MWCConnection Recruiting Roundup 5-18-26. NIL budgets keep increasing.

MWCConnection Recruiting Roundup 5-18-26. NIL budgets keep increasing.

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

MWCConnection Recruiting Roundup 5-18-26. NIL budgets keep increasing.
Dec 24, 2025; Honolulu, HI, USA; The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors hold the winning trophy after defeating the California Golden Bears 53-31 winning the Hawaii Bowl at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-Imagn Images | Marco Garcia-Imagn Images

It’s another week of the Recruiting Roundup.

Official visit season is right around the corner and we will be tracking as many June OVs as possible. June has become a huge recruiting month the past few years, and apparently, a pretty expensive month as well. While the Mountain West or Pac-12 may not have to stress over finances compared to some other conferences, On3 does offer some insight on how expensive recruiting is getting.

Also, On3 reported that the recruiting class of 2027 will take NIL budgets to new heights, with P4 rosters ranging from $15-$50 million. And it does seem like the top talent is spreading out a bit more, even if the money being thrown around is enormous.

Top programs are now entering the official visit frenzy with fixed recruiting budgets and a firm sense of how many players they can realistically sign without crowding the roster before the transfer portal opens in January. Only taking one or two five-star recruits — the equivalent of a first-round NFL pick — has become a reality even at blue-blood programs.

“It’s insanity,” one SEC staffer told On3. “You can actually pay for five or 10 top guys you actually want, and then you’re trying to put together the rest of your 18 to 25-person class with the rest of the cash you have on hand.”

The haves and have-nots that defined the early NIL era haven’t disappeared. It’s just gotten more complicated. Already in the 2027 class, sources have told On3 of multiple players inking deals that will net at least $1 million in Year 1 of their college careers.

As for this week, it’s clear that recruiting is taking center stage right now. 15 teams combined for a total of 143 offers. UNLV (21) and San Jose State (19) led the way, but five other teams had double-digit offers. Commitments were big this week as well, with 9 new players joining 6 teams. Hawaii, North Dakota State, and UTEP all gained multiple commits, while Air Force, UNLV, and Wyoming added to their ranks as well. When taking offers and commits into consideration, the Rainbow Warriors are the team that ends up on the cover photo this week.

Class of 2027 Cover Photo Total:

  • North Dakota State: 2
  • Air Force: 1
  • Fresno State: 1
  • Hawaii: 1
  • NIU: 1
  • New Mexico: 1
  • Oregon State: 1
  • San Jose State: 1
  • UNLV: 1
  • UTEP: 1
  • Washington State: 1

Recruiting Calendar:

For most of May, we are in the evaluation period. Coaches can visit schools to evaluate players athletically and academically. As always, it is okay for texts, calls, and DMs.

Next College Student Athlete says:

The NCAA Evaluation Period is a specific time of year when college coaches are allowed to watch an athlete compete in person or visit their school. However, coaches are not allowed to communicate with that athlete (or parents) off the college campus. Coaches can sit in the stands during a recruit’s practice or game, as well as visit the recruit’s school. This gives college coaches a chance to talk to the recruit’s coach, teachers, or guidance counselor to get a better understanding of the student-athlete’s character. After the visit, the coach may call or email the recruit and let them know how their experience was at the school or game.

The NCAA Evaluation Period is just that: a time set aside for evaluation. While coaches can’t talk to athletes off the college campus, they can still call, email, text, and direct message recruits.

Commitment Spotlight:

Visit Recap:

Recruiting Updates:

Offers:

  • Air Force: 6
  • Boise State: 5
  • Colorado State: 15
  • Fresno State: 3
  • Hawaii: 14
  • Nevada: 6
  • New Mexico: 12
  • NIU:
  • North Dakota State: 3
  • Oregon State: 16
  • San Diego State: 11
  • San Jose State: 19
  • Texas State:
  • UNLV: 21
  • Utah State: 2
  • UTEP: 2
  • Washington State: 8
  • Wyoming:

Visits

Commits:

  • DB Bryce Devlin: Air Force
  • OL Ayden Bullinger: Hawaii
  • WR Shaison Kupukaa: Hawaii
  • EDGE Andrej Sabatka: North Dakota State
  • QB Carter Temple: North Dakota State
  • RB Kash Schwab: UNLV
  • LB Jailon Hicks: UTEP
  • WR Malachi Wright: UTEP
  • QB Michael Vander Luitgaren: Wyoming

Decommits

Follow @Mike_SBN on Twitter for all the latest recruiting news and updates.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos