Players in the 2026 class and younger will now be identified a bit differently compared to what you’re used to seeing.
“Prospects will no longer be designated as an outside linebacker (OLB), inside linebacker (ILB), strongside defensive end (SDE), weakside defensive end (WDE), center (OC), guard (OG), fullback (FB), pro-style quarterback (PQB), dual-threat quarterback (DQB) or kicker (K).
“Going forward, those players will be listed as defensive end (DE), edge defender (EDGE), interior offensive lineman (IOL), linebacker (LB), quarterback (QB), nickel (NICK), slot (SLOT) and specialist (SPEC).”
The full explanation behind the change from Rivals rankings director Adam Friedman:
ucla.rivals.com
“Prospects will no longer be designated as an outside linebacker (OLB), inside linebacker (ILB), strongside defensive end (SDE), weakside defensive end (WDE), center (OC), guard (OG), fullback (FB), pro-style quarterback (PQB), dual-threat quarterback (DQB) or kicker (K).
“Going forward, those players will be listed as defensive end (DE), edge defender (EDGE), interior offensive lineman (IOL), linebacker (LB), quarterback (QB), nickel (NICK), slot (SLOT) and specialist (SPEC).”
The full explanation behind the change from Rivals rankings director Adam Friedman:
Rivals modernizes rankings to fit current scouting landscape
Tennessee commit Tyreek King will be classified under a new position in the next update to the 2026 Rivals250.
