On3 Preseason 2026 All-America First Team filled with former 5-stars and unranked recruits

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The college football season is practically upon us, and on Monday, On3 released its preseason All-America teams for the 2026 season.

You know the names and faces, some of whom were destined for greatness coming out of high school. Of the 26 players named to the First Team, 10 were blue-chip prospects. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Texas EDGE Colin Simmons and Georgia safety KJ Bolden were among the five-stars in the 2024 cycle that have panned out and then some at the college level.

However, there have also been quite a few diamonds in the rough that are now at the forefront of the sport. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy and Indiana defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker are three of the six unranked high school recruits that cracked On3’s First Team. There are also eight former three-stars listed.

Rivals is looking back at the recruiting profile of each of On3’s preseason All-America First Team honorees, accompanied with commentary from senior CFB reporter Chris Low:

OFFENSE

QB — Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Recruiting Cycle: 2021
Rivals Industry Ranking: Not Ranked
High School:Forest Hills Northern (Mich.)

Chambliss, now rather infamously, was an unranked prep recruit and landed at Division II Ferris State in Michigan. The dual-threat passer threw for 1,610 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior for Forest Hills Northern. He transferred to Ole Miss as a fifth-year senior last season and put his name on the national radar. After winning a sixth year of eligibility, he’s back in Oxford for one more ride with the Rebels.

Low: “Chambliss’ impact is felt throughout the entire Ole Miss locker room. He’s the kind of player who always gives you a chance, and his teammates know the play (or game) is never over when he’s on the field.”

RB — Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss

Recruiting Cycle: 2024
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 184 NATL. (No. 16 RB)
High School:Lancaster (Texas)

One of the best burners in his class in the Lone Star State, Lacy tallied 221 carries as a senior for Lancaster and turned them into more than 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns. He finished as a top-100 prospect in On3’s final 2024 rankings. Originally committed to Nebraska, Lacy backed off that pledge and eventually landed with Missouri, choosing the Tigers over Ole Miss and Alabama. He spent his freshman year in Columbia, but then entered the portal and finally found his way to Oxford. After an All-American sophomore campaign, he’ll lead the Rebels’ charge once again alongside Chambliss and new head coach Pete Golding this fall.

Low: “The second part of the Rebels’ dynamic duo in the offensive backfield, Lacy is explosive, tough and durable. He led all FBS backs in rushing attempts (306), which was a school record, and also scored a school-record 24 touchdowns last season.”

RB — Ahmad Hardy, Missouri

Recruiting Cycle: 2024
Rivals Industry Ranking: Not Ranked
High School:Lawrence County (Mo.)

Another zero-to-hero success story, Hardy had 5,434 total yards across his last three seasons at Lawrence County, rushing for 54 touchdowns while also tallying over 100 tackles on defense. That didn’t lead to any big offers, however. He signed with ULM and put together a Freshman All-American season for the Warhawks. He returned to the Show-Me State last year and dominated in his first year at Mizzou. Hardy’s status for the beginning of the 2026 season remains up in the air after suffering a gunshot wound to his leg in May.

Low: “Let’s hope we see Hardy on the field sooner as opposed to later, because if healthy, he’s the best running back in college football. The 5-10, 210-pound Hardy led the nation with 1,181 yards after contact last season.”

WR — Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

Recruiting Cycle: 2024
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 1 NATL.
High School:Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Fla.)

There was never any doubt about Smith blossoming into stardom. Before taking the college football world by storm at Ohio State, he was nearly the consensus No. 1 prospect in the 2024 cycle. Dominating for Florida powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna, he caught 151 passes over his junior and senior seasons, scoring 39 times and accruing more than 2,400 yards. The Buckeyes landed his commitment in December of 2022 and fended off the likes of Miami and Florida State for an entire year. There’s a very real chance he leaves Columbus holding a majority of the Big Ten program’s receiving records.

Low: “The 6-4, 222-pound junior is the most dynamic player in college football, and he’s also been one of the most consistent performers. He’s caught 27 touchdown passes in his first two seasons and put up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.”

WR — Malachi Toney, Miami

Recruiting Cycle: 2025
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 420 NATL. (No. 61 WR)
High School:American Heritage (Fla.)

Toney opted to reclassify up to the 2025 cycle, speeding his high school career up a year. In his final campaign with American Heritage, one of Florida’s top programs, he caught 58 receptions and 12 touchdowns, helping the Patriots win a state title. He was a four-star in his original cycle, but finished as a three-star before heading to Coral Gables. Toney committed to The U twice throughout his process. After a record-setting freshman year, he’s back in the saddle for year two with the Hurricanes this fall.

Low: “Only a true freshman, Toney was Miami’s top offensive playmaker during its run to the national championship game last season. He’s electric any time he gets his hands on the ball and set school records with 109 catches, which led all FBS receivers, and 1,211 receiving yards.”

TE — Jamari Johnson, Oregon

Recruiting Cycle: 2023
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 344 NATL. (No. 10 TE)
High School:Inglewood (Calif.)

Johnson was a high school All-American during his time at Inglewood, playing all over the offensive side of the ball and a little bit of defense, too. He was an imposing figure at the prep level and that hasn’t changed in college. The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder spent his first two seasons at Louisville before returning to the West Coast in 2025. He contributed in a big way for the Ducks last year and will be an even bigger weapon in 2026.

Low: “Even before last season ended and eventual NFL first-round draft pick Kenyon Sadiq was putting up monster numbers for a tight end, there were some around the Oregon program who thought Johnson had a chance to be even better.”

OT — Carter Smith, Indiana

Recruiting Cycle: 2022
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 672 NATL. (No. 45 OT)
High School:Olentangy Liberty (Ohio)

The then 6-foot-5, 270-pounder was a top trench monster in his state while playing for Olentangy Liberty, a program that’s consistently in the mix with the best in Ohio. He committed to Indiana over Tennessee, Northwestern and Virginia. After taking a redshirt year in 2022, Smith has now started 41 games over the last three years for the Hoosiers. He manned left tackle in each of IU’s 16 wins en route to the national title last fall and intends on doing just that once again as a redshirt senior.

Low: “Getting Carter back for his redshirt season was a coup for the defending national champions. He’s one of the Hoosiers’ strongest leaders in the locker room and one of the most experienced and accomplished offensive linemen in college football.”

OG — Evan Tengesdahl, Cincinnati

Recruiting Cycle: 2023
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 662 NATL. (No. 62 IOL)
High School:Wayne (Ohio)

Coming out of the same high school that produced the likes of Braxton Miller and Marcus Freeman, Tengesdahl was the No. 21 prospect in Ohio in his class. He opted to stay close to home, committing to Cincinnati over West Virginia, Pitt and others. He redshirted in 2023, saw action in 11 games in 2024, then emerged as an elite left guard for the Big 12 program last fall, earning All-Conference honors.

Low: “Cincinnati launched a “Pancake With Us” campaign this summer and with good reason. Tengesdahl anchors what should be one of the best offensive lines in the country … He graded out as one of the top run-blockers and also didn’t allow a sack in 13 starts.”

C — Kade Pieper, Iowa

Recruiting Cycle: 2023
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 1,675 NATL. (No. 153 IOL)
High School:Norfolk Catholic (Neb.)

Pieper was dominant for Norfolk Catholic, winning a state title as a senior while racking up 130 tackles in addition to being an outstanding offensive lineman. He was a three-sport athlete, and while the ranking didn’t match that of a blue-chipper, he signed with Iowa and is now one of the next great linemen to come out of Kirk Ferentz‘ program. The Hawkeyes won the Joe Moore Award last year and Pieper, now a senior, will lead the charge to repeat this fall, this time at a new position, moving from right guard to center.

