Ranking the Top College Football Freshmen Classes: 2026, 2027, and 2028

The spring camp circuit, featuring star-studded competition among the 2027 and 2028 class, is wrapping up. With the first release of the SC Next Junior 300 , this is the perfect time to compare the upcoming group to the graduating 2026 class and evaluate how the top football prospects across multiple recruiting cycles stack up against one another.

Our goal: Which class truly has the strongest talent at each position?

To find out, we compared the top-ranked prospects from the 2026, 2027 and 2028 recruiting classes position by position. Each evaluation was based on a combination of physical tools, on-field production, athletic testing, developmental upside and overall projection at the next level.

Quarterback

SC Next Junior 300 rank : 4

Georgia commit

In terms of style and skill, Wade is more similar to 2026 five-star Keisean Henderson than Elijah Haven , the top-ranked 2027 quarterback. At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, Wade is a long, loose athlete who has really blossomed as a passer over the past two seasons. He has become more polished, poised and patient as a pocket player, and he relies less on his dual-threat ability. He's a dangerous runner and takes off when he needs to, but his passing discipline has improved.

SC Next 300 rank : 6

Alabama commit

At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Haven has a rare blend of size, power and arm strength. His stature and physicality is similar to Joe Milton at this stage, and Haven cuts an imposing presence in the pocket. While he is athletic and a threat to run, Haven isn't as fluid of a runner as Henderson or Wade. Haven's running style is more comparable to Bryce Underwood ( Michigan ) than Darian Mensah ( Miami ).

From a size perspective, Henderson and Wade are mirror images. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Henderson has made tremendous strides as a technical passer and has cleaned up his accuracy. Henderson is a bit raw fundamentally, but he's a natural gamer and a dynamic athlete, and his arm talent and temperament are top-notch. He brings a remarkable level of production at the highest levels of Texas high school football after compiling nearly 7,000 total yards and 90 combined passing and rushing touchdowns.

Edge : Haven

Haven is the total package who checks almost every measurable box. While he's physically stacked, Haven still has an exciting ceiling for continued development, particularly as a passer.

Running back

2028: Zaiden Jernigan

SC Next Junior 300 rank : 63

Uncommitted

While the 2028 running back class has less top-end talent as compared with previous years, Jernigan sets himself apart as a Swiss Army knife out of the backfield. The 5-foot-10 191-pounder runs low to the ground and can hide behind the line of scrimmage before suddenly bursting into the clear. He's one of the fastest backs in the class with a 4.41-second laser-timed 40-yard dash on his ledger. A true zone runner, Jernigan uses vision and patience to exploit cutback lanes, and he also is a solid pass catcher.

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SC Next 300 rank : 8

Georgia commit

Spell's impressive combination of speed, agility and contact balance stands out. At 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds, he is a running back who is short -- but not small. Spell is very slippery in traffic, and defenders have a tough time getting a clean shot on him. He has timed better on the long track than the 40-yard dash, clocking 10.8 seconds over 100 meters, and his unique ability to create chunk plays using his feet and vision is similar to that of Georgia running back Sony Michel .

Cooper is the definition of a complete back. He has size, power, ball skills and advanced pass-blocking acumen for a high schooler. At 6-foot-1, he runs with good pad level for a taller running back and knows how to push the pile while running with forward lean. Cooper also is a talented receiver with a feel for route running. He has hit 21 mph on film, so he is capable of producing chunk plays, and he won't face a steep learning curve in Austin.

Edge : Cooper

Cooper has everything teams look for in college-ready running backs, and his size as an every-down lead back separates him from Spell and Jernigan.

Wide receiver

2028: Brysen Wright

SC Next Junior 300 rank : 1

Uncommitted

Wright has Julio Jones-type qualities: He's big, strong and explosive with great ball skills. It's rare to see 6-foot-4, 212-pound targets move like Wright. He's flexible with a second gear that separates him from most run-and-catch type of receivers. Wright is a dangerous three-level receiver because he impacts the game after the catch. It's scary to think he still has another two years in high school.

SC Next 300 rank : 9

Texas commit

Royal has every desirable physical attribute, but his competitiveness and work ethic sets him apart. He's a home run threat with legitimate track speed after consistently posting sub-4.4-second times in the 40-yard dash, and he recently ran a 10.17-second 100-meter time (a Louisiana state record). Royal's feet, hips and balance suggest he can develop into a gifted route runner, and his speed should allow him to factor as a return specialist. Royal's exceptional practice habits should help him quickly climb Texas' depth chart.

There are few receivers 6-foot-5 or taller with Henry's agility and production after the catch. He's an amazing run-and-catch threat in the vertical passing game. Even when covered, Henry isn't really covered. His long arms and ability to elevate in traffic create distinct advantages on the jump ball. His quickness is very similar to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins . Henry is more straight-lined than Royal and Wright but is in his own class in one-on-one situations.

Edge : Wright

It's difficult to find many weaknesses in his game -- and he also plays defense.

