Western recruiting class evaluates college programs at Week One openers
Top prospects from the 2028 and 2029 classes are attending key matchups in Berkeley and Eugene as the 2026 college football season begins.
The 2026 college football season has commenced, with Week One games serving as critical evaluation opportunities for high school prospects. Following a summer marked by numerous lawsuits, several top recruits from the western United States are attending key matchups to assess college programs and coaching staffs.
The UCLA versus Cal game in Berkeley is expected to draw a large number of local recruits. Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi makes his debut in the season opener against the Bruins, providing an immediate test for the new leadership. The Bears are hosting a significant contingent of players from the 2028 and 2029 classes, including Concord (Calif.) De La Salle four-star linebacker Landon Miller and receiver Damari Dean.
Other notable attendees at the Berkeley game include Clovis (Calif.) Buchanan four-star quarterback Tommy Devany, who is the top prospect in the Central California 2028 class, and Graham (Wash.) Kapowsin four-star athlete Jayce Halasz. The group also features players from the Sacramento area, such as Folsom (Calif.) running back Osias Bolton, and Bakersfield (Calif.) Liberty edge Pierce Buckey, the top 2029 prospect in Central California.
Pierce Buckey is attending the game as a guest of the Cal Bears, despite two of his brothers playing for UCLA. Additionally, Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy Prep 2029 safety Mason Alexander will be on hand. Alexander is the son of Lorenzo Alexander, who currently serves as the assistant edges coach for Cal.
In Eugene, Oregon, the Ducks host Boise State in Autzen Stadium for a matchup described as the best Power 4 versus Group of Six game of the weekend. The Oregon program has secured a huge group of visitors, headlined by the state’s top three 2028 prospects. This group includes Lake Oswego (Ore.) tight end Presley DeLance, Portland (Ore.) Central Catholic defensive lineman PJ Tautu, and Eugene (Ore.) Willamette quarterback Zeke Thomas, who is a committed recruit to Boise State.
While the start of the high school football season has prevented many local recruits from attending the Friday night games at Stanford and USC, both schools opened their seasons at home on Saturday in front of several prospects. These early games provide a crucial platform for recruits to observe institutional fit and program culture before the recruiting cycle intensifies.
