College football's top teams showcase homegrown talent in 2026

A recent study highlights college football programs with high percentages of in-state players for 2026. San Jose State leads with 76.7% of its roster comprised of local talent, followed by UTSA at 75% and TCU at 72.6%. The trend underscores the significance of recruiting within state borders, especially in talent-rich areas, where familiarity with local prospects can enhance team cohesion and success. Georgia stands out in the SEC with 85.3% of its players recruited directly from high school, indicating a focus on local talent development. The average across FBS programs is 32.2% homegrown players, reflecting ongoing reliance on in-state recruitment despite the influence of the transfer portal.

• 1:35 PMCBS Sports — College football's most homegrown teams: Programs with highest number of in-state players in 2026