The University of Utah has secured a significant boost in its 2026 recruiting class with the elevation of offensive tackle Kelvin Obot to a five-star recruit by Rivals. This announcement, made on Monday, also saw Obot rise two spots to become the No. 7 overall prospect in the 2026 class according to the same recruiting service.
Obot, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches and weighs approximately 300 pounds, hails from Fruitland, Idaho, where he plays under the guidance of former Utah standout Jordan Gross. He committed to the University of Utah on July 1 and was initially rated a four-star prospect by all major recruiting services, including a four-star designation in the composite rankings by 247 Sports, which aggregates ratings from 247 Sports, On3, Rivals, and ESPN.
Rivals Ratings and Impact
In the updated Rivals 300 rankings, Obot joins an elite group of only 12 five-star recruits. Rivals commended his performance, stating, “We’ve loved the Idaho native’s junior film since last October. Obot shows outstanding functional athleticism and is a dominant player against weaker competition.” The scouting report highlights his verified measurements, which indicate he exceeds 6 feet 5.5 inches and maintains a robust build. Rivals assigned him a rating of 98, the highest for any recruit currently committed to a Big 12 program.
The analysis by Rivals emphasizes Obot’s promising potential, noting his “great film, stellar movement skills, projectable frame, and multi-sport background” as key factors contributing to his high ranking. Notably, he achieved an impressive 53-1 foot shot put throw this spring, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Reactions to Obot’s Commitment
Following his commitment, CBS Sports recognized Obot as Idaho’s top recruit for 2026, describing him as a potential “game-changer.” Analyst Andrew Ivins remarked on the significance of developing talent in-house rather than relying on the transfer portal for offensive tackles, highlighting Utah’s commitment to nurturing its recruits.
The elevation to a five-star status not only enhances Obot’s profile but also solidifies Utah’s position in the competitive landscape of college football recruiting. As the program prepares for the upcoming seasons, the addition of a player with Obot’s caliber is expected to have a lasting impact on the team’s performance and future recruitment efforts.
With his new ranking, Obot has drawn attention from various programs, but his commitment to Utah remains firm as he looks to contribute to the team in the coming years. The University of Utah continues to build a strong foundation for its football program, with recruits like Obot at the forefront of its strategy.
