2026 National Rankings: Top 5

Our 2026 national rankings were just updated today! We expanded our list from 150 to 175 total names but in this article we'll focus on the top 5 players in the country. These prospects have stood out amongst their peers and are all being recruited by elite programs.    The number one player in the country is potentially nearing a decision with his school choices being down to Kentucky, Louisville, USC, Oregon and Kansas. The Louisville native has the two in-state high major programs along with west coast Big 10 powers USC and Oregon with Kansas, having middle school AAU teammate Taylen Kinney already committed. Stokes also began playing football this season, using his tremendous height, jumping and explosiveness to excel at wide receiver. It is very hard to be number 1 in the country for multiple years and since Aj Dybantsa reclassified from 2026 to 2025, Stokes has been in pole position in the 2026 class.     One of the youngest 2026 prospects in the country, Mingo was the only 16 year old from the 2026 class invited to participate in Team USA Minicamp in October. Injuries have halted some of the opportunities to see Mingo, with him being unable to play at Team USA Minicamp, Peach Jam and other recent events. Once he gets fully healthy, he should be the leader of a Long Island Lutheran squad that should contend for Nike and Chipotle national championships. Mingo's big brother is a freshman at Penn State and while the Nittany Lions are involved, schools like UCONN, Nc State, Alabama, Miami, UNC and more are all interested in Mingo at the moment.     One of the toughest players in the country, Smith Jr is a flat out winner for whoever he puts on a jersey for. Whether it's Paul VI, Team Takeover or Team USA, I like the chance of Smith Jr's team coming out on top. Taking recent visits to Arkansas and Duke with an upcoming visit to Syracuse scheduled as well, Smith Jr is narrowing down his list before a commitment. Smith Jr also signed a marquee NIL deal with New Balance. Expect to hear a lot about Smith Jr this winter as Paul VI looks to win another WCAC title.     The highest ranked committed prospect in our rankings, Thompson is staying in-state and going to the Ohio State University. A prospect who started climbing the rankings over a year ago, lots of Thompson's early buzz was based on his potential and flashes. It's been very impressive seeing Thompson turn that potential into production as he now is one of the most dominant players in the country at both ends of the court. After a great summer with Indiana Elite, Thompson was one of the top performers at Team USA Minicamp in October and should provide instant two-way impact for the Buckeyes.     Holt had a monster summer helping lead Game Elite to the 3SSB Palmetto Road Championship. The 6'5 two guard has the positional size and strength to come in right away and produce at the college level. Holt took a visit over the weekend to Houston but Providence, Alabama and other high major programs are also still involved with Holt. Prolific Prep is one of the most talented teams in the country and with Holt helping lead the way, they should contend for a Chipotle nationals championship.

Our 2026 national rankings were just updated today! We expanded our list from 150 to 175 total names but in this article we'll focus on the top 5 players in the country. These prospects have stood out amongst their peers and are all being recruited by elite programs.