ESPN: Baylor football cracks list as top-25 recruiting class after strong July
247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN are now the major three recruiting services after On3 and Rivals combined. But ESPN doesn't update its recruiting rankings as quickly as the former two do. However, ESPN recently did so and that jumped the Baylor Bears into the top 25.
Baylor went from being unranked to becoming ESPN's No. 25 class in the 2026 cycle. ESPN has two Big 12 teams ranked, and the Bears trail only BYU, who is ranked No. 19.
Baylor picked up a wide receiver with strong ties to the program as London Smith's father was a two-sport star (football and basketball) at Baylor and his mother was a national champion triple jumper for the Bears. London, not surprisingly, is a quick, smooth target with good body control.
Another key add at WR is Jordan Clay, a nice-sized target at close to 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds who also possesses very good body control. Further capitalizing on in-state talent, Baylor landed ESPN 300 DE Jamarion Carlton and ESPN 300 CB Jamarion Vincent, who possesses coveted size at roughly 6-2 and blends that with good speed and smooth movements.
Defensive end Jamarion Carlton is ranked No. 98 on ESPN's rankings and he is the top-rated player Baylor currently has in its 2026 class. WR Jordan Clay comes in next, sitting at No. 141 on ESPN.
OT Donel Robinson Jr. is ranked No. 174, per ESPN. Lastly, CB Jamarion Vincent sits at No. 196.
🚨 Updated 2026 Recruiting Class rankings for ESPN via @CraigHaubert
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) July 23, 2025
Texas surges ahead into the top 5 while USC holds onto the No. 1 class in the nation 👀
Full rankings: https://t.co/7wkr7SRAtA pic.twitter.com/5nAlXlMDph
- Enjoy more Baylor Bears coverage on Baylor Bears On SI -
More News:
Cameron Carr, Obi Agbim propel Team USA past Finland in Quarterfinal duel
REPORT: Colorado State hiring away Baylor football coach
Baylor misses out on key 2026 prospect to rival Big 12 team
Kansas City Chiefs sign former Baylor standout
REPORT: Big 12 denies new team opportunity to join conference
For additional coverage of Baylor University Athletics
Follow us on Facebook: @BaylorBearsOnSI
Follow us on X/Twitter:@BaylorBearsOnSI
Follow us on Instagram: @BaylorBearsOnS
-c6d300a6cd3bbc37e5025fa0d47bc7a7.jpeg "Trent Knoop")
Trent is the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI and also serves as the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines on SI. His work has additionally been featured on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.
Follow TrentKnoop