Elbert Hill is among the most sought-after names in the 2026 college football recruiting class, drawing significant interest from powerhouse programs across the nation. Despite receiving 29 offers from major programs, he has yet to commit to any school, keeping his recruitment one of the most intriguing in his class. His elite talent has placed him on the radar of top coaches, including Ryan Day of Ohio State and Sherrone Moore of Michigan.
As the number one cornerback prospect in the 2026 class and ranked 19th overall, Hill’s 4-star rating might not fully capture his potential, as many believe he possesses the qualities of a 5-star athlete. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 161 pounds, he is well-equipped to handle the demanding position of cornerback. His exceptional speed and agility have made him a standout in scouting reports. However, he currently faces a difficult decision regarding his college destination, with multiple top-tier programs vying for his commitment.
According to Josh Newberg of On3 Recruits, three schools have emerged as the frontrunners in Hill’s recruitment: Alabama, Oregon, and USC. While Michigan and Ohio State remain in contention, Newberg believes those two programs are now on the outside looking in. Of the three main contenders, Oregon appears to have a strong edge, with Hill’s father shedding light on the deep connections his son has developed with the Ducks’ coaching staff.
Oregon’s recruiting efforts have been persistent, as Hill and his family maintain regular communication with defensive coordinator Chris Hampton, cornerbacks coach Rashad Wadood, and head coach Dan Lanning. Hill’s father has emphasized the strong relationship they have built with the Oregon staff, noting that the program has laid out a clear development plan for his son. Hill has also expressed his goals to the coaches, ensuring that their visions align before he makes his final decision.
Despite Oregon’s apparent lead, USC has also made significant strides in Hill’s recruitment. The Trojans hosted Hill for a visit on January 25th, during which head coach Lincoln Riley made a strong impression. Hill was particularly impressed by Riley’s emphasis on both football and academics, as well as his focus on developing players into hardworking individuals who graduate with a meaningful education. The visit left a lasting impact, making USC a legitimate contender in the race for Hill’s commitment.
Meanwhile, Alabama has also been aggressive in its pursuit. Hill has spoken highly of Alabama’s approach, highlighting their straightforward and honest communication. Unlike other programs that focus heavily on recruiting pitches, Alabama’s coaching staff engaged in genuine conversations about how he would fit into their system and the immediate impact he could make upon arrival. This level of sincerity and belief in his abilities has made Alabama a compelling option for Hill.
With these three programs leading the way, the recruiting battles for Hill continue to intensify. While Oregon has established a strong connection and USC has made a lasting impression, Alabama’s honesty and reputation for developing defensive talent have added another layer of intrigue. As a result, the decision remains uncertain.
One thing, however, is becoming increasingly clear: Ohio State and Michigan may no longer be realistic contenders. With Hill narrowing his focus to Alabama, Oregon, and USC, it appears that Ryan Day and Sherrone Moore will face an uphill battle in trying to sway his decision.
For now, Hill remains uncommitted, carefully evaluating his options as he inches closer to one of the biggest decisions of his career.