Low: “He was a cornerstone of an Iowa offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award last season and has the strength, athleticism and technique to make him a natural wherever he lines up in the offensive line. Pieper was called for just one penalty last season.”

OG — Shadre Hurst, Houston

Recruiting Cycle: 2022
Rivals Industry Ranking: Not Ranked
High School:Cartersville (Ga.)

Hurst played tackle and defensive line during his time at Cartersville and was an all-state selection. In addition, he was also an elite heavyweight wrestler, winning a state title on the mat as a senior. Unranked, he landed with Tulane and won three AAC titles and earned First Team All-AAC honors twice across four seasons. He really blossomed last fall and is now garnering some serious hype after transferring to Houston for his fifth year.

Low: “He’s reuniting with Willie Fritz, who signed Hurst as part of Tulane’s 2022 signing class. The 6-2, 295-pound redshirt senior brings experience and outstanding pass-blocking skills to the Cougars, who won 10 games a year ago.”

OT — Trevor Goosby, Texas

Recruiting Cycle: 2023
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 416 NATL. (No. 24 OT)
High School:Melissa (Texas)

Goosby was one of the best trench monsters in the Lone Star State in his cycle. Melissa toted an elite offense and the then 6-foot-6, 275-pounder anchored the push up front. An On3 outlier, Goosby long had his sights set on the Longhorns and he made 13 starts as a redshirt sophomore last season. His NFL Draft stock is high and for good reason.

Low: “Goosby could be the first tackle off the board in the 2027 NFL draft. He’s gotten bigger and stronger since arriving on the Forty Acres and should be even more dominant in his second full season as a starter.”

All-Purpose — Wayne Knight, UCLA

Recruiting Cycle: 2022
Rivals Industry Ranking: Not Ranked
High School:Smyrna (Del.)

Another unheralded recruit, Knight was a handful for opposing Delaware HSFB defenses, earning All-State honors three times before heading to James Madison. After not seeing much action in his first two seasons, he took a step in 2024, but it was really last fall that saw Knight turn into a weapon, scoring 10 touchdowns, nine of which were rushing. He’s now followed head coach Bob Chesney from JMU to UCLA.

Low: “He’s only 5-9 and 189 pounds, but is a physical runner and equally versatile. Knight rushed for 1,357 yards last season, and he also caught 40 passes for 397 yards and had 180 yards on punt returns on his way to leading the country with 2,039 all-purpose yards.”

DEFENSE

EDGE — Colin Simmons, Texas

Recruiting Cycle: 2024
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 15 NATL. (No. 2 EDGE)
High School:Duncanville (Texas)

A Five-Star Plus+ prospect, Simmons was a force for Duncanville, one of the top high school football programs in Texas. The Panthers won state titles in each of Simmons’ final two years. He had 52 tackles as a senior before heading to The Forty Acres. Texas won a heated recruiting battle over LSU and Simmons has delivered from the jump. He made 13 starts last year and is poised for an All-American junior campaign.

Low: “He has 21 sacks in his first two seasons at Texas, an SEC-leading 12 a year ago and nine as a true freshman. He had a sack in each of his last five games in 2025 and would have been a high first-round pick had he been eligible for the NFL draft this year.”

DT — Tyrique Tucker, Indiana

Recruiting Cycle: 2022
Rivals Industry Ranking: Not Ranked
High School:Life Christian Academy (Va.)

Tucker led the defensive line at Lake Taylor for his first three prep seasons before transferring to Life Christian as a senior. He wasn’t recruited heavily and also wasn’t a slam-dunk All-State selection at the prep level. He stayed in-state and played for Curt Cignetti at James Madison, making five starts as a redshirt freshman in 2023. He followed Cignetti to Indiana and is now a national champion after making 16 starts last fall. Like Carter Smith on the O-line, Tucker is back for his fifth college season.

