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Following Penn State's firing of coach James Franklin, a few prospects have decommitted. See how that has impacted the 2026 recruiting rankings.

Penn State's decision to fire head coach James Franklin has created a ripple effect in the football recruiting world, with several of the program's future talent reevaluating their commitment to the Big Ten team.

In a highly competitive landscape, the Nittany Lions were making a strong push in the 2026 cycle, too, while also landing a few top prospects in the class of 2027 as well.

So far, two of the '26 commits have reversed their decisions — 4-star WR Davion Brown and 3-star WR Lavar Keys.

Here's how that has impacted the 2026 Big Ten recruiting rankings...

18. UCLA - 163.26 points

Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins helmets during pregame warmups before playing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl.

17. Nebraska - 167.04 points

Oct 6, 2018; Madison, WI, USA; A Nebraska Cornhuskers helmet sits on the sidelines during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.

16. Maryland - 171.81 points

A detailed view of a Maryland Terrapins helmet.

15. Northwestern - 189.56 points

Aug 30, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Northwestern Wildcats helmet during warmups before the game against Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium.

14. Wisconsin - 192.90 points

Aug 28, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a Wisconsin Badgers football helmet on the sidelines during the game against the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Camp Randall Stadium.

13. Purdue - 195.17 points

Nov 18, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; A detail view of a Purdue Boilermakers helmet on the sideline during a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field.

12. Iowa - 199.15 points

An Iowa Hawkeyes helmet.

11. Michigan State - 209.08 points

Sep 7, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; A detailed view of Michigan State Spartans helmet on the field before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium.

10. Rutgers - 209.31 points

Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Rutgers Scarlet Knights helmet during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field.

9. Minnesota - 217.27 points

A Minnesota Golden Gophers helmet sits on the sidelines.

8. Indiana - 217.81 points

Nov 9, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; A view of Indiana Hoosiers helmet before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

7. Illinois - 222.23 points

An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sitting on confetti after the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Camping World Stadium.

6. Washington - 240.53 points

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Detailed view of Washington Huskies helmet during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium.

5. Penn State - 247.18 points

Nov 17, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions helmet sits on the field prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium.

4. Michigan - 272.53 points

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - SEPTEMBER 3: View of a Michigan Wolverines football helmet before their game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on September 3, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

3. Ohio State - 280.41 points

Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes helmets sit on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.

2. Oregon - 287.08 points

Sep 24, 2022; Pullman, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks helmets sit during a game against the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium.