The Fourth of July has change into one of many hottest stretches on the faculty soccer recruiting calendar. Apart from the flurry main as much as the early signing interval in December, few home windows generate extra sizzle. This vacation weekend proved no totally different, lighting up the path with fireworks — each actually and metaphorically. 

From the beginning of July by means of Sunday, greater than 160 prospects within the 2026 class made their choices, together with 27 gamers ranked within the present Top247 and eight five-star recruits.

Whereas Joey Chestnut was sprucing off one other Mustard Belt, faculty packages have been firing up their very own recruiting grills for a giant feast. All of the headline commitments reshaped the staff rankings race, shaking up the leaderboard with roughly 5 months to go till the early signing interval. 

Felix Ojo commits to Texas Tech: Pink Raiders pull off recruiting stunner touchdown No. 5 prospect in 2026 class

Cody Nagel

Among the many greatest winners — and movers within the prime 20 — have been Alabama, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Oregon, Syracuse and Tennessee, every making strides to strengthen their 2026 courses and solidify their positions within the recruiting race.

It takes quantity to vary a rating at this level within the cycle. Realizing that, the beneath motion is fairly exceptional — with large leaps from Oregon, Alabama and Syracuse and corresponding drops from groups who have been jumped. 

Be aware: Rankings as of the morning of July 7

Alabama will get five-star double dip

The Crimson Tide continued their fast rise with three extra top-100 commitments because the begin of July, together with a pair of five-stars — security Jireh Edwards (No. 26 general) and broad receiver Cederian Morgan (No. 11) — becoming a member of their 2026 class. Lower than three weeks in the past, Alabama was outdoors the highest 40 nationally. As of Monday morning, the Crimson Tide surged all the way in which to No. 5. Alabama now boasts eight top-100 recruits with four-star defensive lineman Nolan Wilson (No. 99) additionally including his dedication to the rising class.

LSU heats up with summer time momentum

LSU added three key commitments because the starting of the month, together with a pair of Fourth of July additions. 5-star edge rusher Trenton Henderson (No. 28) gave coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers a significant enhance with a vital SEC recruiting win over Florida and Texas final Wednesday. The momentum has LSU on tempo to safe their fourth consecutive top-10 recruiting class.

Oregon beefs up offensive line

Oregon continues to make large strikes alongside the offensive line. 5-star inside lineman Immanuel Iheanacho (No. 22) dedicated final Thursday, giving the Geese a large anchor up entrance within the 6-foot-6, 345-pound mauler. He grew to become Oregon’s second five-star pledge within the 2026 class. The Geese, who sat outdoors the highest 20 on the finish of June, have climbed to No. 12 within the staff rankings after three early July additions — together with 6-foot-6, 330-pound four-star offensive sort out Tommy Tofi (No. 97).

Tennessee builds defensive basis round No. 1 QB

Two Top247 commitments headline the quartet of newcomers to Tennessee’s 2026 class in July. Whereas a lot of the nationwide consideration has centered on surrounding No. 1 general prospect and five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon with offensive firepower, the Volunteers’ newest additions have come on the opposite facet of the ball. All 4 July commitments undertaking on protection, together with four-star linebacker TJ White (No. 86) and four-star defensive lineman Dereon Albert (No. 184), giving the category a extra balanced and bodily basis. Tennessee jumped to No. 15 after a productive early July stretch that introduced loads of warmth to the defensive facet.

Florida stays sizzling after scorching June

Billy Napier and Co. have been on an absolute heater in June. That momentum seems to be persevering with into July with two extra commitments already on the board. 4-star defensive lineman Kendall Guervil (No. 77) grew to become the second-highest-rated pledge in Florida’s 2026 class. Matching their June tempo — when the Gators grilled up a dozen new commitments — is perhaps a tall process, however Florida climbed to No. 16 within the staff rankings as of Monday.

Michigan stacks depth with early July run

With a trio of four-star commitments previously week, Michigan has climbed to No. 7 within the 2026 staff recruiting rankings. A pair of Top247 additions — edge rusher Julian Walker (No. 155) and broad receiver Travis Johnson (No. 173) — added some star-spangled pop to a category that continues to construct depth. The Wolverines at present maintain the third-best class within the Huge Ten for this cycle.

Syracuse lights fuse on historic dedication

Syracuse has by no means signed a Top247 five-star recruit within the fashionable period. That ought to change with prized broad receiver Calvin Russell (No. 21) committing to the Orange on Saturday. It was some of the shocking developments of the weekend, with Syracuse beating out heavyweights like Florida State, Michigan and Oregon for the explosive playmaker. That moved the Orange as much as No. 20 within the staff rankings heading into the guts of summer time.

Different Top247 commitments since July 1