Colleges With Under The Radar 2026 Recruiting Classes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With signing day for the Class of 2026 behind us, I thought now would be an appropriate time to review three DI college programs where the coaching staff quietly assembled an extraordinary 2026 recruiting class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Boston University</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boston's midfield heavy 2026 class is highlighted by a pair of prospects from New Jersey. Once they hit campus, Rumson Fair Haven's Luke Lydon and Red Bank Catholic's Gabe Pape should have an immediate impact. Lydon is an elusive and skilled lefty mid who in 2024 was named as New Jersey's Sophomore Class POY. The versatile Lydon is also comfortable operating at attack. Pape is another talented lefty who can operate at midfield or attack. Pape is a lethal on the run shooter and has already recorded over 100 goals in his career at Red Bank. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boston U's coaching staff also signed a pair of extraordinary backline prospects in Jack Greene from Brunswick School and Henry Oliver out of MICDS in St. Louis. Greene is a menacing close defender with tremendous athleticism, polished footwork, and an active stick. He should push for playing time during his freshman year. Oliver is a dynamic LSM / Def who was an All-American and 1^st Team All-State selection at MICDS before re-classing and transferring to Deerfield. His size (6'2”; 205 lbs.) and punishing style will be a welcome addition to the Boston U program. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>High Point</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Crawley and his staff left no stone unturned as High Point's impressive 2026 class includes prospects from upstate New York, Long Island, New Jersey, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Canada. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gifted attackman Billy Haggerty is the headliner for HPU's 2026 recruiting class. Haggerty is a hard-nosed an agile multi-sport athlete (also plays hockey) with unlimited upside. On the lacrosse field, Haggerty can initiate from anywhere in the offensive end and then shoot or distribute on the run. After his incredible junior season at Iona Prep, Haggerty was named a 1^st Team All-State selection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Along with Haggerty, HPU landed attackmen Heath Holland from Paul VI in New Jersey and Devon Satterly out of Western Reserve Academy. Both of these offensive prospects are impossible to guard 1v1. Canadian midfielder Sean Costigan is another 2026 offensive prospect to keep an eye on at HPU.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, High Point signed a deep and versatile group of poles. LSM prospects Sean Hayes (Seton Hall Prep) and Matthew Ofsie (Chaminade) are a pair of ball hawks with a knack for causing turnovers and then leading the fast break. Beau Rule (Mountain Vista) and Tommy Toomey (Springfield) are athletic and high IQ close defenders with size who can anchor the backend for years. In 2025 Toomey helped direct Springfield to the Pennsylvania 3A state title.           </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Utah</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Utah's 2026 recruiting class could be a program defining group as the Utes signed standout prospects at every position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still, it is Utah's group of 2026 midfielders that has really grabbed our attention. The trio of Mackie Malkiel (Jesuit), Matthew Lutz (Madison) and Tristan Diaz (Granite Hills) have the potential to be a fantastic core for Utah to build around. Malkiel is a lefty with speed and shifty moves who thrives in transition. His quick burst creates serious matchup issues in 6v6 action too. Lutz is a long (6'2”) and fast midfield prospect with a habit of cranking step-down rockets into the back of the net. Lutz has scored over 30 goals in each of the last two seasons at Madison (NJ) and has already amassed 100+ career points. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diaz is a tremendous SSDM with size (6'1”), speed and a nasty streak. He is considered one of the top short stick prospects in California. The trifecta of Diaz's quick reactions, polished footwork and anticipation skills make him a fantastic 1v1 defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four highly regarded prospects who will be joining Diaz on defense at Utah are versatile pole Bonner Upshaw (Detroit CDS), LSM Will Mazcko (Severna Park), close defender Tyler Sepeta (Bishop's School) and close defender Ryan Kastroll (Hill School). That group of five high level prospects will provide Utah with a stout defense for years to come. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->