Rivals Rankings Week: Top Athlete Storylines for 2026

With the Rivals250 updated for the class of 2026, it’s now time to take a closer look at each position, look at the four big storylines going forward and then move on to the athletes.

Officially a five-star at the 2026 Rivals250 athletic position, Derek Cooper is a true two-way playmaker, standing at 6’1″ and weighing in at 200 pounds, with the size, athleticism and speed to make an impact on either side or both in college. While initially thought to be better suited as a back-end defender, Cooper has definitely garnered attention at the running back position this offseason. This versatile player is Rivals 5 stars And this summer, he will be attending the UA Future 50 camp.

“Cooper posted impressive times this offseason, including a 10.88 second 100 meter dash and a 4.27 second shuttle time. This is all before he enters a critical period of development over the next two years. Cooper will continue to grow and has a chance to become something special with the skill and ability he has already shown.”

Houston commit Keishan Henderson may be the most athletic football player I’ve come across this offseason. His skills at the wide receiver and safety positions are elite at the next level. The athleticism and ball skills he’s shown so far make him a prime five-star prospect.

However, Henderson is committed to the Cougars as a quarterback and is adamant about playing that position at the next level, not a skill position. Henderson played quarterback in high school and has accomplished and been successful at the position. So, while he will remain an athlete for now, he could be ranked as a quarterback in the future and a serious discussion should be had regarding his ranking at the position.

It may not come as a surprise, but the state of Florida takes the top spot in terms of the number of players ranked. Florida is by far the state with the most players in the 2026 Rivals250 with 47 players, so it makes perfect sense that they would lead several positions in the rankings.

Currently, there are eight Florida prospects among the 35 athletes ranked, with Texas and Pennsylvania tied for second with five each.

Along with five-star Cooper, four-star Efrem White of Vero Beach (Fla.) is also on the Rivals250 roster.

The number of players ranked is always an interesting aspect. As prospects get older, they start to hone in on a position or at least have an idea of ​​what they’re going to play in college. But as of now, there are many players who aren’t at that stage yet. That leaves six players in the Rivals250 Top 100. By comparison, the 2025 cycle has only one player in the Top 100.

Additionally, there are 15 players on the 2026 Rivals250, but only three players remain in the class of 2025. It will be interesting to see how many of the nationally ranked players stick with their positions or end up finding a ranked position going forward.

Cooper, Henderson, Brandon Arrington, White, Xavier Burnett and Jorden Edmonds are a group that are ranked among the top 100 prospects.