College Football Recruiting: Top Teams Land 5-Star Commitments

Eight programs have already secured 5-star pledges for the 2027 recruiting class.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:20am

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes and planes of color representing a college football game, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.The early commitments of top-ranked prospects showcase the increasingly competitive nature of college football recruiting.Cedar Hill Today

As the college football recruiting cycle heats up, a number of elite prospects have already made early commitments. Of the 20 recruits currently ranked as five-stars, 11 have already pledged to a school, with more than seven months until National Signing Day. Several programs have landed multiple five-star commits, including Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Texas Tech.

Why it matters

The early commitments of top-ranked prospects highlight the increasingly competitive nature of college football recruiting. Landing five-star talent can provide a major boost to a program's recruiting class and future outlook. These early pledges also reflect the growing trend of prospects making decisions earlier in the process.

The details

Texas A&M has secured commitments from EDGE Zyron Forstall and SAF Kamarui Dorsey, both ranked as five-stars. Ohio State has a pledge from WR Kaden Brown, the top-ranked prospect in Ohio. Texas Tech landed DL Jalen Brewster, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2027 class. Other five-star commits include EDGE David Jacobs (Ohio State), RB Kemon Spell (Penn State), CB Donte Wright (USC), IOL Maxwell Hiller (Florida), and ATH Honor Fa'alave-Johnson (USC).

  • The majority of five-star recruits in the 2026 class were committed by the end of the summer and remained with those schools through signing day.
  • National Signing Day for the 2027 class is still more than seven months away.

The players

Zyron Forstall

A five-star EDGE prospect from IMG Academy in Florida, ranked as the No. 16 overall recruit in the 2027 class. An electric pass rusher already showing signs of dominance as a high school underclassman.

Kamarui Dorsey

A five-star safety prospect from Hampton, Georgia, ranked as the No. 19 overall recruit. A physically imposing, versatile defensive back with excellent range and ability to play in the box.

David Jacobs

A five-star EDGE prospect from Blessed Trinity Catholic in Georgia, ranked as the No. 3 overall recruit. A physically-developed pass rusher with a quick first step and quality bend.

Kaden Brown

A five-star wide receiver from Wayne, Ohio, ranked as the No. 17 overall recruit. The top-ranked prospect in Ohio, he has been committed to Ohio State for over a year.

Jalen Brewster

A five-star defensive line prospect from Cedar Hill, Texas, ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit. An uber-athletic defensive lineman with true game-wrecking ability.

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What they’re saying

“Jacobs looks to have one of the highest floors of the group and has done enough to earn a fifth star for Rivals. Jacobs is one of the more physically-developed edge rusher prospects in the cycle, checking in at around 6-foot-5, 235 pounds.”

— Charles Power, Rivals Director of Scouting and Rankings

“Fa'alave-Johnson is one of the more unique athletes to come out of the West in some time and could legitimately play four positions at the college level. He's a true home run threat at running back with explosive speed and has an edge in his game.”

— Greg Biggins, Rivals National Analyst

What’s next

As the 2027 recruiting cycle continues, more top prospects are expected to make early commitments to college programs. The summer camp and visit season will be crucial for programs looking to secure additional five-star pledges.

The takeaway

The early commitments of elite five-star recruits highlight the intensely competitive nature of college football recruiting. Landing this caliber of talent can provide a major boost to a program's future outlook, and the growing trend of early decisions reflects the evolving landscape of the recruiting process.