Low: “Tucker is the last of the 13 James Madison transfers that came with Curt Cignetti to Indiana and the anchor of a defensive line that should be outstanding, especially with edge rushers Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt potentially coming back thanks to the five-for-five ruling.”

DT — A.J. Holmes, Texas Tech

Recruiting Cycle: 2022
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 875 NATL. (No. 102 DL)
High School:Westfield (Texas)

Holmes had a massive senior season for Westfield, finishing with 96 total tackles, including 26 for loss. He had 12 sacks and guided the Mustangs in 2021. He stacked a few Power Four offers, but stayed at home and signed with Houston. He made 16 starts across three years with the Cougars, then transferred to Texas Tech last year and earned On3 All-American honors after stepping into a starting role for the Red Raiders. He’s back for his fifth year and will be a key cog in Lubbock.

Low: “Holmes was a force in his first year at Texas Tech after transferring from Houston … Holmes is as agile as he is explosive and poised for another big season as the anchor of what should be a stout Texas Tech defensive line.”

EDGE — Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

Recruiting Cycle: 2024
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 17 NATL. (No. 3 EDGE)
High School:Friendship Collegiate Academy (D.C.)

Another Five-Star Plus+ EDGE that headlined the 2024 cycle, Stewart won a high school state title, earned All-American honors and is one of the best prospects to come out of D.C. in a while. His commitment was a humongous one for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks. After a Freshman All-American season and an All-SEC sophomore season, Stewart will be one of the best defensive players in the sport this fall, if healthy.

Low: “The Gamecocks are banking on him returning to his freshman form when he terrorized quarterbacks with constant pressure off the edge. He also has the power at 6-5 and 250 pounds to plow through offensive tackles.”

LB — Rolijah Hardy, Indiana

Recruiting Cycle: 2024
Rivals Industry Ranking: Not Ranked
High School:Lakeland (Fla.)

Hardy battled injury at points throughout his high school career — which began at Winter Haven. He was healthy as a senior for Lakeland, though, as he tallied 101 total tackles. The three-sport athlete didn’t garner any major interest and was initially at the Naval Academy prep school, but Indiana came through with an offer and he was a late addition to its 2024 class. Hardy saw action as a freshman but took a giant step forward last fall, leading the Hoosiers in tackles. He’ll help captain the IU defense again as a junior.

Low: “Fast forward to now, and the 5-11, 227-pound Hardy is one of the most complete linebackers in the country. He’s a magnet to the football against the run and always making big plays (15 tackles for loss) whether he’s chasing down ball-carriers in the backfield or sacking quarterbacks.”

LB — Rasheem Biles, Texas

Recruiting Cycle: 2023
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 1,027 NATL. (No. 102 LB)
High School:Pickerington Central (Ohio)

Biles was an impressive dual-sport athlete for Pickerington Central, and while injury cut his senior season short on the gridiron, he still scored five times and was just as much of an offensive threat as he was on the defensive side. Pitt went to the Buckeye State and signed the linebacker. A two-year starter for the Panthers, Biles earned All-ACC honors twice and stacked 101 tackles last year. A hot commodity in the portal, he found his way to Texas for his senior season.

Low: “The 6-1, 222-pound senior is exactly what Muschamp is looking for in the middle of that defense with his ability to go sideline to sideline and make plays. Biles played running back, receiver and defensive back in high school and has great instincts.”

LB — Xavier Atkins, Auburn

Recruiting Cycle: 2024
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 309 NATL. (No. 24 LB)
High School:Summer Creek (Texas)

At the center of it all on defense for an elite Texas HSFB program, Atkins guided Summer Creek to a state title appearance as a senior, totaling 102 tackles. He was a finalist for Mr. Texas Football. He played his first three seasons at Jonesboro-Hodge (La.), then returned to The Boot, signing with LSU. After one season with the Tigers, he transferred to Auburn last fall and had an All-SEC season, leading the team in tackles. He’ll now captain those Tigers once again as a junior.

