Big 12 Spotlight: Programs on a roll in recruiting

The calendar has turned to spring and there are several programs across the country that are riding a wave of momentum in recruiting. Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney looks at four such programs in the Big 12.

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KANSAS

Kansas is the only program in the Big 12 with double-digit commitments and while March has been quiet in terms of commitments, February and especially January were so productive the Jayhawks have the top class in the conference.

Three-star receiver Tyren Parker and three-star defensive end Draeden Punt joined the Kansas class in February and the Jayhawks landed an amazing nine pledges in the month of January. That’s more than any other team in the Big 12 has in their class right now.

Four-star edge rushers Hunter Higgins and Landen Anderson along with four-star defensive back James Dunnigan Jr., who is still receiving major interest from other programs but has no other visits planned, led the month of January.

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IOWA STATE

Iowa State has jumped out with a respectable eight commitments so far in the 2026 class and won a big recruiting battle in March when high three-star athlete Amarion Jackson committed to the Cyclones as Iowa, Kansas, Kansas State and others were involved with the Omaha (Neb.) Millard South standout.

Jackson is the highest-ranked recruit in Iowa State’s class so far as the Cyclones also landed two commitments in each of January and February.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH IOWA STATE FANS AT CYCLONEREPORT.COM

TEXAS TECH

No Big 12 program other than Kansas is really loading up with prospects this early in the recruiting cycle but Texas Tech is getting one who could be really crucial to its recruiting class.

The biggest win arguably in all of March for any Big 12 team was when three-star linebacker Cord Nolan picked the Red Raiders over Kansas and many others. The Bixby, Okla., standout is a big win and a productive prospect who could shine in Lubbock. All six of Texas Tech’s commits are one spot away from getting a four-star bump.

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OKLAHOMA STATE

Parker Thune

Oklahoma State just endured its worst season in more than 30 years which forced coach Mike Gundy to rework his contract and take a reduced salary next season. Things were not good in Stillwater.

But the Cowboys have refocused in recruiting and gotten a little more aggressive prompting a commitment in late February from high three-star edge rusher Jaylen Stewart and then three pledges in March already from offensive lineman Aiden Martin, three-star edge Landon Bland and four-star linebacker Trey McGlothlin.

Oklahoma State isn’t setting the world on fire with only four pledges but it’s a step in the right direction building toward next season.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OKLAHOMA STATE FANS AT OSTATEILLUSTRATED.COM