It’s the “Dash” effect in college football now. The buzz around the 2026 recruiting class is deafening, and spearheading the excitement is Mount Miguel High School’s phenom, Brandon “Dash” Arrington. When you hear 5-star recruit, certain expectations follow, and Arrington is living up to every bit of the hype. When asked what makes him such a sought-after recruit by coaches, his answer was concise—“My speed.”

Because this La Mesa lightning bolt isn’t just a standout on the football field; he’s a track star who leaves competitors in his dust. His junior year in 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his dominance as a shutdown cornerback, an explosive receiver, and a true game-changer. Texas A&M’s Mike Elko has already locked in an official visit on June 5th, signaling his strong interest. However, Arrington’s recruitment journey is far from a straightforward sprint, and his recent activity has certainly thrown a curveball, keeping top coaches on their toes as he meticulously evaluates his options.

Indeed, Brandon Arrington has ignited a recruiting frenzy. The California standout from the class of 2026 has become the coveted prize for virtually every major college football program. Holding the No. 12 overall ranking and the title of the top cornerback in his class according to On3, Arrington’s status as California’s second-ranked player only amplifies his high-profile appeal.

Adding another layer to this compelling recruitment narrative, On3’s Scott Schrader recently confirmed Arrington’s visit to USC, stating, “5-star cornerback Brandon Arrington has arrived at USC for his latest visit.” Arrington himself has openly expressed the strong connection he feels with the Trojans, remarking, “What excites me is that they showed me love and showed the priority they have for me, and they’ve been showing love since day one.” It’s clear that USC is pulling out all the stops to keep this elite talent within state lines.

It’s no surprise that USC is fiercely pursuing Brandon Arrington. 247Sports’ national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins aptly describes Arrington as “one of the fastest sprinters in the country,” highlighting his blistering personal bests of 10.43 seconds in the 100 meters and 20.76 seconds in the 200 meters. Biggins further elaborates on his on-field prowess, noting, “On the gridiron, he shows the ability to play corner or receiver and should also develop into a dangerous return man.” This exceptional versatility, combined with his track star speed, has allowed Arrington to narrow his choices down to six elite programs, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle for his commitment.

“After my official visits, I am probably going to cut my list down to four schools, then commit to one,” he told On3’s Chad Simmons. “Like this list, my commitment will come down to relationships, development and being in a place where I want to be.”

Earlier this month, Arrington officially unveiled his top six schools: Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, Penn State, Texas A&M, and USC. He has scheduled official visits to five of these contenders, with the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine currently favoring Texas A&M with an 83.5% probability. Meanwhile, USC remains steadfast in its pursuit of Arrington, fully aware of the significance of securing top local talent and intensifying their efforts as his crucial visits approach.

Brandon Arrington isn’t merely another name on USC’s target list; he represents a perfect fit for secondary coach Doug Belk’s vision for the future of the Trojans’ defense. His recruitment underscores USC’s unwavering commitment to keeping the most talented Californian players at home. Evidencing this dedication, seven of USC’s eleven current commits in the 2026 class hail from California, highlighting their strategic focus on cultivating local talent. However, the battle for Arrington extends far beyond USC and Texas A&M.

Other teams making a strong impact on Brandon Arrington

Several other programs are making significant headway in their pursuit of Brandon Arrington. He has solidified his official visit itinerary, with trips planned to Penn State on May 2nd, Texas A&M on June 6th, Alabama on June 13th, USC on June 17th, and Oregon on June 20th. When asked about which schools are pushing the hardest, Arrington himself offered some insights.

Penn State has been a consistent presence in his recruitment since extending an early offer. As Arrington explains, “I’ve always had a great bond with Penn State,” emphasizing that they were his “first big offer” and have maintained the most consistent communication. On the other side of the country, Oregon boasts a top-3 ranked recruiting class for 2026, fueled by the extensive resources of Nike and the influence of Phil Knight. Adding another layer of intrigue, Arrington has strong ties with Oregon’s coach, Dan Lanning. “We have a great relationship, and I’m big on relationships,” Arrington stated, a factor that could prove pivotal for the Ducks.

Then there’s the allure of Alabama. “Every time I go to Alabama, it feels like I’m always there,” Arrington shared, highlighting his strong connection with Kalen DeBoer, who initially offered him a scholarship during his time at Washington. That early belief has left a lasting impression. However, the landscape at Alabama has shifted with Nick Saban’s retirement, introducing an element of uncertainty that prompts recruits to carefully consider their options.

If consistency and sustained success are the benchmarks, then Georgia stands out as a model program. Under the leadership of Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have consistently amassed championships and produced a wealth of NFL talent. Even in what some considered a “down” year in 2024, they still captured the SEC title. Arrington recognizes this winning culture and has an official visit to Athens on his schedule. He expresses his eagerness to experience “all the great things there.” While the recruiting battle remains fluid, Arrington’s upcoming visits will undoubtedly be crucial in shaping the final outcome.

As these elite schools deliver their best pitches, only one will ultimately secure Brandon “Dash” Arrington’s commitment. The anticipation is building, and the football world eagerly awaits to see which program will land this 6-foot-3 talent.