused on the Southeast, landing five-star safety Anquon Fegans from Alabaster, Alabama, whose ball-hawking skills could transform their secondary. Offensively, four-star running back Anthony Rogers from Montgomery, Alabama, adds a home-run threat with his vision and burst. Auburn's average rating of 92.9 reflects a balanced approach, with commitments spread across positions. Freeze's emphasis on relationships has paid dividends, flipping prospects from rivals like Alabama and helping Auburn climb from outside the top 10 earlier in the cycle.

Further down the rankings, Tennessee sits at No. 6, buoyed by quarterback Faizon Brandon from Greensboro, North Carolina, a five-star talent with dual-threat capabilities. The Volunteers have also secured defensive end JaReylan McCoy from Tupelo, Mississippi, enhancing their pass rush. With an average of 92.5, Tennessee is building momentum under Josh Heupel, targeting the Carolinas and Midwest for untapped talent.

Oklahoma, another SEC newcomer, is at No. 7, with a class led by four-star offensive lineman Darius Afalava from Lehi, Utah. Head coach Brent Venables is emphasizing defense, adding linebacker Jaden Smith from Charlotte, North Carolina. Their 92.2 average shows promise, but they need more high-end commits to compete with the conference elite.

Florida, at No. 8, is rebounding under Billy Napier with four-star quarterback Will Griffin from Tampa, Florida, and edge rusher Jalen Wiggins from Tallahassee. The Gators' 91.8 average highlights a focus on in-state recruiting to stabilize the program.

Texas A&M, No. 9 under Mike Elko, features four-star wide receiver Aaron Gregory from Douglasville, Georgia, and defensive tackle Kevin Wynn from Greensboro, Georgia. Their 91.5 rating suggests room for growth, with an eye on Texas and Georgia pipelines.

Ole Miss, at No. 10, has Lane Kiffin targeting transfers but building with four-star athlete Akylin Dear from Quitman, Mississippi. Average: 91.2.

South Carolina (No. 11) boasts four-star quarterback Cutter Woods from West Monroe, Louisiana, averaging 90.8.

Missouri (No. 12) has four-star running back Marquise Davis from Cleveland, Ohio, at 90.5.

Arkansas (No. 13) features four-star offensive tackle Bear McWhorter from White, Georgia, averaging 90.2.

Kentucky (No. 14) is led by four-star tight end Brody Lennon from Cleveland, Ohio, at 89.9.

Mississippi State (No. 15) has four-star cornerback Tristen Keys from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, averaging 89.5.

Finally, Vanderbilt (No. 16) rounds out the SEC with three-star prospects, averaging 88.0, focusing on development under Clark Lea.

Overall, the 2026 SEC recruiting cycle is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet, with Georgia and LSU setting the pace. Trends show a heavy emphasis on quarterbacks and defensive fronts, as programs adapt to the evolving game. National outreach, NIL deals, and coaching stability are key factors, and with official visits looming, expect more flips and commitments. The SEC's dominance in recruiting ensures the conference will remain the epicenter of college football talent for years to come. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full on3.com Article at:
[ https://www.on3.com/rivals/news/updated-sec-classes-rivals-industry-team-recruiting-rankings-2026-cycle/ ]