Low: “Alex Golesh has some questions to be answered in his first season as Auburn’s head coach, but linebacker isn’t one of them. The Tigers are deep and talented at that position, and Atkins headlines the group.”

CB — Leonard Moore, Notre Dame

Recruiting Cycle: 2024
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 431 NATL. (No. 42 CB)
High School:Round Rock (Texas)

Moore didn’t collect eye-popping stat lines during his time at Round Rock, but in fairness, opposing offenses didn’t feel the need to throw toward him all that much. Nearly a blue-chip prospect, Moore had his fair share of big-time offers, but he made an early pledge to Notre Dame in February of 2023 and stuck with it. He quickly emerged, making 10 starts as a freshman before having a unanimous All-American campaign last fall. Expectations are rightfully high once more for one of the nation’s best defensive backs.

Low: “Moore had five interceptions a year ago after picking off two passes as a true freshman. When teams do throw Moore’s way, he’s a blanket. Over his two seasons with the Irish, he’s allowed just 4.8 yards per target.”

CB — Kelley Jones, Mississippi State

Recruiting Cycle: 2023
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 363 NATL. (No. 41 CB)
High School:Clarksdale (Miss.)

Jones was a quarterback and defensive back for Clarksdale, throwing for 10 touchdowns and rushing for another 19 while adding 67 tackles. He emerged as a top-150 prospect in On3’s final rankings for the cycle and opted to stay in the Magnolia State, signing with Mississippi State. He became a full-time starter as a redshirt sophomore last season and earned All-SEC honors. The athletic DB is poised for a huge fall.

Low: “The NFL scouts love Jones, and for good reason. He’s 6-4 and 195 pounds with great speed and ball skills. He won the inaugural “Fast as Hail” competition in the summer of 2024 as Mississippi State’s fastest player.”

S — KJ Bolden, Georgia

Recruiting Cycle: 2024
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 14 NATL. (No. 1 S)
High School:Buford (Ga.)

The consensus top-ranked safety in the 2024 cycle, Bolden was a dynamic two-way superstar for Buford, an elite Georgia HSFB program. He had 33 tackles, four interceptions and 14 touchdown receptions as a senior. The Five-Star Plus+ prospect was committed to Florida State for four months, but flipped to Georgia on National Signing Day. The Bulldogs got a Freshman All-American in 2024 and an All-SEC standout in 2025. He’s now a veteran leader in the UGA secondary.

Low: “In 725 snaps, Bolden missed just four tackles and also showed excellent coverage skills with two interceptions and five pass breakups. He’ll make an even bigger jump in his second full season as a starter.”

S — Koi Perich, Oregon

Recruiting Cycle: 2024
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 58 NATL. (No. 4 S)
High School:Lincoln Secondary (Minn.)

The top prospect to come out of Minnesota in some time, Perich was a Swiss-Army knife star, totaling 27 offensive touchdowns, 62 tackles, five interceptions and five defensive scores as a senior. Minnesota nabbed his commitment and fended off blue bloods that tried to flip him late in the cycle. He had two All-Big Ten seasons for the Gophers, but entered the portal and is now at Oregon in a gargantuan addition for the Ducks on all fronts.

Low: “Everywhere you look on Oregon’s defense, there are impact players. One of the new faces is Perich, who did a little bit of everything during his time at Minnesota. He returned kicks and played some receiver, but his forte was punishing ball-carriers and smothering receivers at safety.”

SPECIALTY

PK — Lucas Carniero, Ole Miss

Recruiting Cycle: 2022
Rivals Industry Ranking: Not Ranked
High School:Community School of Davidson (N.C.)

P — Evan Crenshaw, Troy

Recruiting Cycle: 2022
Rivals Industry Ranking: Not Ranked
High School:Nease (Fla.)

Returner — Ryan Niblett, Texas

Recruiting Cycle: 2023
Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 66 NATL. (No. 11 CB)
High School:Aldine Eisenhower (Texas)

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