Big Ten Spotlight: Concern level for programs lagging behind on 2026 class
Spring official visits have kicked off around the country and players are still taking unofficial visits to check out spring practices. As we enter a very busy time on the recruiting calendar, which programs currently lagging behind should be truly worried about their recruiting classes and which of them will be just fine?
Advertisement
We'll start with a look at the Big Ten.
RELATED: Big Ten team recruiting rankings
RUMOR MILL: Intel flows from trip to North Carolina
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
INDIANA
Big Ten Rank: 17th out of 18
Level of concern: High
Smith's Take: As of right now, Indiana only has one commitment for the 2026 recruiting class, three-star OL Samuel Simpson. That's an extremely slow start for a team that had a historic season last year.
Advertisement
The Hoosiers are hosting plenty of players for spring practices including three-star safety Brayden Reilly out of Ohio. But things need to pick up in a big way for them to get the type of recruiting momentum they need after last season.
INDIANA'S 2026 COMMITMENT LIST
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH INDIANA FANS AT THEHOOSIER.COM
MICHIGAN STATE
Big Ten Rank: Tied for 14th out of 18
Level of concern: Low
The Spartans are in an interesting position heading into Year 2 of coach Jonathan Smith running the program. They stay under the radar and quietly do their work even as rival Michigan has been among the biggest stories in college football. That approach has paid off early and they have some very high upside players in the class, such as quarterback Kayd Coffman and tight end Eddie Whiting.
Advertisement
But Michigan State will need to show improvement on the field this season to improve this recruiting ranking, and I have a sneaky feeling it will.
MICHIGAN STATE'S 2026 COMMITMENT LIST
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MICHIGAN STATE FANS AT SPARTANSILLUSTRATED.COM
NEBRASKA
Big Ten Rank: 16th out of 18
Level of concern: Medium
Nebraska is among the programs in the Big Ten in need of a huge official visit season. The program has three commits now but rising four-star defensive back CJ Bronaugh is a very soft commit.
The Huskers hosted a lot of good players for spring practice visits but will they be able to close them? How they finish with players such as defensive end Titan Davis, running back DeZephen Walker and receiver Nasir Rankin will go a long way in determining the success of the cycle.
Advertisement
NEBRASKA'S 2026 COMMITMENT LIST
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NEBRASKA FANS AT INSIDENEBRASKA.COM
WISCONSIN
Big Ten Rank: Tied for 14th out of 18
Level of concern: Low
The Badgers are facing a critical recruiting class and season under coach Luke Fickell. Things have not gone to play yet but there is still hope in Madison. The 2026 recruiting class is starting to gain steam.
Wisconsin got a major steal in getting a verbal from Chicago pass rusher Carmelow Reed. I also really like the pickup on Tuesday of versatile defensive back Carsen Eloms.
The Badgers have a lot of good regional targets left on the board scheduled to come in for spring/summer official visits. Those will be critical to where this recruiting class ultimately lands.
WISCONSIN'S 2026 COMMITMENT LIST
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH WISCONSIN FANS AT BADGERBLITZ.COM

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Washington Post
14 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Caitlin Clark, Reggie Miller, Oscar Robertson among those in crowd for Game 3 of NBA Finals
INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark is at the NBA Finals, taking a baseline seat to cheer on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. The WNBA star — wearing a yellow T-shirt emblazoned with the famed 'In 49 other states it's just basketball. But this is Indiana' saying along with a finals logo — was seated with Indiana Fever teammates Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard for the game, in the same end of the floor as the Pacers' bench.

Associated Press
32 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Caitlin Clark, Reggie Miller, Oscar Robertson among those in crowd for Game 3 of NBA Finals
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark is at the NBA Finals, taking a baseline seat to cheer on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. The WNBA star — wearing a yellow T-shirt emblazoned with the famed 'In 49 other states it's just basketball. But this is Indiana' saying along with a finals logo — was seated with Indiana Fever teammates Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard for the game, in the same end of the floor as the Pacers' bench. Among the other Indiana basketball royalty at the game: Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Reggie Miller, both seated near the court as well, along with Mark Jackson, Dale Davis and many other former Pacers. The Pacers were taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. It was the first Indiana home game in the NBA's title series since 2000. Clark and the Fever have been regular attendees at Pacers games during this playoff run when their schedule allows. The Fever don't play again until Saturday, at home against the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty. Clark has been sidelined with a thigh injury, but it's possible she returns to the lineup on Saturday. ___ AP NBA:
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Stephen A. Smith campaigns for Mark Jackson with Steve Kerr ‘piggyback' claim
The post Stephen A. Smith campaigns for Mark Jackson with Steve Kerr 'piggyback' claim appeared first on ClutchPoints. As there have been rumors around the head coaching vacancy of the New York Knicks, ESPN analyst and known fan of the team in Stephen A. Smith, gave his idea for somebody who should be considered. After the shocking news of the Knicks firing Tom Thibodeau, the team is now looking for a new voice to lead the team, with Mark Jackson being Smith's choice. Advertisement Jackson played in the NBA from 1987 to 2004, where he was drafted by New York and played there until 1992, and his only coaching stint was with the Golden State Warriors from 2011-2014. Smith would speak on 'First Take' about the time with the Warriors, where he spoke of him building the dynasty in the 2010s, which head coach Steve Kerr 'piggybacked off of that.' 'I'm gonna always mention the name Mark Jackson, because he's been away from the game for a decade as a coach,' Smith said. 'This man was responsible for building Golden State before Steve Kerr was brought in and took over and piggybacked off of that and ascended to four championships, no doubt. But Mark Jackson starred at Bishop Loughlin. Mark Jackson starred at St John's University, Mark Jackson was a rookie of the year playing for the New York Knicks, Mark Jackson was a preeminent voice on the NBA, and he knows and feels and vibes with New York.' Stephen A. Smith continues to hype up Mark Jackson for the Knicks job Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports While it has been rumored that the Knicks are also interested in Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, Smith would continue to make the case for Jackson. He would speak about Jackson being a native of New York and how he would be the voice for the team, taking shots at owner James Dolan and president Leon Rose, saying they 'hide' from the media. Advertisement 'He's a native, so a voice for the New York Knicks, where we ain't got to worry about hearing from James Dolan, who hides from us, or Leon Rose, the president, who hides from us. Got APBs out for their a**es,' Smith said. 'We ain't got to worry about somebody like that because you got somebody like Mark Jackson, but I understand that that's pretty much, I doubt that will happen. There is no one that can question the credentials of a Jason Kidd, but you certainly can't question the credentials of a Mike Malone because he's a champion.' It remains to be seen who will be the next head coach for the Knicks, but it will no doubt come with massive expectations. Related: Knicks' patient process to replace Tom Thibodeau shouldn't confuse fans Related: Stephen A. Smith lists Knicks as best trade options for Kevin Durant, Giannis