Tight end

2028: Xevien Brinson

SC Next Junior 300 rank : 43

Uncommitted

At 6-foot-6 and roughly 240 pounds with an impressive wingspan, Brinson fits the prototype. He has the size, body control and catch radius to become a dangerous red zone weapon. While his straight-line speed is solid for a player his size, he is more impressive in short-area acceleration and as a smooth, fluid mover. Combined with his size, balance and agility, Brinson can both run through tackles and slip defenders in space. He's a legitimate playmaker.

SC Next 300 rank : 22

LSU commit

A two-sport athlete who also holds basketball offers, Hudson fits the mold of the athletic hardwood player capable of thriving at tight end. He offers a wide catch radius, uses his length effectively and adjusts naturally to off-target throws. Unsurprisingly, given his basketball background, Hudson shows good agility getting in and out of breaks while also possessing quality speed for the position.

Another standout two-sport athlete, Harrison was not only the top-rated tight end in his class but also ranked among the SC Next 100 basketball prospects as the No. 82 player and a power forward. Possessing elite height and length and a massive frame, Harrison brings an enormous catch radius and consistently wins in contested situations. He can high-point the football, box out defenders and create matchup problems simply because of his physical profile.

Edge : Harrison

There are plenty of similarities between all three prospects, particularly their blend of size, length, ball skills and ability to create matchup issues. Harrison, however, pushes those traits to an even higher level. He projects as a true matchup nightmare.

Offensive line

2028: Antijuan Wilkes

SC Next Junior 300 rank : 12

Uncommitted

Wilkes has exciting upside. Tall with good length, he is a natural knee bender with quality feet and moves easily in pass protection. He's still lean, but his ability to stay low and gain leverage allows him to generate push in the run game. He also plays with a nasty streak. Wilkes has a projectable frame to add needed mass and already shows excellent range to make blocks down the field. If he maintains that mobility as he fills out, he projects as a well-rounded tackle.

SC Next 300 rank : 4

Florida commit

Hiller has consistently excelled during in-person evaluations and already flashes plug-and-play potential entering his senior season. He plays with power and nastiness while also possessing impressive flexibility. In pass protection, Hiller shows strong body quickness, understands angles and, with good feet and balance, can mirror pass rushers effectively.

Cantwell is a massive presence with the power to match his size. A standout in field events, particularly the shot put, he is a big man who still bends naturally and moves with impressive agility. Cantwell arrives at Miami with expectations to compete for a starting role immediately as a freshman.

Edge : Cantwell

While Wilkes has arguably the highest long-term upside and Hiller is outstanding, Cantwell is the clear choice. A five-star talent with rare size and movement ability, he is already generating buzz during Miami's spring workouts and appears well positioned to live up to expectations as an immediate-impact starter.

Defensive end

2028: Tyzon Swann

SC Next Junior 300 rank : 8

Uncommitted

The battle for the top defensive end spot in the 2028 class could become one of the more hotly contested races in the cycle, but Swann edged out the competition for the No. 1 spot in the initial rankings. The film already shows explosive get-off and the ability to quickly get upfield. Swann not only pressures the quarterback, but also uses his hands well, takes on blocks effectively and sets the edge in the run game. He is versatile enough to slide inside and exploit matchups with his quickness, while also contributing at tight end.

SC Next 300 rank : 3

Ohio State commit

Jacobs has elite length and a quick first step, giving him the tools to create havoc off the edge. He is more than just a rangy speed rusher, however, as he also demonstrates heavy hands and impressive power that should continue improving as he develops physically. Jacobs maximizes those physical traits with a relentless motor and consistently active play style.

From a measurable standpoint, the 6-4 Elee is nearly off the charts. He is explosive and last spring recorded a broad jump of more than 11 feet, a mark that would rank among some of the best results at the NFL combine. He has the physical tools to become a dominant pass rusher, but he also adjusts well in space, plays with a high motor and covers ground effectively in pursuit.

Edge : Elee

Jacobs versus Elee is a legitimate debate, but some of the testing numbers Elee has posted are difficult to ignore, and there still appears to be considerable room for him to grow as a player. Entering a Maryland program that already returns two defensive linemen coming off strong freshman campaigns should also help position him for early success.

Defensive tackle

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SC Junior 300 rank : 2

Uncommitted

The early returns on this defensive tackle class are promising. Right now, Carson sits atop the group because of his combination of high-end traits. He passes the eye test as a thickly built 6-foot-4 300-pounder and maximizes that size with an intense, violent style of play. Carson shows an explosive burst and moves with the bend and agility his testing numbers suggest, including a 5.02-second 40-yard dash. He has the tools to consistently disrupt offenses in the backfield.

SC Next 300 rank : 1

Texas Tech commit

Brewster is a jumbo athlete who projects best along the defensive line, but he is far from a traditional defensive tackle. He is nimble and his impressive testing numbers translate directly to the field with excellent quickness, power and agility. He can qui

_Originally reported by [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/college-football/recruiting/story/_/id/48883256/college-football-recruiting-comparing-top-2026-2027-2028-prospects)._